Chapter 36—Testimony
It was late Wednesday night, and I couldn't sleep. I didn't want to testify, but I had little choice. Lauren had to pay for what she'd done. If what I could tell the jury put her away, then I was willing to help. Contradiction, I know. I was just scared beyond belief.
Edward had done his best to keep my mind off the trial, but now that it was less than twelve hours away, there wasn't much he could do.
"Relax and come back to bed," he said.
"Why? I can't sleep." I started pacing.
I heard the bed squeak and a heavy sigh. Edward strode toward me, capturing me in his arms when I tried to step around him. "You need to sleep."
"I'm too tense."
He looked over his shoulder toward the clock—eleven-thirty. "I'm calling Carlisle," he said, releasing me and moving toward the bedside table.
"Don't … please don't." I had turned down the sleeping pill that Carlisle had offered me earlier.
"No, Bella. You need your sleep." He leaned over slightly and picked up his cell before turning to face me again.
The glare he gave me could have frozen and melted ice at the same time. It was a little cold and a lot of caring with a bunch of tiredness mixed in. I knew if I didn't sleep, he wouldn't either. "Fine, call," I said defeated, resuming my restless pacing.
It wasn't long before Edward was talking with Carlisle. "Bella needs something to help relax her," he said. "Okay." He moved toward the bathroom. "Found it. How many?"
Found what?
"Thanks. See you in the morning," he said, coming back out with a small bottle in his hand.
He opened it, shaking one pill into my extended hand as he explained the bottle's existence, "Carlisle left them here in case you changed your mind."
That made sense. There was no reason for Carlisle to come just to give me one small pill.
Once I swallowed it with a little water, I settled into bed next to Edward. He wrapped his arm around me and started humming the song he should have been working on for the showcase.
~~ L.B. ~~
Something or someone was disturbing my sleep. I swiped a hand out trying to stop whatever or whoever it was.
"It's not going to be that easy, Bella," Edward whispered in my ear.
I cracked an eye open. "Go away," I said, rolling over. "Let me sleep."
He chuckled softly. "I wish I could let you sleep. You look adorable when you're out. Unfortunately, it's time for you to get up. Christopher and Bev will be here in an hour."
Groaning, I rolled onto my back and stared at the ceiling. Why me?
~~ L.B. ~~
"All right," Bev said as we walked into the small, dungeon-like room I would be testifying from. "This is it."
"Dreary," I commented, taking in the windowless, gray room. There was a dark, wood table with a few padded chairs, a few paper cups and silver pitcher that had condensation on it, and a large television screen with camera.
"That it is," Carlisle said, entering with a small black bag. He had given me a quick examination before we had left the motel, and I had a feeling Bev wouldn't leave until he did so again.
I waited, holding out my arm.
"Why don't you take a seat," Carlisle suggested, setting his bag on the table and removing a blood pressure cuff and his stethoscope. "Relax."
Bev gave me a slight smile. "The judge won't let me call you to the virtual stand without Dr. Cullen's approval."
I nodded. It wasn't like I hadn't thought that a moment ago anyway.
"Her pressure is a little high, but she can testify," Carlisle said, removing the cuff.
"I'll let the judge know." Bev walked out of the room, and a gray haired woman came in.
The older lady had a navy uniform on with a badge pinned on the left side. "Ms. Swan, Dr. Cullen," she said in greeting. "I'm Bailiff Helen Cope."
"Pleasure," Carlisle remarked, extending his hand. "So, what exactly is your job?"
"Basically, swear Ms. Swan in when she is called to speak and keep others from entering this room, so as it is."
"What's the procedure for evacuation?" he next asked.
I couldn't figure out why he was asking. Why would we need to evacuate the building?
"In case of a fire, we'll exit the room, and turn left, heading pass the security checkpoint you entered through. Once out the doors, cross Fourth Street. Try to stay close to me and I'll lead you to the rally point."
Okay, where is my mind? I thought as I laid my head on the table, wanting to pound my head against it.
"Active shooter?" he questioned.
I snapped head up, looking at Carlisle's profile. "W-why are you asking that?" I asked fear evident in my voice. That was what sort of brought me here.
"It's a good question," Helen replied, turning her attention to me. "Take a deep breath, honey."
I did as she suggested and let it out slowly.
"You're safe in this room. The door is steel and has a lock. In the unlikely event that someone gets through with a gun, I'll lock the door."
I was still waiting for Carlisle to answer my question. "Carlisle?"
Much like Edward, he ran a hand through his hair, and I silently wondered if Edward had picked it up from him or his own father. I made a mental note to ask.
"I'm concerned about all our safety. And it's good to know what to do or where to go when in an unfamiliar location."
That actually made sense. Edward had stood behind our room's door, reading the placard posted there hours after everyone had left the first night in the motel. I never thought to review the escape plan outlined there. It was good I had people around me who thought of safety stuff. Another mental note was made for me to read the sign when we returned tonight.
We sat in near silence— there was a cough or the occasional creaking chair—for the next forty-five minutes. A buzz filled the room, and I raised my head, looking first at Carlisle and then Helen. She had pulled a pager off her hip and was reading the message. "Okay, Ms. Swan, the state has just called you."
I gulped, turning to the television screen. It blared to life a few seconds later and a red light came on the camera too. Four different feed images split the screen. Bev and Christopher were sitting at a table in the upper right corner, and I could just make out Edward, Esme, and Mom behind them. In the upper left corner were Lauren and her attorney. The judge was below the feed with Lauren in it. In the final square was the jury.
"If you would stand, Ms. Swan," Helen said. She had a black Bible in her hands. After I place my hand on the book, she recited the same affirmation statement I had sworn to during the grand jury proceeding.
When I was seated again, Bev addressed me. "How are you doing, Ms. Swan?"
This question struck me as odd. "Fine," I answered.
"You let us know if you need a break," she said in reminder.
"I will."
She stood and picked up yellow notepad, the camera on the other end followed her actions, causing me to lose sight of Edward.
"What is your relationship with the defendant?"
Relationship? What relationship? I wanted to scoff, but avoided doing so. "She and I were students at Western Washington University. We had a couple courses together, but outside of class, we didn't socialize," I replied.
"You said 'were' students, Ms. Swan. Why?"
I took a deep breath. Bev and Christopher had coached me on how to answer. "There was an incident in November of last year involving Ms. Mallory and myself."
"Can you elaborate on what happened?"
"I was in the student union, waiting for my roommate and her brother to join me for lunch. I was sitting quietly at a table alone when Ms. Mallory approached me. She asked me if I was prepared for the test we had in American Literature. Before I could answer, she went on ask if I was sleeping with the professor. I responded that I was not," I responded, offering no more like instructed.
"Did Ms. Mallory leave then?"
"No." Again, I offered no more.
"Did she do or say anything?"
"Yes. She called me an 'academic whore', and if it had not been for my roommate's brother stepping in, she would have slapped me."
"Your honor, the state would like to enter into evidence the report that Ms. Swan filed against the defendant after that altercation," Bev said, turning her back to the camera and walking back to the table to the accept the folder Christopher held out to her. The bailiff retrieved it from her and handed it to the judge to examine as she continued. "Included with the incident report is a document outlining the actions taken by the University. Ms. Mallory was suspended pending the outcome of formal hearing, in which she was expelled."
The defense attorney looked bored, but he didn't object to what Bev had just entered into evidence. Smart guy.
Bev turned back to me. She went on to ask me about the disciplinary hearing, how Lauren reacted to the restraining order, and if I had seen Lauren after all was said and done.
"Ms. Swan," Bev said, stepping to the side of the table Christopher sat at and I saw Edward.
I believe Bev did this to comfort me, and I knew where her line of questioning was headed.
"Are you still okay? Do you need a little break?" she asked.
The judge's brow furrowed, but he said nothing. Not sure what that meant. Was he concerned about my welfare? It was possible. He could have denied this video conference arrangement.
"I'm fine," I answered.
"Are you sure?" the judge asked.
"Yes, your honor."
"Proceed, Mrs. Pack."
"On February 15 of this year, can you tell us what you did?"
I closed my eyes, momentarily. "I spent the morning at home. It was mid-afternoon when I ventured out to Starbucks to meet a friend," I answered, opening my eyes. I was glad that Alice wasn't here, though she knew and luckily hadn't asked why Rosalie and I were there briefly.
"Which Starbucks?"
"Sehome Village."
"How long were you there?"
"Not long. I got out of my car and into my friend's."
"Can I ask why?"
I sighed and looked at Carlisle a moment. "She informed me that Lauren was inside."
The questioning went on to where I was when I learned about the shooting to my reaction after I learned the identity of the shooter.
"One last question, Ms. Swan. Why do you believe the defendant targeted you?"
Once again I closed my eyes. That was a loaded question, but one I really didn't have an answer for. "Honestly, I don't know. If I had to guess, I would say she's jealous of my accomplishments."
"Thank you. I have no further questions, your honor."
"Court is in recess until one-thirty. When we resume, the defense will have the opportunity to question Ms. Swan." The judge banged his gavel and the screen in front of me went dark.
My attention went to Helen. I wasn't sure if I was allowed to leave.
"Lunch will be brought to you and Dr. Cullen," she answered.
An hour and a half later, the screen flickered back to life. The judge addressed me, reminding me that I was still under oath. Mr. Lemmon stood. My eyes were drawn to him and to Lauren who sat next to him; she looked bored.
"Ms. Swan," Mr. Lemmon started, "You mentioned my client called you a derogatory name. What was it again?"
"Academic whore," I answered, clenching my hands into fists.
"Any idea why Ms. Mallory would call you such a name?"
"She believed that I was sleeping with one or more of my professors," I answered through gritted teeth.
"Did you provoke her?"
No, but you're provoking me, I thought, not answering.
"Ms. Swan, answer the question," the judge instructed.
"No," I said with a shake of my head.
I heard a scraping sound and soon Carlisle was standing next to the television with an eyebrow raised as if inquiring if I needed him.
Mr. Lemmon went on, "Did you say anything to her on that occasion?"
"Only to deny the accusations," I answered in a breathy voice. Taking a deep breath, I let it out slowly.
"Let's move to the disciplinary hearing. Did you say anything to her that day?"
My hands gripped the edges on the chair. "No." I held back my question. What does that have to do with anything?
"Did you ask your friend to speak with her?"
"No."
"In your opinion, why would your friend confront Ms. Mallory?"
I barely heard the question. There was a low ringing in my ears, the kind of ringing you get from listening to loud music for an extend period of time.
"Your honor," Bev shouted in alarm.
Everything was fuzzy. "Dr. Cullen," someone called.
~~ L.B. ~~
I was cradled against someone's chest. The heartbeat under my cheek was rapid. "She can't continue, not after this," I felt a rumbling voice say.
I was too out of it to distinguish whose voice it was, but I knew who held me so close. Edward. If it wasn't for the tingling left in wake of a hand rubbing my arm, I wouldn't have known it was him.
Instead of a stale air, I was met with crisp, clean air that made me shiver as I took a deep breath. Edward's arms tightened around me, bringing me closer to his warmth.
"Bev, Christopher, and Carlisle are speaking with the judge now," Mom said. "We can only hope that the judge will understand."
A door opened. "Carlisle?" Esme asked.
A heavy sigh sounded before he spoke. "The judge was willing to release Bella from answering more questions, but the defense attorney is not budging. He wants to finish his line of questioning."
I stiffened and an erratic beeping started. That confused me.
"It's okay, Bella," Edward whispered.
My eyes blinked opened, and I found Edward's concerned greens looking down at me.
There was a tightening around my right upper arm.
"Carlisle's checking your pressure," he whispered. "Try not to move."
"Much better," Carlisle said. I heard the ripping of the Velcro as he removed the cuff. "Edward, I need to listen to her lungs."
Edward shifted me on his lap.
"Breathe normally, Bella," Carlisle instructed.
As he listened, a knock sounded at the door and then I could hear a whispered conversation."The judge would like to speak with Ms. Swan, if she's able," Helen said.
"Bella?" Edward said quietly.
"Stay with me," I muttered.
"She wants me to stay with her. Can I?" Edward asked.
"That won't be a problem. If the rest of you would wait in the hall," Helen said, opening the door.
My mom gave me a leery, worried look. I nodded, and she exited the room behind Esme. It was a moment later when the judge came in. He had taken off his black robe and was now in a crisp gray shirt that was open at the collar and blue jeans.
"Bella," he greeted with a warm smile. "And this is?"
"Edward Cullen," Edward answered, extending his hand.
"Pleasure. I'm Andrew Louis. I know it is a bit unorthodox, but I wanted to ask Bella a couple of questions. Is that alright with you?" The judge was looking right at me.
"I guess," I answered.
"Are you okay now?"
"A little shaky but fine."
"That's to be expected. Why didn't you say anything?"
"Dr. Cullen was keeping an eye on me, and I thought I had a handle on things."
"Is that right?" Andrew said with a raised eyebrow.
I looked away embarrassed. It was clear that I didn't.
"Do you think you can continue in the morning?"
The thought of taking the stand again had my stomach rolling.
"I don't think she should," Edward answered.
"It's not for us to decide. Bella?"
"I can't answer that right now, if I were …" I trailed off.
"Fair enough," Andrew said. "You let me know, through your lawyer, if you don't want to. I won't hold it against you."
"What about the defense?" I asked.
Andrew gave me another warm smile. "I have the final word. He'll just have to deal with it." He stood, moving toward the door. "You two have a wonderful evening and, Bella, don't worry about anything. Try to rest."
I smiled as he left the room, closing the door behind him.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Edward asked.
"No, I'm not. I want to disappear." His face fell. "But …" His eyebrow rose. "I don't think I could for long. You would eventually find me."
The grin that split his face took my breath away.
A/N: Big thanks to shelikesthesound for helping me edit this chapter. Hope you enjoyed.