Trials

Disclaimer: I know next to nothing about the court system outside what I have seen on TV. I apologize in advance if I get something wrong.

The courthouse towered above the heads of the passersby, most with umbrellas aloft to guard against the rain. One or two might have the inclination to turn towards the courthouse, where a few brave newspaper boys stood. They were scruffy lads, with dirty caps that barely kept their hair in. One shouted, "Traitor of Scotland Yard, going to the rope!" His small voice carried beyond the steps towards the black mass of people before him.

A few businessmen went to the lad and paid him a pretty pound for the shocking news. A cab pulled up to the curb and two gentlemen got out. One was very slim and was dressed very stylish in a black suit with a matching black cravat. The other was tall but had a bit of heaviness about him. He let the door open and slowly helped a lady out of the cab. The thin man held her arm and let her lean on him for support. The lady was dressed simply but had a very fine hat that made many turn their heads. The group slowly ascended the steps; one newsboy could here the larger man's whisper. "I don't know why they had to call on Claire to testify. She is still recovering, and shouldn't be out in this weather." He hissed as they entered the institution of justice.

Claire let John remove her coat since her shoulder was still recovering from being shot. As glad as she was that Alexander was getting justice, she was afraid that he might influence the system and be let free. Lestrade's case rested upon the evidence recovered and her personal testimony for the jury. Holmes and Watson both thought this was a bad idea, because this would be public knowledge and someone could easily sneak in and harm Claire. The small group entered the courtroom; it was filled to the brim with spectators. As they slowly made their way to their seats, Claire felt dozens of eyes upon her. She swallowed hard as her grip on Holmes's arm tightened. Holmes looked deeply into her frightened eyes, "You will be alright, Miss. Watson, you have my word." The detective felt the weight of her fear, but it had to be done. Claire sat down gingerly, since her shoulder was in so much pain.

The judge entered the courtroom, his wig powered perfectly. Everyone stood before he bade them to sit down. Alexander was brought out from the waiting room; his tawny hair once lush was now greasy and matted. There was still a spark of defiance in his eyes as he sat down next to his lawyer. Lestrade was the first to take the stand, where he told the court and the jury the facts of the case. How Alexander had been seen earlier that night in the company of the victim, and his gun was found near the alley. It seemed like hours before Alexander's lawyer, Mr. Nigel Stover called Claire up to the stand. She did not hear him at first, Claire was bent on keeping the pain at bay. Her left arm was in a sling, but the bullet had broken her clavicle and it was going to take at least six months for it to heal completely. Holmes helped her up, which she thanked with another smile. The young lady took her time to get to the stand, Claire didn't even look at Alexander who was glaring at her.

Nigel straightened his tie before he spoke, "Miss. Watson, could you please state what your occupation is for the court?" Mr. Stover approached her carefully, he didn't want to attack her just yet.

Claire looked into his green eyes briefly, "I am a secretary for Mr. Sherlock Holmes." Claire was already tired of being stared at, and wanted to go back to the hospital where the morphine waited.

Mr. Stover nodded, "And, how long have you known Mr. Knight?" His tone stayed pleasant.

Claire bit her lip and thought for a long moment, "I have known Mr. Knight for six years. But, I had not spoken or seen him in three years." Her shoulder began to pound, and her teeth pulled at her lip harder.

Mr. Stover wrote something down before he continued, "What was the nature of your relationship with Mr. Knight, Miss. Watson?" His eyes narrowed, in hope that she would admit to something scandalous.

Claire locked eyes with him, "He was my partner in Scotland Yard for a case, he was like an older brother to me. Strictly professional at all times." Her words were forced now, the pain was blinding her to everything around her. Claire's eyes began to well up with tears, the morphine from the morning was wearing off and the pounding was unceasing.

The lawyer took no notice of this and carried on his questioning, "Tell us Miss. Watson, if you two were so close, why did you leave him in the middle of the case?" Nigel neared the woman to see that she was glaring a hole through him.

Claire gritted her teeth, "Because, Mr. Stover, he threatened to kill me for exposing his treachery. If I had stayed, I would have died, I decided to run while I could...Now, please finish this questioning." Her tears had begun to fall onto her cheek as the pain blossomed forth. Claire wanted to scream in agony, but she didn't want to give Alexander the satisfaction.

Nigel straightened his tie again, "And you have evidence for this act by my client?" He went back to his table, to overlook the evidence.

Claire nodded, "Yes...There were...coded letters...you should have copies." Her voice was cutting out do the sheer energy it took to talk instead of weep.

Nigel found them and their translations, the woman had got the proof alright. He looked up at Claire, well aware of how much pain she was in. "Yes, I see thank you, Miss. Watson. What about this recent incident between you two? How did that come about?" He was beginning to reel her emotions into this trial.

Claire brushed her tears away with her right hand, "I met Alexander to end this feud between us. We argued and fought, he ended up shooting me...this murder was only to get me out of hiding." Her voice began to crack and John stood to go calm her but Holmes prevented him. The detective found her eyes locked onto his, begging for a release from the pain and the attention she was getting.

The crowd gasped to know that the murder was done so vilely, with no better purpose than to lure Claire out. The judge's stern looked soon quieted them down and Mr. Stover continued. "One last question, why should the court take your testimony seriously? Because, I have here from Dr. John Watson that you suffer from paranoia."

This was meant to break Claire's control and have her swear at him, instead Claire only glared more. "I may suffer from paranoia but, as Dr. Watson can attest to my stable demeanor before the encounter occurred. As for the aftereffects, I think an exception can be seen for I am still recovering from being shot." Claire felt her strength wane but she remain upright as Holmes took her back outside.

Holmes could see the tired look in her eyes, and the beaded sweat upon her brow. "You were very brave to testify, Miss. Watson. I am proud of you." His green eyes met with hers as they walked.

John Watson stayed in the courtroom, he wanted to see the conviction of Alexander Knight. He knew Claire would if she was better, but one Watson was enough. Claire climbed into the cab with Holmes and braced herself for an unsettling ride back to the hospital. She looked back through the rain at the building, and hoped that justice would be done.

As Holmes watched Claire be administered the morphine, he couldn't help but worry that the relief she found in the drug would become addicting. His mind wanted to rebel against the warmth of her presence, wanting the cold comfort of solitude. Holmes's heart pushed that drive away as Claire's eyelids fluttered before closing. He stayed, despite the urge to dive into the opportunity that lay before him. With Alexander gone from the gang, the professor would want some form of revenge. But, the organization was now vulnerable due to the immense amount of information Claire had on them. They could try to kill her and he wasn't going to let them have that chance. It wasn't about saving the country from Moriarty anymore, he wanted to save her from ever having to watch her back for assassins.

But, that plan had to be postponed, striking now would only make the situation worse. Holmes knew that Claire would have to leave London for a while to escape the retribution, and he knew that she would ask him to join her. And he knew he couldn't say yes, as much as he wanted to, his place was between her and Moriarty. Watson would be with her and it wouldn't be a long holiday, just enough time to avoid a massacre. The detective brushed back her hair with his thin hand, in spite of his own logic he was falling for her. He smiled and began to spin the plans he would need.

Watson marched out of the courthouse, the sunset washing over the marble steps in orange and purple. The doctor shouted for a cab and could barely contain his emotions as he rode to the hospital. The wooden floor flew beneath his feet as he ran into the room where Claire laid with Holmes holding her hand. His friend looked up at him, his hazel eyes heavy with concern and a glimmer of hope. He did not have to ask the question of the Doctor, who spoke at once. "The court convicted him of treason as well as a count of kidnapping. He is going to swing Holmes! I knew that he wouldn't get away with it!" Watson lost all scruples as he hugged his thin friend.

Holmes patted his friend's back, surprised by this embrace. They quickly separated and looked over the sleeping form of Claire. Sherlock had much to do and he left Claire under the guise of Watson, she would understand that he couldn't be at her side at all times. Watson brushed his cousin's hair back, "I hope you heard that Claire, Alexander is gone, you will be at peace at last." The doctor unfurled his paper as he sat. He was worried about the possibility that Claire would become addicted to the morphine, but she like him was strong and hard-headed. Watson let himself hope for the future instead of worrying about the trials that lay before them.

AN: I re-did this chapter as well as Partner's so,please re-read them if you get the chance. I should be uploading my new chapter soon, sorry for the wait!