It was a gray, rainy day. The trial was about to begin, and Cathleen felt sick to her stomach. She didn't want to face anyone, not the man she had hurt, not Ms. Grunion, not the jury, and definitely not Mr. Peabody. She had barely spoken a word to anyone for the past week, quickly building up stone walls around her and showing little emotion. This was going to be the end of life as she knew it. Of that, Cat was certain.
Before going into the courthouse, Mr. Peabody offered Cat his umbrella. Cat wore a jacket with a hood and did her best to stay dry. She politely and quietly refused to take the canine's umbrella, stating that she couldn't risk him becoming ill on account of her. "Besides, you've suffered enough already because of me."
At this, Mr. Peabody frowned and stood on the steps of the courthouse in front of her. "I have done nothing of the sort."
Cat just looked down and went into the courthouse, and Mr. Peabody sighed and followed.
The two met with Mr. Retterman to discuss some last minute details before going with him into the courtroom, where almost everyone involved in the trial was sitting and waiting.
When Cat took her seat, she noticed the door opening. A middle-aged woman with short brown hair wearing a pink shirt and skirt walked in. That was Edwina Grunion, the owner of all the Brian's restaurants. Ms. Grunion briefly caught Cat's eyes. Cat suddenly got a sickening feeling in the pit of her stomach, but she wasn't quite sure why. Maybe it was because this woman was using her to try to get more money. Even if Cat won the case, Ms. Grunion would still benefit from the publicity. Cat just hoped this would be over quickly. She could see Ms. Grunion smirk, slightly, which only made Cat more uneasy.
At that moment, Mr. Peabody and Mr. Retterman sat by Cat, who avoided eye contact with them both. Mr. Retterman said, "This is it. Take a deep breath."
Cat looked straight ahead, forcing herself to breathe, deeply. Mr. Peabody watched her, concerned. He gently placed his paw on her arm. The gesture startled the young woman and made her look at the canine, whose expression was gentle. "Everything is going to be alright. This will all be over very soon, and then, we can get back to the way things were."
Cathleen just nodded, though the two of them knew that the last part was impossible. There was no way that things could be the same as they were before Mr. Peabody found out her secret. However, she couldn't focus on that, now. The judge entered the courtroom, and the trial began.
Cat tried to keep her emotions under control. She listened as the man she had hurt told his side of the story, forcing all those involved to relive that day. Cat didn't deny what she had done and answered whatever questions she was asked, honestly. Then, Ms. Grunion was asked some questions. Cat had no reaction until the other woman spoke about her. "Well, your honor, I was just in shock when I heard what happened. Brian's is known for our friendly and welcoming staff, and the way Ms. Young had acted was brutal and uncalled for. The manager had no choice but to fire her, and I supported his decision."
Cat's eyes darted to the table. Brutal...Violent...Ms. Grunion definitely was portraying her as a bad person. She looked up at the judge when she was asked to give her testimony, and she recalled what happened as best as she could remember. In her opinion, it was pretty accurate since the day had replayed in her head over and over, especially since she had first learned she was being taken to court.
Once Cat was finished, she sat back down. Her hands were under the table, and she felt something soft squeeze her right hand. She looked over at Mr. Peabody, who was holding her hand in his paw to reassure her. He let go once he was asked to give his own testimony. After that, Mr. Retterman brought something up. "Your honor, I must mention Mr. Peabody's point that he did already pay the plaintiff for the damages he may have suffered from Ms. Young. The plaintiff accepted the money and did not go to the hospital after this, meaning that this all should have been settled that moment. Instead, the plaintiff was possibly influenced to sue Ms. Young, despite the fact that she has no assets."
"That's absurd! Are you suggesting I told him to go through with this trial?" Ms. Grunion asked, offended.
The judge banged her gavel and ordered everyone to settle down. She dismissed everyone for a recess, and the courtroom emptied.
Mr. Peabody, Mr. Retterman, and Cathleen sat down in a smaller room. The canine asked to speak to Cat alone for a few moments. When the lawyer left, Mr. Peabody said, softly, "Cathleen, there's nothing to worry about."
"I don't want to talk about it; I just want it over with."
"I know. Just hold on a little longer."
A tear rolled down her cheek. "No matter what happens, I'm doomed. Don't you understand that?"
"You are not doomed. We're going to get through this trial, and-"
"It's not just about the trial, and you know it. I'm quitting my job after this because you can't have a brutal monster working for you."
"A monster?" Mr. Peabody looked hurt. "Cathleen, don't let her get under your skin; she's ruthless and is trying to break you. As Thomas and I have said, all she wants is money and isn't doing this out of any opinion of you."
Cat didn't respond to this and just opened the door, letting Mr. Retterman back in, where he did most of the talking until they were summoned back to the courtroom.
The remainder of the trial carried on. Cat thought it would take a lot longer, but all the evidence was presented and all testimonies were told. A decision was reached by the jury by the end of the day. Cat felt nauseous as a member of the jury spoke.
"We find the defendant..."