Chapter 26 - The Case Begins
"Are you ready for this?" Brian asked.
"Yes", Barbara said. "The sooner we get this over with, the better. I just want to be free, away from James Woods."
He smiled as he hugged her.
"We'll try our best."
She smiled back as she returned the hug.
"I trust you."
They held hands as they walked into the courtroom. They took their seats on the defense side and saw James Woods and on the offense side. His arm was wrapped in a cast and hanging in a sling exaggerating how bad he was bit.
"You're going down, you worthless mutt", James said.
"Hey, you can forget it", Brian said. "Barbara's going to be walking free. She's done nothing wrong."
"Tell that to the jury", he said. "Who are they going to believe? Two dogs or the rich and famous James Woods, the state hero?"
"Money can't save you from everything", Barbara said.
"We'll see about that."
"All rise", the bailiff said.
Everyone in the courtroom stood as the judge entered and took a seat.
"Court is now in session", he said banging the gravel.
Barbara looked around the room to see who was there. The Griffins sat behind them the rest of the room was filled with people from the town. Everyone they knew was there…all except for Stewie.
"Brian, where's Stewie?" Barbara asked. "You said he'd help."
"I don't know", Brian whispered.
"Case: James Woods VS Barbara the dog", the judge read the paperwork in front of him.
James Woods' lawyer stood to make his opening statement.
"Your Honor, ladies and gentlemen of the jury", he stated. "You are all familiar with James Woods. American actor from the state of Rhode Island. Your own high school's named James Woods High for god's sake! I look at you people and ask, is this the way you want your town heroes to be treated?"
He pointed to James' arm in the cast making the jury gasp. Brian wrapped his arm around Barbara trying to tell her not to show fear. Any fear can make the jury think she was guilty.
"Mr. Griffin", the judge said turning to Brian. "Do you have anything to say?"
"Your Honor, I know everyone in this town admires James Woods", Brian said.
"No, we don't!" Peter yelled from the audience.
"James Woods is blowing this whole thing out of proportion", he continued. "Barbara only acted in self-defense. James Woods is the real culprit here."
The jury began booing at Brian's statement.
"Wish I had enough money to hire a decent lawyer", he mumbled as he sat back down. "I could've hired Denny Crane or Thomas Mesereau. Those guys can defend anyone."
"We'll figure something out", Barbara said. "Won't we?"
"I hope so."