Authors Note: well, I hoped you liked it! I wish there'd be an episode like this…anywho I've had fun writing it. I HOPE I HAVE FINISHED IT THE RIGHT WAY! Hope to write more in the future!
So there she sat, arm in a sling, swollen body parts, stiches in her head, she felt like a pin cushion. Also an emotional wreck on account of having to relive the events. She was glad she wouldn't have to go on the stand anymore, and she'd just watch the rest of the trial unfold.
Testimonies from Internal Affairs, supporting the fact that the shooting was in fact self defense (it was the first time she felt like IA was in fact on her side). Testimonies from Horatio and Eric, supporting her statement of how they had come in just moments after the shooting, the world seemed to be on her side. And yet in the pit of her heart she carried a dead weight feeling of dread. To her it wasn't about the verdict… she had killed someone, taken their own life, and she knew it would haunt her forever. Even though the man had been trying to kill her.
Over the next few days, her team comforted her assuring her the jury would be on her side. She went to her scheduled appointments with her therapist, some visits were unscheduled and she just ended up going to see him to vent. She had done a whole lot of crying that week, and she was ready to put everything behind her.
Then the day came when the two lawyers made their closing statements and the jury was told to reach their verdict. It took them more than 4 hours before they all filed back into the court room.
"Jury have you reached a verdict?" asked the judge.
"We have your honor." responded the foreman.
"On the count of murder, how do you find?"
"We find the defendant, Calleigh Duquesne, not guilty."
"The city of Miami thanks the jury for their service. Ms. Duquesne you are free to go. We are adjourned." The gaval made a crack through the room. There was shuffling as people stood up and started to leave. Calleigh shook hands with her lawyer and breathed a sigh of relief, she didn't leave her chair.
The only people left in the courtroom now were Calleigh, Natalia, Ryan, Walter, Eric, and Horatio. Horatio stood by the entrance, as the rest of the team made their way over to Calleigh.
"Hey Cal," said Natalia.
"Congrats on your verdict." Ryan added.
"You make it sound like they might've said guilty." Walter said.
"Naw Calleigh… we knew they'd give you not guilty."
She smiled "Oh really Ryan?" They all laughed and Horatio smiled. Walter helped Calleigh stand up, and they walked with her as she limped to the door.
"Drinks on me." Ryan said.
Calleigh stopped at the door, "I'll be right there." The team filed out and she was with Horatio, "Lieutenant."
"It's Horatio Ms. Duquesne."
"Calleigh then." she said. They laughed at their playful banter. Horatio wrapped his arm around her shoulder, and she leaned on him as he helped her out of the courtroom.
"Thank-you Horatio…" she started
"No need to thank me Calleigh, we wouldn't be the same without you…"
"I'm sure you'd all be fine."
"I'd beg to differ ma'am. I'd beg to differ."
They made their way out of the building, and the team gave her comforting smiles.