There were still a few more testimonies to hear. Namely, Ford and Dipper recounting what occurred the night of the fire, having one of the first responders describe the injuries the family suffered that evening. They even brought the blood-spattered bat out for physical evidence. Stan couldn't wait to destroy that thing when this was all over (he couldn't imagine using it again considering all that had happened), and even having Brad's parents testify that their son was actually a good person (even though their testimony seemed almost forced and fake) it was time for the final statements.
Brad went first. "Look, I'm a good student with my whole life ahead of me. All day I have been listening to her sob story, and I can assure you it's all an act! Her uncle is the town's most notorious con man and she is the town's most promiscuous resident, so of course, he would teach her all of his tricks to ruin me. Don't let my prominent future be ruined by these two con artists."
Mabel already had tears in her eyes, but she took a deep breath and sat down in the stands. Just like earlier, Brendan gave her a gentle signal and she took a deep breath and began to speak, "I want to start by saying that for the first time all day Brad has said something with a grain of truth to it." The crowd let out a confused gasp.
"My Grunkle Stan has taught me lots of things, but not what Brad is saying he taught me. My Grunkle Stan taught me to stand up for myself, he taught me that when the world fights you've got to fight back, he taught me how to be proud of who I was, and to never change for anyone. He and my Grunkle Ford gave me and my brother a home when our whole world fell apart, he gave up his dreams to take care of us. My Grunkle Stan has put his life on the line multiple times just to keep me safe. My Grunkle ultimately taught me about love, and I will tell you this much, Brad, love is not and will never be someone like you."
Mabel made a statement so blunt that it left the courtroom stunned, "If it weren't for my Grunkle Stan, this would be a murder trial."
The statement brought Stan to tears. Mabel looked directly at him and gave him a soft smile.
"So you know what, Brad?" She pushed all fear aside to look directly into his eyes. "I'm sorry that your view of the world and of people is so small that you see people like my Grunkle Stan as just a con man because to me, he's a hero."
Without another word, she stepped down and returned to her seat where she leaned on Stan, clearly emotionally drained. He wrapped his arm around her and kissed the top of her head in gratitude.
After the jury left to deliberate on the verdict, Brenden led the family back into the small, private room. "I can truly say you folks have done all you can. All that is left is to just wait. I want you all to know that I have been truly honored to represent such a wonderful family. I only hope that in a short time this nightmare will be over for good."
At this, Mabel gave Brenden a tight hug. She didn't know what would happen after this, but she did know she wouldn't have made it through without such a kind and understanding lawyer. He gently reciprocated. He had been in this field for several years, and while several clients had touched him, this case and this sweet girl would always have a special place in his heart. He just hoped he had done enough to give her the happy ending she deserved.
For a long time, everyone was silent. No one really knew what to say. They would just have to hold their breath and wait.
"Grunkle Stan?" Mabel asked in a quiet voice.
"Yeah, pumpkin?" Stan answered gently.
Mabel had so much she wanted to ask her Grunkle about what had been said in the courtroom. She wanted to ask about her flatlining and if that was why she saw her mom and dad. She wanted to ask about being called his baby girl, despite not being his daughter. She wanted to ask if he was as afraid of the outcome as she was. But all she could manage was to hug him tight. He reciprocated without a word.
Finally, she said in a very quiet whisper, "Thank you for protecting me."
Stan hugged her tighter. "You kidding, pumpkin? I should be the one thanking you for what you said about me up there. Saved my reputation when there's nothing to save, I wish I had you with me to testify for me when I went to that Columbian prison," Stan said forcing a small laugh.
Mabel gave a small laugh herself, but soon her smile dropped quickly and she looked up at Ford with her large, innocent eyes. "Grunkle Ford?"
"Yes, sweetheart?"
"You know how you told me I was brave and strong?"
"Of course, dear, and today you proved you were."
Mabel's eyes filled with tears as she made a heartbreaking plea. "Would it be okay if I stopped being brave and strong for just a minute?"
Ford could feel his heart break. It was such an innocent request from someone who had been through so much. He didn't say a word but offered her to collapse in his arms. "You never have to be brave and strong for me, honey."
"Or me," Stan said as he hugged her too.
"Or me, sis," Dipper said as he joined in a well.
It took a while for the jurors to deliberate, so Mabel eventually dozed off emotionally exhausted. Dipper allowed her to lay her head on his lap. She was shivering a little as she slept, so Ford took off his suit jacket and laid it over her. After all the stress she's been through today, she deserved to nap comfortably. Stan sat next to her and ran his hands through her hair as she slept so that even through her subconscious she could know she wasn't alone.
They all sat in silence worrying about the jury's decision. They tried to reason that the defense was absurd and that this was an open-and-shut case. They tried to think of any possible reason they could find Brad not guilty. They couldn't imagine a reasonable explanation, but that didn't stop them from worrying.
There was, however, the more realistic possibility of Brad being let off on a light sentence. Even though he was tried as an adult, he was still a young boy. Plus, he was rich. Both of those were enough to incline the legal system to go easy on him. How will Mabel ever be safe if he's out there free?
Brenden came back in and announced, "The jury is ready to deliver the verdict. Are you guys ready?"
Ford gently rubbed Mabel's back to wake her up. "Mabel, sweetheart, it's time." All sleep was gone from her as she swallowed a lump in her throat. Ford put his hand under her chin. "Can you be brave for just a few more minutes?" Mabel nodded and went with her family back into the courtroom.
They rose to greet the judge once again and on his signal, they all sat. The atmosphere was so tense you could cut it with a knife. It felt like everyone in the courtroom was holding their breath.
"Has the jury reached a verdict?"
"We have, your honor. On the charges of breaking and entering, assault with a weapon, kidnapping, sexual assault, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit arson, and conspiracy to commit murder, we find the defendant, Bradley Edwards, guilty of all charges."
The courtroom erupted into applause and Mabel was suddenly bombarded with embraces from her beloved family. The judge ordered them to quiet down so he could continue.
"Bradley Edwards, I sentence you to 50 years in prison. Mr. Edwards will also pay $1,000,000 for physical and emotional damages to the Pines family."
Ford playfully jabbed Stan in the side assuming he would be excited about the massive compensation, but he just bent down and held his real priceless treasure tight.
Brad looked at the judge in a state of shock. He looked around as though expecting someone to tell the judge that he can't do that. But no one came to his defense. The only people in the courtroom upset by his verdict were his parents, but even they said nothing. His parents could not buy his freedom (and after hearing the testimony of the young girl their son had traumatized they weren't sure they wanted to).
His eyes found Mabel. Pure animalistic rage came over him. He charged at her. Stan and Ford became prepared to defend and protect her, but before anyone else could do anything, Mabel gave Brad a powerful kick to his balls. He doubled over in pain as the bailiff grabbed Brad and pulled him away from Mabel.
As he was taken away, Brad screamed after her. "YOU RUINED MY LIFE, YOU LITTLE SLUT! WHEN I GET OUT, I'LL KILL YOU! I SWEAR! I'LL KILL YOU AND YOUR WHOLE WORTHLESS FAMILY!"
"YOU RUINED YOUR OWN LIFE!" Mabel retorted. "BUT I'M NOT GONNA LET YOU RUIN MINE!"
"Get him out of my courtroom!" the judge demanded and Brad was removed from the building.
Stan laughed and ruffled her hair. "Hitting below the belt, just like her Grunkle Stan taught her! That's my girl!"
Mabel smiled as more friends came to congratulate her. She would not let Brad's threat frighten her. She had won. She meant what she said to Brad, he would not ruin her life anymore.