The trial began. The presiding Judge was Judge Joan Brown. Carlisle had met Judge Joan a few times. He had dealt with other abuse cases and the Judge would come to consult with Carlisle on what the injuries were. He knew the Judge would be fair, but Carlisle was worried about Elizabeth. She had said yes to going onto the stand but was still hesitant. The social worker, Marie, was at the front with the lawyer. Elizabeth fidgeted in her seat and Carlisle put his arm around her again. Carlisle wanted her to know that he was there to support her. Then they heard "Everyone rise for the Honorable Judge Brown." As they stood, Carlisle kept his arm around Elizabeth. He could feel her shaking from her fear. Judge Brown then said, "You may sit." As they sat, Carlisle noticed that Elizabeth seemed to be staring at the same spot. He followed her gaze to the man sitting as the defendant, her father. Her father's hair was long and scraggly. The man turned towards Carlisle and Elizabeth. Carlisle could see many physical similarities between Elizabeth and the man that was now looking at him. They both had chocolate brown hair and blue eyes. Elizabeth's father had a dark look in his eyes as he gave Carlisle a sly, evil smile. Carlisle looked over at Elizabeth to see what her reaction was and saw that her fear had crept into her eyes. Elizabeth's father had turned back to the front to listen to what the Judge was saying by the time Carlisle looked back. Carlisle also noticed the suit that Elizabeth's father was wearing was tattered and past well worn. Carlisle knew that the man could easily afford a new one with his salary.
Judge Brown was stating the charges Mr. Lincoln was facing; child abuse and child neglect. "Do you understand these charges, Mr. Lincoln?" Mr. Lincoln replied, "Yes." The case continued, each lawyer bringing forward a witness and questioning each person extensively. They brought forward multiple doctors and Marie. A few hours later, Judge Brown said, "We are taking a short recess. Court will rejoin at 1:00 PM."
Everyone stood and left for lunch. Carlisle and Elizabeth walked down the street to a small sub sandwich shop. Carlisle bought both of them a soda and a sandwich. Carlisle took a few small bites of his sandwich. When Elizabeth asked why he wasn't eating he said he wasn't very hungry and was saving it for later. Carlisle did his best to get Elizabeth to talk but she gave him one word answers. When Elizabeth finished her sandwich, Carlisle stood up and said, "Are you ready to go?" Elizabeth nodded silently. As they walked back to the court house, Carlisle asked, "How are you holding up?" Elizabeth said, "I'm doing just fine." Carlisle smiled, knowing that something was wrong. She wasn't fine. Elizabeth often lied about how she was doing. She didn't want anyone in the family to worry about her, but they all did anyways. Carlisle gave into the fact that Elizabeth wouldn't speak, at least not until they were home, so they walked in silence. Carlisle did something he hadn't done in centuries, he said a silent prayer. He prayed that Elizabeth would find peace in her life. Carlisle realized just how much he had come to love the girl he had saved in the emergency room those many months ago. He wondered how anyone could hurt their child so much that they wanted death. Carlisle wondered how anyone could hurt their child unnecessarily at all. He had often wondered this over the few months that Elizabeth had been living with him and his family. Esme had said that was the difference between Elizabeth's father and Carlisle. Elizabeth's father could only think about alcohol. The slightest thing could anger him and he often took his anger out on Elizabeth. Not even in Carlisle's wildest dreams would he do such a thing. They entered the court house and sat in a middle row.
A man entered and said "Everyone please rise for the Honroable Judge Brown." Everyone rose as Judge Brown entered. Judge Brown quickly looked around the room, as if she was trying to figure out what they were thinking before saying, "You may sit." Everyone sat and Carlisle sat, reminding himself to act human. Fidget occasionally, he thought to himself, blink. The trial continued, with more doctors saying how Elizabeth's injuries clearly showed signs of child abuse. The Police Officer who found her stated what happened that night. Carlisle knew that in the next few days, he and Elizabeth would have to take the stand. Carlisle knew they would ask Elizabeth to talk about what happened while she lived with her father. The lawyers would ask her what happened to her mother. They would ask Elizabeth why she took the pills that night. Carlisle also knew that they would ask him why he agreed to have her as a foster child when all he really needed to do was treat her injuries. They would ask him why he spent so much extra time caring for her in the hospital. The lawyers would question his motives. It was something Carlisle was not looking forward too.
