"Why break now?" Adam snapped at Roland. "What the fuck are they trying to gain from that insane cunt?"

Roland sighed. "Adam. This could be good for us, because it gives me time to prepare to cross-examine Danielle."

"I'll fucking cross-examine her if I get the chance," Adam growled. "With a machete."

"Adam," Roland warned. "Do not make threats or I'll have to report them."

"For fuck sake," Adam rolled his eyes. "She's a fucking bitch. She deserves it. She's a woman, Counsellor."

"Whom, it is currently against the law to threaten, despite your wishes," Roland said evenly. "Let's concentrate on you Mr. Dawson, shall we?" Roland was seriously starting to dislike Adam Dawson intensely and had never sympathised with a fellow lawyer more than he did for Barlow. Now he totally understood why his colleague had walked out. This guy was evil. No 2 ways about it. He hated women and made no secret of it, treating them abhorrently. Roland had a wife and daughter, which made this even more difficult. If this man ever got near them… He shivered inwardly. No way. No fucking way! Roland may have to defend him, but it was getting harder and harder to do so as the trial went on.

"So what, when you cross-examine the bitch?" Adam's voice jolted Roland back to the courtroom. "What then?"

"We will talk about what comes up," Roland said. "Then discuss our next move. But I have to tell you…"

"Don't you fucking dare say it looks bad for me again," Adam snarled. "I know that Counsellor. It's your fucking job to change that!"

I don't think I want to, Roland thought, but he just nodded. He was starting to think it would be impossible. The evidence against his client was too persuasive, too consistent and he thought privately, too true.

…

Before long the buzzer sounded and they all re-entered the courtroom. Joanne, Charlotte and Goodwin entered last with Danielle once Adam was secured in the dock once more. Goodwin had been right. It was time for Roland to cross-examine her. Danielle felt sick. This was Adam's defence lawyer, who is trying to get him out of hot water. Roland stepped up to the safety screens and when he spoke, Danielle was totally taken aback at how gentle his voice was. Did he have his own doubts about Adam's story?

"Danielle, first of all, I want to ask you questions regarding the cane. Are you absolutely certain you never wrote the measurements down? Perhaps on your account? Are you certain that Mr. Dawson would not have been able to sign in as you to get them?"

"Positive," Danielle said without hesitation. "I never wrote them down. No one knows them except me and the charity for the blind who worked with me. I haven't even told Charlotte."

"Would Mr. Dawson have ever spoken to the charity to ask them for your measurements?"

"They don't tend to keep them on record, I was only told when actually buying it, so it's very unlikely."

"This is the National Institute for the Blind, yes?"

"Yes Sir."

"Ok. Thank you. I'd now, like to ask you about your internet access. You say it was strictly monitored by Mr. Dawson and you couldn't buy anything unless you had a reason for and he agreed that you could have said purchase. Correct?"

"Again, yes Sir."

"So it was never the other way around? You never were the one in control of it as opposed to Mr. Dawson?"

Danielle felt ice grab her stomach. So this was what the fucking liar had said! That she was the abusive one, that she was going crazy! Her attempted suicide probably helped him no end! She took a deep breath, trying to control her anger, despair and yes for the first time in her life, pure unadulterated hatred. That lying fucker! Once again Joanne took her hand tightly in hers.

"No Sir," Danielle said through gritted teeth. "Not to mention Mr. Dawson's account had visual authentication so I couldn't get into it. So how could I have done it? He's going to say I ordered him to sign in isn't he? Counsellors, look at the size of him compared to me! He's a former football player and current fitness coach! I wouldn't stand a Goddamn chance! He could overpower me with one hit, as he very often reminded me, with graphic demonstrations!"

"Desist with this line of questioning Counsellor," Judge Spinner said. "Move on please."

"This is the visual authentication Danielle speaks of," Goodwin said.

"Thank you. Plus," Danielle continued to the court. "It's no secret he hates women. He doesn't exactly hide it. We're only sex toys to him, as you've doubtless heard. Not just from me, but also Charlotte."

"Your friend," he said to Danielle, trying to swallow down bile at his own words. "She didn't believe you when you told her, did she?" Danielle heard Charlotte stifle a sob. Her heart broke for her friend. "How do we know that you didn't make all this up, and then convince her to testify for you? Did you order her to do so too?"

"Objection!" Goodwin snapped, just as Judge Spinner snapped, "Stop, and Counsellor!"

"Oh, of course I did," Danielle said, unable to stop herself. She was angry now. She knew Roland was struggling with what he'd just said but it wasn't for him, it was for Adam. "That's why I put a rope around my neck and a neighbour had to break in and cut me down, was it?" Danielle heard a soft whistle then and affection swelled in her heart, so much so that she couldn't speak for a moment. Nigel always whistled so she was sure it was him. "That's why Nigel had to break the door in with a sledge hammer to get me out, because Adam locked the door while the woman he supposedly loved with all his heart, was attempting to kill herself? Then I ordered Charlotte to testify against the man that made me try to commit suicide just to get away from? I'm not a criminal Counsellor and I know how serious perverting the course of justice is!"

"I told you," Adam's voice said. Danielle clamped down on the rising panic. Fuck this man could scare her just with his voice now. "I panicked when I saw that she was in there. The key was in my pocket. I forgot it was there."

"Silence, Dawson!" Judge Spinner snapped. "You have already testified. If you speak out of turn again, you will be in contempt of court, removed from this courtroom and thrown back behind bars! Are we clear?"

"Yes, Your Honora," Adam said and Danielle could tell he was furious. Furious and scared. Good!

"We have Nigel Manning's testimony Mr. Dawson, stating that you locked the door seconds after seeing Danielle hanging in there, which is why he had to break it down. He saw you lock the door! I'd like to show you these pictures, Exhibit H. Danielle they are of the locked garage door and Mr. Manning using his sledge hammer to get in." Danielle felt Joanne turn her camera again, streaming the pictures back to Smith's Grove.

Joanne saw Adam look to Roland, but his lawyer said nothing. "So you thought you'd cut the door down with a Machete, did you?" Goodwin asked. "Mr. Manning has also testified he saw you going towards the garage with it. You had it to finish the job if the rope failed. Didn't you?" Danielle shivered outwardly this time. She hadn't been told that. "He… He was going to kill me anyway?" Her voice was just above a whisper. "I wasn't told that."

Joanne squeezed her arm. "You ok?"

"I…" Danielle took a deep breath.

"I'm calling a break!" Judge Spinner snapped. "Dawson, you stay there! You do not need a consult at this time!"

…

Danielle was led out and wasn't surprised to feel her legs shaking. They walked right outside and into the fresh air. Once they were there, Roland appeared, pulling Joanne to one side.

"First, please tell Danielle I'm sorry, I had to ask that question, and I hate myself for it. Second, my client just threatened her to me while in private. Said he'd cross-examine her with a machete if he gets the chance."

"Jesus," Joanne looked horrified and pulled out her radio, relaying this back to Smith's Grove, realising too late that Michael would have also heard the transmission. Well good. She thought savagely. If I get the chance I'll help you get to and kill him Michael! God help me I mean it! She knew her thoughts were unprofessional, but she couldn't help it. She liked and respected Danielle a lot and this man was as evil, as Danielle had always said.

"That was unexpected," Danielle said to Goodwin. "What happened?" Goodwin looked at Joanne, who shook her head. "I can't tell you that I'm afraid," he said. "But I'm sure your doctors will."

"He threatened me didn't he?" Danielle said, sounding resigned more than afraid. "My life today. Please just tell me?" To Danielle, their silence said it all.

"I'm so sorry Danielle," Goodwin said, handing her a cup of strong tea. "I had to say it. Do you want to stop now?"

"Fuck no!" Danielle snarled. "If that's true it only makes me even more determined to see this bastard brought down! I'm glad I know! I wasn't told that before."

They entered the courtroom minutes later and the Judge was brief and to the point. "Mr. Dawson, I have just been told about something, and we both know what I'm talking about. Ladies and gentlemen of the Jury, I would ask you to go into my Chambers in a moment please. I need to fill you in on this. Guards, take Dawson back down. He's still remanded. Danielle, thank you so much and I acknowledge your bravery today. Jury I will contact with you shortly to ask if you have a verdict. Thank you!" She hit the bench with her gavel. They were dismissed.

…

Hands up in exasperation filled the dimly lit Jury room, every man and woman at the desk covered in papers of notes. "For God's sake Ellen! He's guilty! We can all see it except you! Why?"

"I have a son who was convicted of Domestic Abuse," the Juror, Ellen, said simply. "She lied about him. He was found guilty. Serious miscarriage of justice!"

"You can't…" Dave was struggling to keep his voice calm. "Let your personal experiences influence you Ellen. It's in our Jury's oath!"

"I don't care!" Ellen said. "I don't agree, end of story! My son was eventually released and given vast compensation! I'm not seeing another man go down like he did!"

"You've seen how he talks about women," James said, struggling with his own anger. "He hates women, Ellen! The irony he'd find in it if he knew a woman was defending him! He's already lost one male lawyer because he was sure Dawson was lying! You wouldn't be doing him any favours; it'd just greatly amuse the abusive sexist prick!"

"I'm sorry but I'm not changing my mind," Ellen said softly. "Having seen an innocent man go down for it, I'm not risking it again,"

"But he's NOT FUCKING INNOCENT!" Tim shouted the last few words and actually slammed his hand against the table. "Jesus woman! We're convicting 11 to 1 and you don't agree because of your damn son? You can't do that! I have to tell the Judge. I have to! You are perverting the course of justice!"

"Do what you will," Ellen appeared completely unruffled. "But I'm telling you, my opinion still stands. You think he's guilty, but what if he isn't? What if indeed Hayward and Avery are both lying? Yes, he called Hayward a bitch today, but that may have been out of pure frustration. He loved her, remember. Until she broke his heart. I'd be frustrated too if someone was lying about me!"

"Just today he threatened her with a fucking machete," Greg stared at her, pushing down his own rising anger. "That doesn't sound like an innocent man to me, Ellen! You're making a very, very serious mistake! Her Honora obviously feels the same as the 11," he stressed the 11. "Of us, because she's remanded him for 4 nights now! Come on Ellen, wake the fuck up! You're more fucking blind than Danielle is, if you can't see that he's guilty! Oh my God, I don't believe this!"

"Be that as it may," Ellen said. "The vote has to be unanimous and I do not agree. I'm sorry."

"What's the matter with you woman?" Hazel, the other female Juror snapped. "You're making as Greg said, a very serious mistake indeed! What if he goes on to continue abusing Charlotte? Or one day gets his hands on Danielle? This man is evil, hands down. You want us to vote Not Guilty because of your precious fucking son?"

Ellen got to her feet now. "Sean was found guilty and spent time in prison," she almost shouted. "Yes, he was released and vastly compensated, but every day it hurt me! I cannot, will not, see it happen again to another possibly innocent man! Regardless of what you say! He's got a mother out there somewhere you know!"

"Who should've killed him at birth," Hazel muttered. "Ellen, I too have a son. If he did to any woman what Adam has done, I'd be sending him down, no qualms. I'd still love him, but he'd have to face the consequences of his actions."

"I mean hell," James added. "Her Honora will be contacting us any minute! Shortly, she said! She must know how most of us," he too stressed the most. "Feel about this man!"

"Is accused of doing," Ellen said.

The other members of the jury were glaring at her. Luck really wasn't on their side. Just before the start this morning, the Bailiff had come in to tell the judge one of the alternate Jury members had had to leave because her daughter had become very sick at school and no one else could pick her up. Then, the second had collapsed while Danielle was giving testimony with a heart attack and had to be rushed to the hospital. This was why they were in the situation they were in now, a Juror putting her personal life in the way of justice.

…

"Mr. Goodwin," Danielle said a few minutes later.

"Now I've told you, it's Alan," Goodwin squeezed her arm. Danielle couldn't stop a smile.

"Thanks, Alan. Are we expecting a verdict today?"

"It's very probable," Goodwin said. Dr Loomis had finally given Goodwin permission to tell Danielle what had happened, why the Judge had adjourned so suddenly. "Ha," Danielle laughed bitterly. The camera was still live. "He's threatened me with a machete so many times, tell me something new. But I just never knew he had one on him to finish the job that day. But meh," she shrugged. "That machete threat isn't new."

…

Sure enough just over an hour later, they were called back in, this time turning to face the Jury.

"Jury," the Court Clerk said. "Have you reached a verdict you all agree on?"

"No," James said and they could all hear his anger. "No Sir, we have not."

"That surprises me," Judge Spinner said. "James, just an hour ago, you all said you were ready. Why have you changed your mind now?"

"One of us doesn't agree," James said simply, glaring at the wall. "For the stupidest reason I may add," he muttered.

"Who doesn't agree?" Judge Spinner asked. There was silence and the Jury knew Ellen despite her words was too afraid to stand up and tell the Judge why. All eleven other members of the Jury were glaring at her. That attracted Judge Spinner's attention.

"Mrs. Duckworth, you do not agree? May I ask why? You gave no sign of this yesterday when I asked if you were ready to prepare your verdict, which you should have done. I ask you to tell the court why?" Ellen didn't move. The Judge hit the bench with her gavel and asked again. A signal everyone knew meaning that she was close to being in contempt of court. Ellen slowly stood.

"You're Honora," she stammered. "I…" But before she could finish, James leapt to his feet.

"You're Honora, Ellen doesn't agree because she's only now just told us that her son was charged and found guilty for Domestic Abuse, that he was wrongfully convicted then released after doing time in prison. She states she doesn't want another 'innocent,'" he made quotation marks in the air at that word. "'Man, to go down like he did.'"

"Is this true Mrs. Duckworth?" Judge Spinner asked. All Ellen could do was nod, tears in her eyes. "This should have been mentioned when you started the case. You knew it was Domestic Abuse against a male and that you can't allow personal opinions or experiences into it. You have to go with evidence, not your personal life. I'm afraid this means you will face punishment for not being honest from the start, Mrs. Duckworth. I also fail to see how you can disagree given that the 11 others seem to agree, after all the evidence that has been heard."

Adam began to laugh. Cold, mocking. "Why thank you darling'," he drawled. "One cunt knows who's boss. Who respects and fears me? Aww, don't want me to end up like your precious son, eh? I'll take part of it back then. One cunt in this world talks sense."

"Silence Dawson!" Judge Spinner snapped. "Enough! Jury, you need to go back and deliberate again. Thank you! The verdict has to be unanimous!" James was glaring at Ellen now, as were Tim, Steve and the others. This was insane! This could take days if Ellen refused to change her position.

"Guards, take Mr. Dawson back to his cell. Jury, I will contact you in 3 hours regarding the verdict. Today's proceedings are complete!" The echoing crash of her gavel against her bench left no room for argument.

…

Charlotte, Joanne and Danielle sat in a small café while they waited to return to court. Joanne got a discount as Smith's Grove staff. She showed her ID, but Charlotte insisted on paying, when Joanne tried to argue, she glared at her. Smiling, Joanne shut her mouth. When Danielle tried to protest, Charlotte just started whistling, drowning her out. They both got the message. The police had given Charlotte a lift to court but while there, Dr Loomis had spoken to Joanne via her radio so only she heard, asking her to ask Charlotte to come back with them and a Domestic Violence worker would speak to her face to face. Charlotte had agreed, smiling in thanks and gratitude. So now here they were having hot drinks before heading back to court.

"You were so brave in there D," Charlotte said as she bit into her toasted ham and cheddar sandwich. The camera was no longer live, but the earpiece was. Danielle smiled a little. "Thanks."

"I agree," Joanne squeezed Danielle's arm. "Even when things got difficult, you stayed strong."

"I say again," Charlotte said. "I'd have been running the other way if I'd gone through what you have at his hands. Damn I respect you Danielle Hayward."

Danielle smiled slightly. Charlotte could see people looking at Joanne from the other tables. It didn't surprise her; she was in full uniform plus her gun. Charlotte had also snuck looks at her throughout the day. Though her uniform looked intimidating, her kind face dispelled any fears. Charlotte was desperate to ask her for a quick look at her protective gear, but wasn't sure if she should. Police were one thing; these guys were another and Charlotte really respected them.

Danielle bit into her blueberry muffin, surprised to find out just how hungry she was. She couldn't believe how much better she felt, having given her testimony against Adam.