A/N: Hey, everyone! I've received a lot of PMs asking for this story to be updated. It was so long since this updated (insert red face) that I had to go back and read it so I could write the next chapter. My apologies, but I hope this makes up for the long wait. To those of you who are still here, thank you so much!

Thanks to my awesome betas, SassySue (chayasara) and Wendy (wmr1601), for wielding the sparkly reds and giving advice. Special thanks to Sue for tapping her criminal lawyer source for trial information. Mwah!

~*SN*~

Chapter 29

~The People vs. Tanya Denali~

* Six months later *

~*Bella*~

"All rise! Court is now in session in the People versus Tanya Denali. The honorable Judge Neff Michaels is presiding." The judge walks in and takes his place at the bench. "You may be seated." The bailiff waits until everyone in the courtroom gets settled, and the whispers quiet down before returning to his post.

Judge Michaels looks to the attorneys. "Counselors, are we ready to proceed?"

Mare Sharma stands behind the prosecutor's table. "Yes, your honor. We finally have a jury." She glares at Tanya's representation, well-known criminal defense attorney James Hunter.

Hunter smirks at her, then looks over at the judge and shrugs. "I apologize, your honor, but the assistant district attorney, Ms. Sharma, kept trying to slip jurors by that might discriminate against my client."

"Very well . . . let's begin. Ms. Sharma, you're up."

Mare Sharma stalks around the prosecution's table in an almost feline manner. She's wearing a charcoal suit with a pale pink blouse. She walks slowly toward the jury, looking troubled.

Edward and I sit two rows back from the prosecutor's table, giving us a bird's eye view of the jury. I squeeze his hand, and he squeezes mine back. We've been waiting six long months for the trial to start.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, what you are about to hear may sound fantastical, dramatic. It might sound as if it belongs in an episode of Law and Order. Make no mistake. These are real life crimes that affected real life people, most especially the couple in the middle of the second row behind my table." Mare points to me and Edward. "Edward Cullen and Bella Swan were Tanya Denali's victims almost five years ago and again this past year. You will hear how Tanya manipulated this couple in high school, going so far as to have someone drug Bella Swan in order to create a compromising situation. Tanya entered into a relationship with Edward Cullen under false pretenses and continued to manipulate him. She used his weaknesses against him, encouraging him to get hooked on alcohol and pills. When their wedding was called off because Tanya's lies were exposed, Tanya continued her manipulative and deceptive ways. She sent a recording of her and Mr. Cullen having rough sex to Bella Swan. Some of her actions were simply unethical, but she stepped over the line into criminal territory when she conspired four years ago to have Bella Swan drugged, and again several months ago when Tanya hired someone to rough her up, making it look like an attempted rape—another plan to manipulate Edward Cullen. The defendant has agreed to have the charges from four years ago heard concurrent with this case, and the Forks district attorney has agreed as well.

"Tanya Denali will try to paint a 'poor me' picture for you. She will try to put the blame on Ms. Swan for interrupting her nuptials. She will say she wasn't technically the one who put the Rohypnol in Bella Swan's drink. But the People intend to show that Tanya Denali is vindictive and manipulative and has no problem breaking the law when it suits her. You have been charged with seeing justice served and keeping her from getting away with her crimes. Thank you."

Mare returns to her table, looking smug.

James Hunter smirks at her and stands up, shaking his head. "The ADA wasn't kidding when she mentioned an episode of Law and Order! I think the network should hire her because that was quite some picture she just painted, wasn't it?" A few jurors titter. "Tanya Denali is a victim, plain and simple. A victim of a jealous teenager who wanted Tanya's boyfriend, a victim of Bella Swan again when she decided to interrupt Tanya's wedding to that same man, and a victim of trumped-up charges by the ADA. The 'evidence' in this case comes from Philip Grayson and Jason Albright, both known drug dealers. Evidence in the Forks case comes from Michael Newton, Bella Swan's jilted lover. Are you starting to see the pattern here? You can bet your bottom dollar that Philip Grayson, Jason Albright, and Michael Newton have made deals with the ADA in return for their testimony. They think the jury will be easily fooled, but I know we picked a good group, and you will see right through their lies. Thank you."

The judge addresses Mare. "Ms. Sharma, please call your first witness."

"Your honor, the People call Philip Grayson to the stand."

Phil Grayson is unrecognizable. His typically greasy hair is clean and shiny, and he's dressed in a tailored suit. I'd bet money that Mare Sharma made cleaning himself up part of the deal.

The bailiff swears him in and tells him to have a seat. Grayson looks slightly uncomfortable and pulls at his tie.

Mare Sharma strolls slowly over to the witness box, resting her hands on the railing. "Mr. Grayson, were you given a deal in exchange for your testimony today?"

"Sure was."

"The district attorney's office has given you immunity from prosecution in the attack on Tanya Denali. There are other charges pending for you on additional, unrelated crimes. Have you been given a deal in those cases?"

"No." He looks almost annoyed about this.

"Thank you. How do you know Tanya Denali?"

"I met her through The Quiet Man. It's a bar."

"Classy or seedy?"

"It's on the seedy side. A lot of shit goes down there."

"Please elaborate on how you know the defendant."

"I saw her around there, buying her little blue pills. She was a regular, and she's hot, so I noticed. Never had any personal dealings with her until she came by looking for someone to do a job. Crazy bitch wanted someone to attack her, rough her up good. Albright—he's the owner of the bar—told her to get lost. Someone pointed her my way. She paid me twenty Gs in cash. I couldn't turn that shit down."

"Any proof?"

"She met me in front of the bar and handed me a bag of cash. Look on the street cam."

"The footage is already on hand. Thank you for your time, Mr. Grayson." Mare turns to James Hunter with a smirk. "Your witness."

Hunter stands. "No questions at this time, but we reserve the right to recall the witness at a later time."

The judge nods his head. "Please call your next witness, counselor."

"The People call Michael Newton to the stand."

Tanya, who has been sitting quietly with her head down, turns angry eyes on Mike as he makes his way to the stand. He's wearing a familiar suit, and I feel a mix of anger and regret toward him. He punished himself as well as me, stopping both of us from finding satisfying relationships. I'm sure the guilt ate away at him. Edward would love to pound his face, but I mostly feel sad when I look at him now.

Once he's sworn in, Mare sidles up to the stand. "Mr. Newton, tell us how you know the defendant."

"We went to high school together. Tanya was a cheerleader, one of the most popular girls at school."

"Did you run in the same circles?"

"Nah. We knew each other in passing. I had a lot of parties at my house, and all the populars would come."

"Populars . . . interesting turn of phrase. Was Edward Cullen one of those populars?"

"Sure was. Edward was a good guy. He was actually my friend." Mike's face reddens, and he looks down in shame. "That's what made what happened so fucked up."

"What happened?"

"Tanya approached me at school, asked me to meet her at lunch. She outlined this crazy plan. She knew I had a thing for Bella Swan and said she would take care of getting Bella to the party."

Mare asks a few more questions, asking Mike to be very specific about certain details.

"Mr. Newton, the People are in possession of a recording. It's my understanding you provided it to Bella Swan several months ago. Is that correct?"

"Yes. I recorded it when Tanya laid out her plan."

"Did you intend to blackmail Ms. Denali?"

"No. I didn't have a plan at the time—I just thought it might be good to keep on hand."

"And you kept this recording a secret for four years. What made you give it up?"

"Bella ended our relationship, told me she had feelings for someone else that she couldn't get over. I knew who she meant, and I played a huge role in keeping Bella and Edward apart. Bella never fell in love with me the way Tanya said she would, and I—I wanted Bella to be happy. She deserves it." Mike's eyes meet mine, and his are full of regret.

"Let the record reflect that Exhibit A is a recording provided by Michael Newton. The recording has been authenticated. Ladies and gentlemen, please listen closely to what you're about to hear. The voices are of Michael Newton and Tanya Denali."

There's a bit of commotion at the defendant's table. Tanya is leaning over, whispering to James Hunter. He keeps shaking his head. I'll bet she doesn't want the recording allowed.

The judge bangs his gavel. "Mr. Hunter, is there a problem?"

"No, your honor."

The judge seems annoyed. "Proceed, Ms. Sharma."

Mare plays the recording Mike gave me the day we broke up.

"So, here's what we do. You just have to drop this little caplet into her drink. You'll want to do that pretty much as soon as Edward leaves her, though, because it's gonna take a few minutes to kick in. And make sure she doesn't see you doing it."

"I'm not sure about this, Tanya."

"Oh, stop it! It's just one little drug. It won't do any permanent damage. Besides, I thought you wanted to be with Bella."

"I do, but I'm not sure this is the way to get what I want."

"Well, she's out there behind your parents' shed right now making out with Edward Cullen. If you're not serious about this, then I guess I'll just have to find someone who is. I will too—make no mistake about that. I will have Edward for myself. That little tramp, Bella, isn't going to stand in my way."

There's a pause in the recording, silence except for the little crackles of static in the otherwise dead air. Then Tanya's voice picks up again.

"Decide fast though, Mike. I've already started the argument between Jacob and Emmett. It won't be long before they're yelling for Edward to come help them decide who's right. In my estimation, you've got about thirty seconds left before the two oafs can't manage a civilized conversation anymore, and then it'll only take Emmett about a nanosecond to call for Edward. Idiot."

"Fine, fine, I'm in. Give me the pill."

Mare shuts off the recording. There's a rustling from the jury box as people shift around. Some of them seem uncomfortable or look over at Tanya with wide-eyed shock, while others nod their heads, as though satisfied the recording cements her guilt. There's not one sympathetic face in the bunch as far as I can see.

I lean into Edward, putting my lips to his ear, and whisper, "Look at the jury."

Edward nods, his hand squeezing mine. Some of the tension drains from his body. He's been tightly strung the past few days but hasn't wanted to talk about it. I think the impending trial brought up a bunch of ugly feelings and insecurities. I've had nightmares this entire week, some of them memories from high school or alternate realities where Tanya wins Edward over, and I'm left abandoned and alone.

"Mr. Newton, did you receive a deal from the district attorney's office in return for your testimony today?"

"No, I did not." Mike shifts uncomfortably, his face reddening. "I don't deserve a deal. I deserve whatever I get. So does she!" He points at Tanya, and the courtroom erupts with whispers.

The judge bangs his gavel. "Quiet!"

James Hunter is up on his feet. "Objection! Calls for speculation."

"Sustained. Strike that last remark from the record."

Mare does a slow spin, her expression self-satisfied. She knows as well as everyone else that once a bell has been rung, it can't be unrung. "Please stick to the facts, Mr. Newton."

"S-sorry."

But I know Mike's body language and expressions better than anyone. He looks over at Tanya, his eyes glittering, and I know he uttered the words on purpose.

~*SN*~

~*Edward*~

I clench Bella's hand like a lifeline. The case is going well so far; Tanya is being made out to be the monster she is. This should make me happy, but all I can think about is the possibility of her being found not guilty. I have so much pent up anger and hatred for her that I worry about what I might do if she goes free. I'm not a violent man by nature, but I've been having dreams about strangling her until the awareness seeps from her eyes. Of course, I feel guilty the moment I wake up.

I haven't told Bella about the dreams because I'm too ashamed. At my last session, I mentioned the dreams to Dr. Pyke, and she wasn't the least bit concerned. She told me it was normal for the mind to use dreams to work out problems along with unacceptable feelings and urges. Dr. Pyke asked if I felt there was a danger of me killing Tanya in waking life, and I told her no. She reassured me that what I'm experiencing is nothing to be worried about.

The testimony of Phil Grayson and Mike Newton is damning, especially the recording Mike gave Bella. The ADA is like a shark, slowly circling, darting in for a taste of blood, then backing away, as she waits for the perfect moment to go in for the kill. I'm glad she's on our side.

Mare Sharma asks Mike a few additional questions, then looks to Tanya's lawyer. "Your witness."

James Hunter stands up, buttoning his jacket. He looks confident. "Mr. Newton, isn't it true that it was your idea to plot against Edward Cullen and Bella Swan?"

Mike looks shocked. "What? No!"

"No? You never had a conversation with a friend, boasting you would be dating Bella Swan soon?"

"Well, boasting doesn't mean it was my idea to drug Bella, does it?"

"I don't know. Does it?" Hunter shrugs his shoulders and raises his eyebrows at the jury. "Looking back, were you one of the popular kids?"

"I was reasonably popular, I guess."

"If you have to guess, then you weren't." Hunter looks over at the jury with a knowing expression.

Mare Sharma seems exasperated. "Objection, your honor."

"Sustained! Move on, counselor."

"I have a point to make, your honor."

"Make it fast." The judge looks at his watch. "We'll break for lunch after this cross exam—unless it runs into dinner." He shoots a pointed look at James Hunter.

"Isn't it true that Edward Cullen and Tanya Denali were 'populars' as you put it earlier? You had the party house and were friends with everyone by proxy because they wanted to party down at your place."

"No, I was friends with a lot of them. Edward was my friend."

"That's how you treat your friends?" When Mare shoots him a look, he quickly says, "Withdrawn. Who procured the drugs?"

"Tanya did."

"From where?"

"I don't know." Mike shrugs, looking frustrated.

"From your house, maybe? Didn't you have dealers at your parties?"

"Of course not! This isn't a movie."

James Hunter slaps his hands on the rail of the witness box. "No, it's not a movie. These are real lives that were destroyed. Did you feel guilty after you drugged Bella Swan?"

"Yes."

"But you were there to pick up the pieces, weren't you? You started dating her, moved in together, and kept your dirty little secret. Isn't that right?"

Mike glares at James Hunter. "Yes, but that doesn't excuse what Tanya did! It was her idea, and she provided the drug."

"Did Ms. Denali force you to put drugs in Ms. Swan's drink?"

"No."

"Did she force you to give Ms. Swan a shoulder to cry on? To deceive her for four years? Did Tanya Denali threaten or coerce you in any way?"

"No, but my being a piece of shit doesn't excuse the crimes Tanya did then and now."

"Your honor, I move to strike the witness's last statement. Ms. Denali hasn't been convicted of a crime."

"Yet," Mike responds spitefully. "But she surely will."

James Hunter is livid. "Move to strike! Mr. Newton, this is inappropriate."

He's too late though. Tanya is on her feet, shrieking like the banshee she is. It's almost comical. "You piece of shit! This was all you! I didn't need to drug anyone to get them."

Mike laughs. "Didn't you, though, you crazy bitch?"

The judge bangs the gavel several times. "I will have order!" He bangs the gavel a few more times when the chaos continues in the gallery. "Counselors, in my chambers! Bailiff, clear the court. I'll decide if observers will be allowed back after lunch. Court is adjourned until two o'clock. Jurors will retire to the jury conference room for lunch. Don't discuss this case with anyone." He bangs the gavel a final time.

Mare Sharma has an amused glint in her eyes, but she's far too professional to show it outwardly, keeping her expression neutral. She closes her briefcase and passes the defendant's table. "See you in chambers, Hunter."

James Hunter is gathering papers and shoving them in his briefcase haphazardly. A vein is throbbing on his forehead. He grunts and nods at the ADA, who sails past him.

Tanya digs her talons into Hunter's arm and glares at him. "What the fuck are you doing? I could defend myself better!"

He points a finger in her face. "I told you not to say a word, didn't I? Just to sit and look pretty—and innocent. Wait for me in conference room two. Go straight there, and for the love of God, don't talk to anyone."

Tanya mumbles under her breath but heads for the door that exits to the conference rooms.

Bella and I sit there shell-shocked until the courtroom is empty. I can't believe what a circus the trial turned into. Bella starts giggling, and I look at her with concern.

"Edward, you have to get me out of here. I can't control myself." She covers her mouth. Another giggle erupts from behind her hand.

I look at my watch. "We have two hours. Lets get the fuck out of here and find somewhere quiet."

Taking her free hand, I lead her out the rear doors and through the lobby. There's a lot of noise and chaos, so Bella's continuous giggles go unnoticed. I pull us to a stop when we reach the doors and change direction, heading for the back hallway. "Shit! There are reporters out there. We need to find another way out."

The courthouse is attached to the police station, so we walk through the connecting hall and exit through the precinct. My car is in the main courthouse parking lot, which isn't accessible without running into reporters. I look around and notice a park a block away.

"How about we grab sandwiches and drinks and go to the park?"

Bella, a little calmer now, nods. "Yes. That sounds great."

There's a small deli across the street. We go in and place our order, wandering the shop while we wait. The shelves hold homemade jellies, sauces, and dressings. Bella chooses a cranberry barbecue sauce to bring home. When our food is ready, we grab drinks from the cold case, and I pay for our purchases.

We walk to the park in comfortable silence. It's a windy day, and there aren't many people on the street. I sling one arm over Bella's shoulders, holding our bag of food in the other. She snakes an arm around my waist and leans into me with a content sigh. There's a grove of picnic tables in the park, some of them in the sun. All of them are empty at the moment, but I choose the one that's in partial sun and furthest away from the entrance.

I put the bag down and lay out our lunch.

"Put mine on the same side as yours," Bella says. "I want to be close to you."

I grin. "That sounds great." I move her food next to mine, and we sit facing the entrance so we won't be surprised by anyone.

It's sad, but I'm paranoid about being accosted by a reporter or someone in Tanya's camp. The court granted both of us restraining orders against Tanya while the case was pending, but she still managed to harass us, mostly by using Jordin to send messages that sounded innocent to an outsider, but I recognized the veiled threats. I haven't been worried about myself. I'm concerned Tanya might hire someone to go after Bella. If Tanya was willing to pay twenty grand to have someone fuck her up and make it look like she was attacked, what might she pay to have something done to Bella?

"Earth to Edward . . ." Bella is staring at me.

"Sorry, what?"

Bella puts her partially eaten sandwich down and wipes her hands on a napkin. "What's going on with you?"

"Nothing. What do you mean?"

"You've been sitting there staring into space. You haven't taken a bite of your food. And you have that look—the one you get when you're hiding shit."

I sigh, slipping one hand in the back of her hair and running my fingers through the silken strands. "I'm sorry if I've been distracted. I didn't want to worry you, but I guess that plan failed spectacularly." I laugh, shaking my head. "I'm worried about what Tanya might do. She's probably going to do some time, and she should, but she's a vengeful bitch. If anything ever happened to you because of me . . . I don't think I could live with that."

Bella rests her head on my shoulder. "I had a feeling that's what was bothering you. We can't live in fear of that crazy bitch. There are options. We can transfer to another university across the country, or we can stay here and deal. I refuse to let her ruin our lives any more than she already has."

"You're right. I tend to overthink too much." I finally take a bite of my sandwich, and it's delicious. I realize how hungry I am and have a few more bites.

Bella smiles. "There's my Edward."

"What were you giggling about before we left court?"

Bella laughs again, covering her mouth. "It's so amusing to watch Tanya get raked over the coals. I thought she was going to jump over the table and scratch Mike's eyes out!" She laughs harder, tears standing in her eyes.

I start laughing too. It really was a sight, classic Tanya. "It was pretty funny."

"Mike provoked her on purpose so everyone would see what a shrew she is."

"You think?"

"I know Mike. He definitely did that on purpose."

"Well, he should do something to make up for what he did to us!" I can't control the anger that flares inside me, and I clench a fist.

Bella caresses my cheek. "Believe me, Mike is paying for it every day."

"You're too forgiving."

"No, I just know how much he's suffering. I'm pissed that we lost all that time, but if it weren't for Mike, you'd be married to that shrew in there right now."

"Touché. Guess I should give the guy a break." I lean over and press a kiss to the side of Bella's neck. "He doesn't have you anymore, but I get to kiss and hold you every day."

Bella shivers a little. "That feels so good."

She turns to face me and presses her lips to mine. Somehow we end up wrapped around each other, kissing slow and deep. My body tingles all over, the same way it always has whenever I touch Bella. We have such a strong connection; it's hard to believe I ever doubted it, but I have to forgive younger me for being so gullible.

We finish our lunch and walk back to the courthouse, holding hands. Having this break from court and talking with Bella about my concerns bolstered my confidence. I'm ready to face the verdict, whatever it is.

Judge Michaels announces his decision to limit the gallery to potential victims, witnesses, and a few select reporters. He looks stern as everyone files in and bangs his gavel a few times. "Counselors, per our conversation in chambers, I expect you to control your clients and witnesses during this proceeding. I will remove anyone who can't behave themselves and hold them in contempt. This is a court of law. You may resume." He bangs his gavel hard. "Mr. Hunter, do you have any further questions for Mr. Newton?"

"No, your honor."

"Very well. Ms. Sharma?"

Mare Sharma steps forward. "The People call Jason Albright to the stand."

Albright saunters up to the witness box like the cocky bastard he is. He's dressed up, but it's more believable on him than it was on Grayson.

"Mr. Albright, have you been given a deal in exchange for your testimony today?"

"No, just immunity from any charges that might arise from my testimony."

"Thank you. You are the owner of a bar called The Quiet Man?"

"Yes."

"Are you familiar with the defendant, Tanya Denali?"

"I sure am." He waggles his fingers at Tanya. "She was a regular at my place, a pretty little pill head."

"How do you know about her drug usage?"

"She bought pills from me for the past few years."

"What kind of pills?"

Albright fidgets in his seat. "It's a proprietary blend called BriteBlue. It's a mood enhancer."

"Any similarities to the date-rape drug GHB?"

"None."

"Is it true that a few months ago Bella Swan came to see you at The Quiet Man?"

Albright nods, a smirk lifting the corner of his lips. "The fair Bella. She was a hoot! She came in looking for proof that Tanya Denali set up her own attack."

"And did you give her the requested information?"

"Indirectly."

"Can you explain?"

"Bella came in with a recording device, which I confiscated. Once she told me the story about what Tanya did to her, I decided to help indirectly. I turned her recorder on and had a conversation with one of my guys."

"Let the record reflect Exhibit B is a recording provided by Jason Albright."

Skip, my man. You have any idea what the fair Bella is here about?

Nope, but she's ballsy.

True that. She thinks the Denali bitch paid me off to get herself beat up.

Why would Tanya pay you to mess up her fine ass? Hey, didn't she get really fucked up recently?

Sure did. Supposedly an ingenious plan gone wrong. I admit Tanya did sniff around here, but I cut her off before she could outline her plan. I don't get involved in that kinda shit.

So you think she found someone to do it?

Yep. Someone that took shit too far. Who do you know that would get involved with such a twisted scheme and manage to get that into it?

I dunno.

Think about it. Who's the most depraved asshole you know?

Phil Grayson.

That's exactly who I was thinking of. Go take a look out front and make sure everything's running smoothly. I'm going to finish up my biz in the office.

Okay.

One set of footsteps fade before Albright's voice comes through the recorder loud and clear: Don't say I never gave you anything.

The jurors look at one another and a few shoot glances at Tanya.

Mare Sharma shoots a triumphant look at James Hunter. "Your witness."

Hunter remains seated, a legal pad in front of him. "Mr. Albright, do you have any proof that Tanya Denali hired Philip Grayson or anyone else to attack her?"

"No."

"You staged that confession to give Bella Swan what she was asking for, correct?"

"Yes."

"No further questions."

"The prosecution rests, your honor."

Judge Michaels nods. "I'd like to remind the jurors not to discuss this case with anyone outside and not to watch or read about the case. Court is adjourned until nine tomorrow morning." He bangs the gavel.

The jury files out of the room, and the bailiffs start to direct everyone else out the rear doors.

Mare puts the papers on the table back in her briefcase, then turns in her seat, pitching her voice low. "I think that went well. Michael Newton was especially helpful. There's no way to scrub the jurors' minds of Tanya flipping out."

I lean forward. "Is there anything we need to worry about with the defense?"

"I doubt it. Hunter would be an idiot to put Tanya on the stand, so I expect they will try to bring in character witnesses, maybe an expert to try to debunk our recordings. I'm confident she'll be doing time." She pats my hand. "Get a good night's rest because after this trial is over, we party."

Mare saunters down the aisle, full of confidence. I have a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. Tanya usually manages to land on her feet. I have to trust the ADA's opinion that she won't this time.

I wrap my arm around Bella's waist, and we make our way out the doors into the lobby. The crowd is thinning, and I look out the courthouse doors. The front steps are teeming with reporters. Someone shouts out, and everyone turns at the same time. Tanya is up at the corner, trying to cross the street with her sister Kate. Even with a scarf over her hair, she's recognizable, and the crowd surges in her direction.

"This is our chance, Bella!" I grasp her hand, and we hurry down the steps and speed walk in the other direction.

We return to our apartment, completely exhausted. I order food to be delivered, and we flop on the couch. I pull Bella's feet onto my lap and massage them. She lies back with a contented sigh.

I flip on the TV, and I'm immediately sorry that I did. Tanya and James Hunter are being interviewed by reporters outside the courthouse.

"Ms. Denali, you maintain your innocence?"

Tanya turns a tearful face toward the camera. "I made a mistake when I was in high school, one I deeply regret. But I did not pay that dirtbag to beat me up! I'd have to be insane. My ex, his girlfriend, and her police chief father are trying to destroy me."

The reporter moves the mic closer to her lawyer. "Mr. Hunter, how are you feeling about this case?"

"I feel good about the case. The jurors are intelligent people, and they will see through this attempt to railroad my client into accepting blame for trumped-up charges. Ms. Denali has admitted wrongdoing in the Forks case and is ready to accept punishment, but the ADA is determined to further her own agenda. We intend to expose the conspiracy surrounding this case. Thank you!"

The reporters start yelling out questions, but Hunter waves and leads Tanya away quickly.

"And there you have it. As the case heats up, there are many conflicting accounts. Which one is the truth? Let's hope the jury can untangle the web. Court will resume tomorrow morning, and the defense will present their case. Marsha Long reporting."

~*SN*~

A/N: Again, I apologize for the long wait time for this update. Would love to hear your theories about the trial outcome. Does Tanya wear an orange jumpsuit, or does she walk? I'm estimating 2-3 more chapters for this story.

My new drabble-ish story Animal will be featured on The Lemonade Stand Sneak Peek feature on Saturday, September 24th. Will be teasing the summary, part of a chapter, the banner, and the date the story will start posting! Thanks to the ladies at TLS for frequently featuring my stories in their What We're Reading section!

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