by Katie
Eve is working at the hospital still a little dazed by all that's been happening. Chris walks up to her at the nurses station.
Chris: Hey I hear Devlin really did a number on Julie.
Eve: He raped her from infancy till college, beat her, and got her pregnant, then forced her to have an abortion. Chris: Well it's not surprising everyone knows he is a jerk. How's Julie?
Eve: She is doing okay the Scanlons have built a pretty strong wall of protection around her. I'm not sure Frank is even letting her out of his sight unless Joe, Karen, or Mary is there with her.
Chris: Well she's probably doing better now, I just heard she's going to be famous, and we all have to go to this big dinner in her honor on May 1.
Eve: Yeah I heard about that. I think it's great that she can have a distraction right now. But I doubt that takes away the pain.
Chris: Oh come on she's going to be rich and famous!
Eve puts down her file in exasperation as tears start to well up in her eyes.
Eve: Chris shut up just shut up! You have know Idea what it feels like to be hurt like that! None what so ever, you don't just walk away from it okay it's a permanent scar! Eve storms off, Chris watches her with surprise and concern.
Back at the house the phone rings Joe grabs it.
Joe: Hello?
Matt: Hey Joe it's Matt and Ellen Calling.
Hi Joe Ellen calls from the back ground.
Joe: Hey what's up?
Matt: Well we just heard about Julie's big award. I mean being written up in The New England Journal of Medicine, having a procedure that will save lives named after you, and having a dinner held in your honor is a real big deal. We wanted to call and congratulate her.
Joe: I'm sure she'd like that let me go get her.
Joe runs into the living room where Julie and her Mom are still talking.
Joe: Hey Julie, Oh hi Nicole I didn't know you were here. It's nice to see you I wish it could be under happier circumstances.
Nicole: It's nice to see you to Joe.
Joe: Julie Matt and Ellen are on the phone they want to say congratulations.
Julie: Thanks Joe.
Julie picks up the phone.
Julie: Hello
Matt: Is this the famous Dr. Julie Morris?
Julie laughs.
Julie: Hey Matt, what's up?
Matt: Ellen and I just wanted to call and congratulate you.
Ellen: Congratulations Julie!
Julie: Thanks guys that means alot to me. But I want you both to know that when I give my speech I'm going to make it clear that I had the best help any doctor could ever ask for.
Matt: Julie that is so nice of you. But listen you really did the big part of it so don't sell yourself short okay you totally deserve this.
Ellen: Absolutely! Julie: Thank you so much.
Matt: Well we'll let you go now bye.
Ellen: Bye.
Julie: Bye and thanks again.
They hang up.
Nicole turns on the t.v. The first thing on is a report on Bennett Devlin.
Reporter: Renowned heart surgeon Bennett Devlin posted bail an hour ago allowing himself freedom for the duration of the trail. In a statement released earlier Bennett Devlin called his daughters accusations of abuse bold faced lies of an overly indulged, Jealous, and disturbed woman.
Julie is as white as a ghost and is shaking as tears start to run down her face.
Julie: It's starting it's starting!
Frank who has been listening from the stair case comes running over to her and holds her tightly to his chest rocking her back and forth.
Frank: Joe turn that damm thing off now! And bring me the phone.
Joe quickly gets the t.v. off and hands Frank the phone.
Nicole: I'm so sorry I should never have turned that on.
Frank: It's okay Nicole we would have found out about it regardless.
Frank dials a number with one hand while he still holds Julie close with his other arm rocking her back and forth. Frank: Hello this is Frank Scanlon speaking I need to speak with the chief editor immediately! Thank you. Julie it's going to be okay shhh sweetie it's okay Franks here. Remember what I told you about turf, he is in for a rude awakening. Hello Clint Frank here how are you? That's good well actually I'm pretty angry at the moment. Well a slime ball from the mid west has declared war on the woman I love. Oh you heard about it well thank you I'll tell her you said that she needs all the support she can get. We also need a newspaper to fight back on. The front page of tomorrows morning paper would be fine. Let me check Julie you can answer a few questions in say an hour can't you? I'll be right by your side. Julie nods in amazement. Yes Clint that will be fine now what is the reporters name on want the best on this. What, oh thank you Clint I've heard of her she's won many awards for her writing she'll do just fine thank you.
Nicole and Julie are looking at Frank in stunned silence. Joe is just grinning away at his brother.
Joe: Devlin doesn't realize that around these parts Frank is top dog. I'd say he has at least as much if not more power then Devlin.
Frank: Okay Clint thanks again bye. There now everything is going to be fine. Tomorrows paper will bring a rude awakening for Devlin.
Julie stairs at Frank as a smile spread across her face.
Julie: I'm the luckiest women alive.
Frank: No I'm the luckiest man alive.
Nicole: So which paper is this?
Frank: The Port Charles Times. They are the most widely read paper here in Port Charles.
Joe is beaming.
Joe: That's my brother.
At Karen's apartment Scott rings the bell.
Karen: Hi Dad come in.
Scott: So are you about ready?
Karen: Almost.
Scott: Karen can I ask you a question?
Karen: Sure Dad.
Scott: Are you really okay? I mean can I do anything for you?
Karen takes Scott by the hand and leads him to the couch.
Karen: Dad please listen to me. Yes when I remembered it it was awful and yes for along time I wasn't okay at all. But I made it and I made it because of you.
Scott: What do you mean you made it because of me I wasn't even around.
Karen: But your strength, and determination, your drive and never say die attitude were in me. And in the end that is what saved me. I love you Dad and you have nothing to feel bad about. I'm proud to be your daughter.
Scott smiles.
Scott: Well I'm proud to have you as my daughter.
They hug.
Chapter 20
It is the next day and the press is having a field day. However thanks
to Frank Devlin is coming out looking like a dirt bag while Julie is looking
better then ever. Every news paper, T.V. station, and radio station in
Port Charles is behind Julie thanks to Frank. Nicole decides that she needs
to see Devlin. She goes to his hotel not sure of what she is going to say.
He answers the door.
Devlin: Hello Nicole I heard you were in town.
Nicole: Well I wanted to be her for her, although the Scanlons are doing a great job of taking care of her.
Devlin: Please come in.
Nicole enters nervously.
Devlin: Nicole you have to believe me Julie is lying.
Nicole: The only liar in this family is you! Julie has never given me a reason to doubt her and I'm not going to start now. Besides you're the only one who has ever given me a reason to doubt. You spent most of are marriage lying to me!
Devlin: Well maybe if that damm press would tell my side of it you'd see the truth!
Nicole: The only truth here is that you are a monster! Your luck has run out Bennett! And as for the press not listening. you well that's because good always wins and Frank is as good as they come! Just tell me Bennett how could you how could you do that to her!
Devlin: I didn't do anything to her! Besides it's not as if she's my real child!
Nicole: Don't you ever bring that up again!
Nicole slaps him.
Devlin grabs her tightly by the arms.
Devlin: I'll bring up anything I damm well please!
Nicole: Let go of me! Devlin throws her onto the bed and slaps her. She tries to get up but he shoves her down. Then he hits her again. Suddenly there is a loud knock at the door. Nicole yells come in. Devlin jumps away from Nicole as Frank walks in. Frank looks at Nicole.
Frank: Nicole are you alright? Come on lets go.
He helps Nicole out and as he dose he turns to Devlin.
Frank: You know you're digging your own grave.
Devlin: GET OUT!
Nicole: Gladly.
Frank takes Nicole back to the house and gives her some ice for her face.
Nicole: Thank you Frank.
Frank: Your welcome.
Nicole: How did you know I was there, or that I needed help?
Frank: Julie told me that you were going over and she was worried so I went over to see if everything was okay.
Nicole: Well what do you know superheroes do exists.
Frank blushes.
Frank: It was nothing I was just putting Julie's mind at ease.
Nicole shakes her head. Nicole: Know wonder she loves you, I mean how could any women in there right mind not.
Frank blushes.
Nicole: You know this could help Julie's case against him.
Frank: If you want to make this public, that's for you to decide not me.
Nicole: Frank I couldn't stop him from hurting Julie, but I can certainly help put him away.
Frank smiles.
Frank: Thank you Nicole. Frank gets on the phone and alerts the media to Devlin's latest crime.
After he gets off the phone his PI calls.
Felicia: Frank it's Felicia.
Frank: Hi Felicia have you found something? Felicia: As a matter of fact I have. It's about Amber Rose.
Chapter 21
Frank's heart quickens upon hearing the name of Julie's long lost daughter.
He glances at Nicole who is sitting at the kitchen table holding Ice over
her eye.
Frank: Hold on a sec, Nicole I really need to take this call in private. Can you hang up when I get on upstairs?
Nicole: Sure no problem.
Frank races upstairs, and yells down that he has it and Nicole hangs up.
Mary comes in then with arm loads of groceries.
Nicole: Oh Mary let me help you.
Nicole takes a couple of the bags to the counter.
Mary; Thank you, I'm sure it seems silly me buying groceries for my two grown boys but they will always be my babies.
Nicole: I don't think it's silly at all if I could go back in time and baby Buddy I certainly would. Sons are so special.
Mary: Nicole what happened to your face?
Nicole: I went to confront Devlin.
Mary: He hit you!
Nicole: Well in a way I'm glad he did. It will help Julie's case.
Mary: That miserable rat, Julie is such a great girl. I hope he is sent away for ever.
Nicole: Same here the fact that he did that to her right under my nose makes me sick. The thing is I can't help but feel awful about it. I should have been able to keep her safe but I didn't.
Mary: Oh Nicole you can't blame yourself you didn't know. I on the other hand I have alot to feel guilty about when it comes to my kids.
Nicole: What do you mean?
Mary: I was raised in a very strict catholic home. I was taught that the man you marry you stay married to no matter what. And if it was a bad marriage well that was just to bad and you had to stay with it. When I fell in love with Frank and Joe's father he was a wonderful man at least I thought he was. It turned out I was wrong. He was an alcoholic, and extremely abusive. He barely ever worked and he beat the boys and I so badly that on at least a dozen occasions one or more of us were hospitalized. He was verbal and emotionally cruel as well to all of us. I thought from time to time about leaving but my parents told me I couldn't and everything I had learned my whole life kept me from leaving. After my parents died I really thought about leaving but I was afraid and I still believed it would be wrong of me to. When he died we finally had freedom. But I was in a new prison the prison of guilt. You see that man stole my children's childhood, and more or less made it necessary of Frank to raise Joe. The reality is Frank is more Joe's father then his brother. Anyway I've spent most of their adult lives trying to make up for not saving them from that abuse. Nicole you didn't know I did.
Nicole: Oh Mary I'm so sorry.
They hug.
Upstairs Frank is on the phone with Felicia.
Frank: So what about Amber Rose? Is she alive? Is she healthy? Is she happy? Dose she have a good family? Dose she need anything?
Felicia: She's alive, and she is healthy, and in general happy. However she doesn't have a family. Devlin never really gave permission for her to be adopted. She is living in an orphanage in Ohio.
Frank: WHAT?! That jerk! He promised Julie that her little girl would have a family. What is the name of the place, and can you give me the number?
Felicia: It's called Sunshine house for girls. The number is 513-555-9761. Oh and just to let you know all of those people you needed me to find for the trial, it's done we have all of them.
Frank: Thanks Felicia that's great, the trail starts May 5 so we need as much ammunition as we can get.
Felicia: Your welcome I'm a parent myself and if anyone messed with them I'd want them punished as badly as they could be so I'll keep looking for evidence.
Frank; Thanks again bye.
Felicia: Bye I'll be in touch.
Frank hangs up, grabs his car keys and runs out of the house. When he gets to the hospital he finds Julie hard at work.
Julie: Hey there handsome.
Frank hugs her.
Frank: Hey there beautiful. How is your day?
Julie: Pretty good everyone is congratulating me on my award. And everyone has been very supportive. So did my mom's visit with my Dad go okay?
Frank: Not really he hit her pretty hard. But don't worry she is going to be fine.
Julie: Oh My God when will this end Frank!
Frank hugs Julie tightly
Frank: Soon Julie very soon. The trail is coming up and Devlin will get his due.
Julie: Do you really believe he will?
Frank: My pi is gathering a tun of evidence, and with your Dad's current behavior I think we should have no problem burying him. Speaking of my pi I have some news for you about Amber Rose.
Julie: You do? Oh how is she?
Frank: Well she is healthy, however your Dad never signed the waver allowing her to be adopted. She is living in an orphanage in Ohio.
Julie: Oh My God my poor baby! He promised I guess him lying shouldn't surprise me but Frank an orphanage!
Frank hugs her.
Frank: I know Julie I know. Listen I'm still on the foster care list okay I can be a foster parent when ever. If you want just say the word and I'm on the next plane to Ohio and I'll bring her back here to be with us.
Julie: I could finally be a mother to her. But what if she hates me for this she doesn't know why she has had to live there.
Frank: Julie I will explain it all to her. Now do you want me to get her or not.
Julie thinks for a minute.
Julie: Yes I don't want her spending another day in that place.
Frank smiles.
Frank: Okay let me make a few calls and I'll be on my way.
Frank dials a number.
Leia: Travel Desk Leia speaking.
Frank: Hi Leia Frank Scanlon here how are you how is your husbands hand?
Leia: Oh hi Frank it's so nice to here from you. I'm doing well thankyou, Jim has almost full use of his hand again thanks for asking. How may I help you?
Frank: I'm glad to here that Leia. Well what I need is to be on the next possible flight to Ohio it's urgent.
Leia; Well there is one leaving in an hour and a half.
Frank: Perfect thank you so much Leia.
Leia; You're welcome you can pick up your ticket when you check in.
Frank: Great thanks again bye.
Frank dials another number.
Kristen: Children's Service's Kristen speaking how may I help you?
Frank: Hi Kristen Frank Scanlon here how are you how is your little girls burn?
Kristen: Oh Hi Frank I'm good, her burn is almost heeled. What can I do for you/
Frank; Oh I'm glad to hear that. Listen I can't really go into detail on this all I can really tell you is that there is a little girl named Amber Rose living at Sunshine house for girls in Ohio. She shouldn't be there and she is very important to my girlfriend I'm on my way to Ohio now and
Kristen: And you want me to make arrangements for her to come home with you no problem Frank.
Frank: Thanks Kristen bye.
Joe and Karen walk up.
Joe: Hey Frank what's up?
Frank: I can't go into this right now I have to be on a plane in an hour and a half. Please stay near Julie I will be back by tomorrow night.
Frank hugs Julie.
Frank: Julie I will call you as soon as she is with me. I love you and everything is going to be alright.
He kisses her and runs.
Joe and Karen look at each other.
Julie: I think there is something the two of you need to know.
Julie tells them the story.
Karen: Well I can't say I'm surprised Devlin would do that.
Joe: And Franks going to get her right now.
Julie: Yep I'm about to meat my little girl.
Karen: How do you feel/
Julie; Oh scared, excited, nervous,
Karen: I'm sure everything is going to be fine.
Joe: You know what else this means don't you
Karen and Julie look at each other.
Joe: We have less then 24 hours to get a little girls room put together.
Karen: Joe you're right! Julie are you off now?
Julie: Yes
Karen: Well Joe and I are also come on lets hit the stores.
The threesome leave excitedly.
Chapter 22
It is the next morning, Joe, Karen and Julie have been working all
night to set up the perfect little girls room.
Julie: Do you think she'll like it?
Joe: How could she not it looks like a kids paradise.
Karen: Besides we got alot of advice from Serena and she is around
Amber Rose's age. Where did you come up with that name anyway it is so
pretty.
Julie: Thanks, Well I always loved Roses and when I was little I had
this doll named Amber that I really loved so I just put them together.
Karen: Hey do you still have that doll? We could put it on the bed
for Amber Rose! I bet she'd love to have it.
Julie gets a sad look on her face.
Joe: Julie what is it?
Julie: One night when my Dad was going to hurt me I managed to stop
him by setting up alot of toys right inside the room he fell over them
making such noise that it woke mom up. The next morning he ripped the doll
apart and told me if I ever did that again he'd rip me apart.
Joe goes over and hugs Julie tightly.
Joe: Julie I'm so sorry, I can't believe anyone could be as sick and
twisted as that man.
Julie: You want to talk about sick I kept the pieces of that doll.
They are in my closet.
Just then Nicole calls from down stairs.
Julie: Coming Mom. I called her over this morning I have to tell her
about Amber Rose.
Julie leaves. Joe and Karen look at each other.
Karen: Joe are you thinking what I'm thinking.
Joe: Get the doll.
Karen runs down through the kitchen so as to not disturb Julie and
her mom. She quickly gets the bag of doll parts and races up to Joe's room.
They then set to work.
Julie and her mom are sitting on the couch.
Julie: Mom I need to tell you something.
Nicole: What is it sweetheart?
Julie: Well I wasn't sure if Dad might try to discredit me by bringing
up Amber Rose. So I told Frank about her, and he offered to have the PI's
he had already hired to gather evidence to also find out about Amber Rose.
You know If she is happy and healthy and h as a good family.
Nicole.: That sounds like Frank. So what did he find out?
Julie: Yesterday. he learned that Dad Lied yet again. He didn't sign
the papers making it legal for her to be adopted. She has been living in
an orphanage in Ohio.
Nicole: I can't believe that man! What can I do to help?
Julie smiles.
Julie: Be a loving grandmother when Frank brings her through that door.
Nicole smiles and shakes her head.
Nicole: So that's where Frank is. I should have known. I'll help you
explain everything to her.
Julie: Thanks but Frank said he'd have it explained to her by the time
she gets here. Nicole: Now why dose that not surprise me.
They both laugh. The phone rings.
Julie: Hello
Frank: Hey lovely lady how've you been.
Julie: I'm doing good. Where are you calling from?
Frank: I'm calling from the air plain. Amber Rose is sitting right
here next to me. Julie she's beautiful. She has your eyes, and nose, she
has your long legs and your curly reddish brown hair. And she is just as
sweet as can be. I told her everything and her response was is my Mommy
okay? Please tell her I'm fine and not to worry.
Julie has tears in her eyes.
Julie: Tell her I can't wait to meet her and give her a big hug.
Frank: I sure will, wait a sec.
Amber Rose: Mom?
Julie starts sobbing.
Julie: Hi sweetie.
Amber Rose: Mom don't cry it's okay.
Julie: Oh sweetie these are tears of joy not sorrow.
Amber Rose: I'll see you soon. bye
Julie: Bye
Frank: Julie? Are you okay?
Julie: Frank I'm great thanks to you.
Frank: We will be home soon. Bye.
The hang up.
Nicole: Is everything okay?
Julie: Everything is perfect.
Nicole: Well in that case, do we know what size she wears?
Julie: Yes Frank called with that information last night.
Nicole: Well in that case lets go my grand child will need clothes
to wear.
They head out the door.
Chapter 23
Nicole: Well hello there. You know you are the spitting image of your
mother.
Just then Julie comes back downstairs. She stops in her track when she sees Amber Rose. She looks at her and Amber Rose stairs right back. Frank bends down to her level.
Frank: That's your Mom.
Julie: Hi there.
Amber Rose walks slowly over to Julie. Julie bends down in front of her. Julie tries hard not to cry.
Julie: I'm so glad you're here.
Amber Rose: I'm glad to.
They embrace. As Julie hugs her daughter for the first time tears stream down her face. She mouths the words Thank you to Frank.
At the firehouse Scott and Eve are enjoying a romantic dinner alone while Serena stays over at the light house.
Scott: You certainly are quite tonight.
Eve: I'm sorry I guess my mind is on other things.
Scott: Like what?
Eve: Like the fact that I'm probably going to be called to testify at Devlin's trial when it starts on the 5 of May. Like the fact that he knows secrets about me that he could reveal during that trial to discredit anything negative I say about him. Like the fact that He'd probably find a reason to tell the world a thing or two about me regardless of what I say. And like the fact that a secret Julie doesn't know about herself that Devlin confided in me could come out and I don't know how she'll take it.
Scott: Well you certainly have a full plate of thoughts there.
Eve: You can say that again.
Scott: What kind of secrets do you have that Devlin could reveal?
Eve sighs.
Eve: Well I guess it will probably come out anyway so you might as well hear it from me.
Scott: Sounds big.
Eve: Oh it is.
Scott: You don't have to tell me if you don't want to.
Eve: I don't want to, but considering it will probably come out I really need to.
Scott: Okay lets hear it.
Eve: I grew up in homeless shelters, hotels, and friends houses. My mom had me when she was 13. So she dropped out of School to raise me. My sister was born two years later. My mother tried but she was not only 13 she was also a cocaine addict. She still is. My mother was a prostitute, she spent most of her money on drugs but did give us some for clothes and food. When she was high she was also extremely abusive. When I was 12 she told me I had to start working the streets with her to help her pay for food and clothes or I had to leave and make it on my own. So not wanting to be away from my family I started working the streets at night and going to school during the day. I'd get out at 3 rush to where ever it was we were staying and do my home work grab a bight to eat. Then I'd be on the streets by 7. I did this through high school. I got a scholarship to college and I was out of there. I never looked back but it still haunts me. I thought that Devlin was the man of my dreams. I believed I was in love with him and that he was in love with me. So I told him about this.
Eve Starts crying, Scott moves over to her and hugs her.
Scott: And know one ever tried to take you and your sister away from her?
Eve: We went to a school in probably the worst section of New York there is. Most of the kids there had similar stories. The counselors and teachers were overworked underpaid and felt as hopeless as we did. Social services were so swamped in that area that us slipping through the cracks was no surprise.
Scott: Did you ever try and leave before college?
Eve: I thought about it I thought about it alot. I even got so far as to pack a small bag and walk to the subway. If It hadn't been for my little sister I probably would have left. But I love Shelly and I didn't want to abandon her, especially since I new Mom would then make her be a prostitute. You see since I was one mom didn't make Shelly be one however if I had left mom would have made Shelly work the streets as well. I just couldn't let that happen to my sister. Taking that college scholarship was the hardest thing I ever did but I new I had to do it. Or I was going to have no future.
Scott: Did your mom make Shelly work the streets when you left for college?
Eve: No, you see I had been hiding some of the money from each of my customers from my mom for years. So I had enough to take Shelly with me. Shelly got bounced around from my friends houses and hotels for the next two years till she got into college. But it was so worth it.
Scott: Didn't your mom come looking for her?
Eve: No she was glad to be rid of us.
Scott: Eve I'm sorry you had it so rough, but listen Devlin tries to discredit you with that information we'll just make sure that everyone hears the whole story. After all it doesn't take a genius to figure out that you were forced into that. I think that alone qualifies as abuse.
Eve smiles a little.
Eve: I never thought about it like that. Well I hope your right, I don't want to hurt Julie's case against Devlin.
Scott: I don't think it would hurt it anyway. It's not about her it's about you. It might cause your testimony not to have as great an impact but I don't think it would hurt the case. However as I said I don't think the jury will hold it against you as long as we get the whole story out.
Eve: I hope you're right. So you're not ashamed of me?
Scott: Never. Listen I've done a tun of things that I'm not proud of. I'd be a hypocrite if I held this against you. Besides Eve I love you.
Eve is taken back by this.
Eve: Excuse me.
Scott: I love you. I have for awhile. But I just didn't have the nerve to say so. I love you Eve. After Dominique I never thought I'd love again but I was wrong because I love you.
Eve has tears in her eyes.
Eve: I love you to.
They kiss passionately. Scott then stands and swoops her up in his arms. He carries her upstairs and lays her across his bed. They kiss passionately as they feverishly tear off one another's clothes and roll together as one.
Matt and Ellen are at his place they have just finished watching a movie.
Ellen: Oh I love that movie. Pretty Women is such a great love story. It's an adult fairy tale.
Matt: It is good, but I'm not sure if such a good idea to glamorize prostitution. I mean what if some impressionable young girl saw it.
Ellen: Well I agree it's not a movie for children but as far as entertainment goes for adults it's pretty good. Besides in the end it shows her getting out of that life.
Matt: I guess so.
Ellen: Well what kind of movies do you prefer?
Matt: Comedies, I think there isn't enough laughter in this world so I'm always up for a comedy. For example I loved Ace Ventura Pet Detective that was so funny. But I do like dramas if they are tastefully done. Like Awakenings, that was a wonderful movie.
Ellen: Oh I saw that it was a great movie. Don't you like romantic movie's?
Matt: Well yes I thought sleepless in Seattle was great. You know two lonely people like ships lost at sea finding one another.
Matt strokes Ellen's cheek and kisses her.
Ellen: Two lonely souls coming together is a wonder full thing.
Ellen rubs Matt's chest and kisses him. Matt begins kissing her neck, and Ellen wraps her arms around him they fall back onto the couch. Matt and Ellen start to unbutton each others shirts as they kiss passionately. Matt suddenly pulls back a bit.
Matt: Ellen are you ready for this?
Ellen: Yes Matt I want you.
With that Matt pulls her to him tightly and as the rest of there clothes fall to the floor they embrace as one there passion blazing out of control.
Chapter 24
It has been a week since Frank brought little Amber Rose home. Everyone
has simply fallen in love with this little angel. Frank's P.I.'s have been
very successful in finding a great deal of evidence and a great number
of witnesses to help when the trial starts in 4 days. But today the trial
is the furthest thing from everyone's mind for tonight is the night of
the big dinner to honor Julie. Julie is upstairs going over her speech
she decides to go down stairs for a break. She hears noise outside and
looks out the open kitchen window. She smiles at what she sees. Frank and
Amber Rose playing basketball.
Frank: That's it dribble that ball. Come on no don't let it get out
of your control come on.
Amber Rose: Which way do I go?
Frank: It doesn't matter the idea is to get around me so you can shoot the ball.
Amber Rose: Oh you mean like this?
Amber Rose who had been fumbling with the ball like she didn't know what to do with it suddenly grabs it spins around Frank and shoots the ball right into the net.
Amber Rose: Gotch ya.
Frank laughs and shakes his head. He smiles at this little clone of Julie
Frank: Yep you did. I should of known you are so much like your mother in every other way of course you'd be great at playing basket ball. You really are your mother's daughter.
Amber Rose: She tricked you to huh.
Frank: She sure did almost a year ago, scammed me out of a months rent.
Amber Rose: So what do I get?
Frank: Well you can choose you can either stay up an extra half hour tonight or you can have one of my famous hot fudge sundae's before your mom and I leave for that big black tie dinner there holding to honor your mom.
Amber Rose tilts her head and thinks for a minute.
Amber Rose: I'll take the hot fudge sundae.
Frank: That does sound good I think I'll have one to.
Amber Rose: So what is my mom being honored for?
Frank: Well about a month ago I was in a very bad accident. I fell off the roof of General Hospital. All of the Doctors and Nurses had given up. They all believed I was going to die. But your mom wasn't about to give up. So putting everything on the line she took me into the operating room and performed an operation that had never been done before. People have had heart surgery before but no one has ever had the procedure that she did done. Anyway as you can see it worked. When a doctor comes up with something new that will save many lives the other people in the medical world like to honor them. So this dinner is to honor your mom for that procedure she did on me. Because it not only is going to save alot of lives but it makes the hospital real famous to have her around.
Amber Rose: So my mom is a hero?
Frank: Yes she is she's my hero.
Amber Rose: You love her alot don't you.
Frank: Yes I do but not just for that I was in love with her long before she ever saved me.
Amber Rose: I'm glad she deserves a great guy like you.
Frank blushes.
Frank: Well I think we better get inside, you want that hot fudge sundae don't you.
Amber Rose: You bet I do.
Julie: Hold it right there.
Julie is standing at the top of the steps with her arms folded and frowning.
Julie: No one is having a hot fudge sundae.
A big smile spreads across her face.
Julie: Unless I can have one to.
Frank looks at Amber Rose.
Frank: What do you think Kido should your mom get a hot fudge sundae to?
Amber Rose tilts her head to the side and smiles.
Amber Rose: Well I guess so.
They all laugh and go in to have hot fudge sundae's together.
Julie: I saw you playing out there sweetie that was really good. Who taught you to play?
Amber Rose: This older girl at the orphanage she had three big brothers before her family was killed in a fire. She taught me.
Frank: So do you want to be a basket ball player when you grow up?
Amber Rose: No I think I want to be a doctor like my mom, So I can make people better to.
Frank looks over at Julie who is trying not to cry. She has tears in her eyes and just shakes her head.
Later on everyone is running around getting ready.
Julie is up in Franks room finishing up her hair when he comes in in his tux.
Julie: Well don't you look classy.
Frank: Well I better look sharp my girlfriend is being honored tonight.
Julie smiles
Julie: really what for?
Frank: Oh nothing much just making it possible for me to be standing here tonight.
Frank smiles and pulls her close.
Frank: And I'm forever in her debt.
Julie: Well I'm sure she feels that she's already been paid back in full after all she has you.
They kiss.
Frank: Joe and Karen are getting ready at her place, they are going to pick up mom on there way. And Mrs. Winters should be here any minute to watch Amber Rose. So are you about ready? Julie: I think so I'm really nervous about this speech.
Frank: Julie you'll do great, I'm sure of it. Julie: I wonder how they will present the plaque, and how they will announce my name.
Frank: What do you mean?
Julie: Well if they announce me as Julie Devlin, that isn't someone I want to be, but Julie Morris isn't really who I am.
Frank smiles.
Frank: Well I just might have a solution to that. I was going to wait until later but there is no time like the present is there.
Julie looks at Frank.
Julie: What are you up to?
Frank smiles.
Frank: You'll see.
Frank takes her hand and guides her to a chair she sits down. Frank sits on the edge of his bed right next to her.
Frank: Julie you know that I've had alot of dreams in my life end. Some out of tragedy some out of necessity. But one dream ended for another reason. Julie when I was a kid I dreamed of finding the perfect women. She'd be intelligent, talented, creative, sweet, charming, sensitive, delicate, but still strong and independent and self sufficient. She'd be brave and generous, kind and loyal, and a true friend to all. She'd have a good sense of humor and be fun to be with. And besides being my true love she'd also be my best friend. And if I really lucked out she'd be drop dead gorgeous. Well Julie that dream ended because it came true and it came true the day I met you. But Julie you have surpassed my wildest expectations and I love you more then I can ever express. What all this is leading to Julie is well.
Frank gets up and goes down on one knee. Frank: Julie will you make me the happiest most profoundly fortunate man on the face of the earth and be my wife. Will you marry me?
Julie stairs at Frank speechlessly tears well up in her eyes and she nods her head then finding her voice she chokes out the words yes.
Julie: YES YES YES!!!!! Oh Frank of course I'll marry you! I would be honored to be your wife.
They embrace and kiss.
Amber Rose comes in.
Amber Rose: Mrs. Winters is here. What's going on?
Frank and Julie pull themselves together..
Julie: Sweetheart come here. Sweetie I have some big news to tell you. Frank and I are going to get married.
Amber Rose: Really?! Wow this is so cool!
Frank smiles.
Frank: I'm glad you think so.
Amber Rose looks at Frank.
Amber Rose: Does that mean you'll be my Dad?
Frank: Would you like me to be?
Amber Rose nods her head, Frank looks at Julie.
Julie: It's okay with me.
Frank: Then yes Amber Rose I'd be delighted to be your Dad.
Amber Rose: Wahoo!
Amber Rose runs into Franks arms and he twirls her around.
Frank: Well mom and me better get going you be good for Mrs. Winter's okay.
Amber Rose smiles broadly.
Amber Rose: Okay Dad.
Frank smiles as tears fill his eyes.
Frank and Julie kiss Amber Rose goodnight and head off. As they drive they talk.
Frank: So have you decided how they are going to announce you?
Julie smiles.
Julie: When they announce me they will say Dr. Julie Scanlon.
Frank takes Julie's hand and squeezes it.
Frank: And that's how it should be.
Chapter 25
Frank and Julie arrive happily at the Versailles room. When they walk
in everyone applauds. Julie looks around the room is decorated more lavishly
then she's ever seen a room look. Tears well up in Julie's eyes as she
realizes this is all for her. Frank squeezes her hand and whispers to her.
Frank: You deserve all of this and more future Mrs. Scanlon.
Julie smiles.
Joe Karen and Mary walk over and each hug Julie.
Karen: Julie you look great! Congratulations on the award you deserve it.
Joe: You certainly do. You deserve everything and anything good.
Mary: Oh Julie I don't know how we can ever really thank you enough. You are a hero in our families eyes.
Julie: Thank you but I have just as much to be thankful for. Having Frank in my life is the best thank you I could ask for.
Frank clears his throat.
Frank: Well speaking of family Julie and I have a little announcement to make.
Julie smiles broadly.
Frank: Tonight I asked Julie to marry me.
Julie: And being an intelligent women I said yes!
Karen: Julie that's wonderful! Congratulations! But I can't say I'm surprised.
Joe: I think that is great. Welcome to the family Julie.
Mary: Oh this is wonderful! Julie you are a welcomed addition to our family. Congratulations never thought I'd say this but my son couldn't have picked a better women.
Julie blushes.
Julie: Thank you I'm beyond happy at the prospect of being Franks wife.
Frank: Well if you ask me I'm the lucky one. I get to spend the rest of my life with God's most perfect creation.
Julie turns to Frank with tears in her eyes.
Julie: Are you trying to make me loose all of my eye make-up before my speech.
They all laugh.
Julie: Well if I'm God's most perfect creation then you must be a bona-fide Angel masquerading as a person.
Frank is blushing bright red.
Frank: Well if you see beauty in my eyes it's simply a reflection of all that you are.
Joe: Is anyone else getting a tooth ache.
They all laugh.
Matt and Ellen come up to them.
Matt: Hi Julie congratulations on tonight you really are an incredible doctor.
Ellen: Congratulations Julie we need more doctors like you.
Julie: Well thank you very much. But I have to say all of this is just icing on the cake my prize is the man standing at my side.
Frank: Julie and I are getting married.
Ellen: Oh that's wonderful, congratulations! The two of you are so right for each other.
Matt: That is great news congratulations.
Julie: So Ellen I'm curious you had told me that there was a pool set up on when Frank and I would get engaged who won.
Ellen blushes.
Ellen: Well actually I guess I'm the winner.
Matt: You did guess early may of 98 and today is May 1.
Frank: Waite a minute there was a pool set up as to win we'd get engaged?
Joe: Yeah my guess was Valentines Day.
Karen: I was thinking beginning of June.
Matt: For some reason I just felt July was a good guess but I guess it wasn't.
Mary: I was guessing beginning of April.
Frank: MOM! You were in the pool?!
Joe: Well well well you learn something new everyday.
Mary blushes.
Ellen smiles.
Ellen: She swore me to secrecy when she put her 10 dollars in.
Everyone laughs.
Eve and Scott come over.
Scott: Well this looks like a happy group.
Eve: Congratulations Julie you deserve tonight so much.
Scott: Yeah you really are a great doctor.
Julie smiles.
Julie: Thank you.
Karen: We're also celebrating something else tonight.
Joe: Ellen won the pool.
Eve: Oh my gosh you're getting married!
Frank: We sure are.
Julie: It's a dream come true.
Scott: That's great congratulations.
Eve: That really is wonderful.
Chris walks over.
Chris: What's wonderful.
Frank: Julie and I are getting married.
Chris: Great.
Chris walks away.
Karen: What's with Chris?
Matt: He's probably upset that he lost the pool. His month was August.
Eve: No I don't think that's it. You know Julie Chris has always carried a flame for you. I'll go check on him.
Eve goes to check on Chris.
Frank: Well I need to speak with Dr. Quartermaine real quick before the ceremony starts. Have you seen him.
Joe: I saw him a little while ago but he seemed kind of sick A.J. and Ned were helping him down the stairs.
Karen: Monica is over there maybe she can help you.
Frank: Thanks I'll go talk to her.
Frank kisses Julie on the cheek and goes to speak to Monica.
Mary: So how dose Amber Rose like the idea of you and Frank getting married?
Julie: She is thrilled with the idea of having Frank for a father.
Joe: Well who wouldn't be.
Karen: So do you have your speech for tonight all ready?
Julie: Yeah it's done but I'm still nervous about it.
Ellen: I'm sure you'll do great.
Frank goes over to Monica.
Frank: Hello Dr. Quartermaine.
Monica: Oh Hello Frank how are you? And please call me Monica.
Frank: Okay Dr. I mean Monica, Well thanks to Julie I'm great. How are you?
Monica: I'm doing good.
Frank: I'm glad to hear it. Where is your husband I need to speak with him about the ceremony before it starts.
Monica gets an uncomfortable look on her face.
Monica: Uh He wasn't feeling well so Ned and A.J. took him home. I'm going to be handling the ceremonies for tonight.
Frank: Oh well I hope he feels better soon.
Monica: Thank you. So what is it you need?
Frank: Well Julie and I are getting married.
Monica: That's wonderful, the two of you look so right together.
Frank: Well thank you, I'm very lucky to have her in my life. Anyway would it be at all possible when you introduce her to introduce her as Dr. Julie Scanlon? For reasons I'm sure you are aware of she really doesn't want to be attached to the Devlin name, and the Morris name isn't really hers it's her mothers. Scanlon on the other hand is her future and I think she'd feel better if you could announce her using the Scanlon name.
Monica: Well that makes perfect sense, yes of course no problem.
Frank: Thank you very much.
Frank goes back over to Julie.
Julie: So what was that all about?
Frank: Just making tonight as good for you as I can.
They kiss.
Eve is sitting next to Chris as he inhales a martini.
Eve: You okay?
Chris: Hey if she wants to marry that goody goody what's it to me.
Eve: You still have a flame for her don't you?
Chris: I couldn't careless.
Eve: Then why are you grinding your teeth and brooding.
Chris: Look I think she could do a heck of a lot better but that doesn't mean I have a thing for her. And this night is totally ridiculous, I mean she's a doctor she saved a life that's her job!
Eve: Chris she performed a miracle.
Chris: Oh so we're all supposed to kiss her feet now.
Eve: Okay Chris what's really bothering you?
Chris: Eve leave me alone okay why don't you go pester your sweet little Scottie.
Eve: Okay fine.
Eve walks back over to Scott.
Scott: So what's up with Chris?
Eve: I'm not sure, but he's really in a mood.
Ellen and Matt are sitting at a table.
Matt: You know Ellen you look incredible but I don't think you're supposed to look better then the guest of honor. Although for you that is an impossible rule to fallow I mean there really is no one you don't out shine.
Ellen blushes.
Ellen: Well thank you. You certainly know how to flatter a girl don't you.
Matt smiles.
Matt: I'm trying to.
They kiss. Monica takes the stage.
Monica: May I have your attention please. If you could all find your seats we can get started. Ladies and Gentlemen. We're here tonight to honor an incredibly fine extraordinarily gifted and talented Doctor. She took a patient that there really was no hope for and with great skill and determination saved his life. Every doctor dreams of being able to save the unsaveble. Of being able to create a solution where there is none. Most Doctors strive for there entire careers trying to reach that goal. But the Doctor we're honoring here tonight has been a doctor for less then a year. She is an intern and has already achieved the impossible. She has created a procedure that not only saved a life that every other Doctor had given up on, but buy creating this she has insured that many who would have died will now have a chance. Dr. Julie Scanlon is a blessing to the medical community. Many people will owe their lives to her great skill. Now several people have asked to say a few words. First off the mother of the man she saved Mary Scanlon.
Mary takes the stage.
Mary: The most unnatural most horrific and painful thing for any parent is to have to out live your child. The loss of a child is the most horrific agony anyone can face. Are children are supposed to out live us that's what is supposed to happen. When it doesn't there is no greater grief. Last month I was faced with the possibility of dealing with that exact grief. But thanks to my future daughter in laws great skill, and genius, as well as her determination my son is here with us tonight. She is a miracle worker and the appidemy of what a doctor should be and should do. I'm thankful beyond words to her. Julie you are a blessing to us, and a blessing to all who you will save. Thank you.
Mary leaves the stage.
Monica: Thank you Mrs. Scanlon. Now the man Doctor Julie Scanlon saved would like to say a few words. Mr., Frank Scanlon.
Frank takes the stage.
Frank: Well I can't say I'm surprised I mean from day one she held my heart in the palm of her hand.
Everyone laughs.
Frank: I don't really no what to say I mean how do you thank someone who saves your life. And I realize she's a doctor and it's her job but the fact is if it hadn't of worked since she is an intern she could have gotten in a lot of trouble. So she basically put her career on the line for me. How do you thank someone for that. Julie is a hero, a saint, an angel, my best friend, and the love of my life all in one. Julie thank you that's all I can say thank you.
Monica takes the stage again as Frank goes back to the table.
Monica: I doubt there is much more beyond thank you any of us can say. A person in the past with damage to the accelerator nerves as bad as Franks was died that's just the way it was. But now thanks to Dr. Scanlon we know how to save them. Dr. Julie Scanlons ground breaking procedure of taking veins from other parts of the body and using them to strengthen the connectors will prove a life saver for many. Dr. Julie Scanlon's work is being published in The New England Journal Of Medicine. Dr. Scanlon on behalf of the medical community and all the lives that will benefit thank you would you please come up and except your plaque.
Julie hugs Frank tears streaming down her face and takes the stage.
Julie: Thank you very much. Naturally this kind of success I never imagined having so soon in my career if at all. I have to say though as wonderful as this dinner is and as big an honor as it is to have my work published in the New England Journal Of Medicine it pales in comparison to the real prize of my work. And that is that I now get to grow old with the man of my dreams. Frank I love you and I'd do it all again in a second, thank you.
Everyone applauds.
After dinner there is dancing and soon the night is over. Frank Drives Julie home.
Frank: So how was tonight?
Julie: Amazing, so when you went to talk to Monica was it about using the Scanlon name?
Frank: I wanted tonight to be perfect for you and I felt that would help.
Julie: Well it certainly did.
Chapter 26
It is May 4th tomorrow morning Devlin's trial begins. Everyone is a
little on edge. Julie is in her basement apartment trying to decide what
to where. When Frank comes down to check on her.
Frank: Hey there beautiful.
Julie: Which do you think the yellow suit or the blue one? Or maybe
I should where slacks and a blouse. Oh Frank what if they don't believe
me. He is going to make me look like a piece of trash I just know he is.
Julie sits down on her bed and starts to cry. Frank hurries over to
her and wraps her in his arms.
Frank: Julie it's okay It's going to be okay. Of course the jury is
going to believe you they'd be crazy not to. My P.I.'s are the best and
they have come up with a tune of stuff. I talked to Dar earlier and she
is certain we can win this. I know he may try to make you look bad but
Julie remember the people that count know what a truly spectacular person
you are. The press has done exactly what we needed them to do. They have
put you on a pedestal and knocked him off of his. And that big award of
yours helped to. It is going to be near impossible for him to discredit
you. Julie just remember no matter what happens I love you more then life
itself. You are everything to me, and you do have a family you have one
right here with me, Amber Rose, Joe, and my Mom, you are part of us. And
nothing will ever or could ever change that. I know this is going to be
hard but I have absolute faith in you. You're going to come through this
just fine. And don't forget you're not fighting this alone.
Julie smiles up at Frank.
Julie: You always know just what to say don't you.
Frank: Well I certainly try.
Julie: Well you succeed.
They Kiss tenderly.
Julie: Now what do I wear.
Frank: You have plenty of time to worry about that right now I'm taking
your mind off of that come with me.
He takes her by the hand and leads her upstairs.
Julie: Frank where are you taking me.
Frank: You'll see oh but first I need you to put this on.
Frank pulls out a scarf and covers Julie's eyes. Frank leads her upstairs
and out to his car calling to Joe that they will be back in a bit.
They get in the car and start driving.
Julie: Where are we going? Why do I have to wear this.
Frank: You have to wear that because it's a surprise and I'm not going
to tell you because that will ruin the surprise.
They finally arrive somewhere Frank leads Julie to a spot then tells
her to wait she then hears him rushing around.
Frank: Okay are you ready?
Julie: I guess so.
Frank takes the scarf off of Julie's eyes. She looks around they are
at the beach and all set up before her is a candle light picnic just like
her first date with Frank. And when she looks out over the ocean she sees
a beautiful sunset.
Julie: Oh Frank it's wonderful.
Frank: So you like it?
Julie: Like it I love it!
Julie hugs Frank and kisses him.
Frank: Well then lets sit down and enjoy it.
Frank and Julie sit down, Frank turns on his CD player.
Can this be true
Can this be real
How can I put into words what I feel.
I thought I was whole my life was complete
Why do I feel like I'm loosing control.
Never thought that love could feel like this.
You changed my life with just one kiss.
When I look in your eyes I know that it's true.
God most have spent a little more time on you
As The song plays Frank turns to Julie.
Frank: Julie I have a present for you. But first I have a story to
tell you. When my great great Grandfather on my Dad's side first met my
great great Grandmother he new instantly that she was the one for him.
And after courting her for several months he choose to marry her. Now he
wanted to give her a ring as beautiful as extraordinary as her. But like
every Scanlon after him he was poor. So he took the only thing he had of
value which was a gold plated watch his grandfather had given him down
to a pond shop and sold it. With the money from that watch he bought the
biggest ring he could. Now when there first born son met his true love
he wanted to give her and extraordinary ring. So with my great great Grandparents
blessing my great grandfather gave that ring to my great Grandmother. Then
there first born son my grandfather gave it to my grandmother, and my father
gave it to my mother. And now.
Frank reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small box. He takes out
a beautiful ring and slips it on Julie's finger.
Frank: I'm giving it to you.
Julie is in tears.
Julie: Oh Frank it's perfect! I love it and I love you. And one day
are first born son will give this ring to his true love.
Frank smiles.
Frank: I'm glad you like it.
Frank pulls her in close and kisses her passionately. Julie runs her
fingers through his hair. Frank slowly begins planting hot kisses down
her neck. Julie rubs her hands along his shoulders as they fall together
as one. After hours of hot fiery passion they head home.
It is morning now and sun streams into Franks bedroom window as Frank
and Julie lay snuggled up together. Frank opens his eyes and looks at Julie
sleeping so peacefully in her arms. He hates to have to wake her knowing
what she is going to have to face but it most be done. Frank lightly kisses
her.
Frank: It's time to rise and shine my sweet angel.
Julie opens her eyes.
Julie: I wish I could lay here forever.
Frank: That would be great but I'm afraid we can't.
Julie then remembers what the night before helped her forget.
Julie: Oh My God! The trial the trial it starts today! I still don't
know what I'm going to where!
Frank hugs her tightly.
Frank: How about your yellow slacks and jacket and white blouse.
Julie: Hair up or down?
Frank: Half up, oh and where those snazzy white pumps.
Frank: Any other questions?
Julie: Who all is going to be there?
Frank: Well besides me Joe, Karen, Mom, Matt, Ellen, Scott, Eve, and
your Mom. Amber Rose will go to school as usual and if for some reason
we're not back when she gets home Mrs. Winters knows to be watching for
the bus and she'll just come over and watch her till we do get home. But
I imagine we will be back by then. Now lets get going.
Frank and Julie get ready, and go down stairs. Mary, Joe, Karen, and
Amber Rose are already there. Mary has made a huge breakfast.
Mary: Well good morning. So Julie how are you feeling are you ready
for this?
Julie: As ready as I'm going to be.
Joe: You're going to be fine.
Karen: Absolutely and we're all going to be here for you every step
of the way.
Frank: You can count on that.
Amber Rose: Mommy this kid at school said that the person on trail
is my grandfather and that he hurt you is that true?
Everyone looks at each other.
Julie: Well sweetie.
Frank: Amber Rose why don't you come in the other room with your mom
and I.
The three some leave the room. They go into the living room and sit
on the couch.
Amber Rose: Did I ask something wrong?
Julie: No not at all. Amber Rose when I was small my Dad did some things
to me that know parent should ever do. But because I was a kid and I was
scared I couldn't do anything about it.
Frank: You know how kids when they're bad have to go talk to the principal
if they are at school or there parents? Well that's kind of like what this
trail is. Everyone gets together and says what they know and then a decision
is made as to how to handle it.
Amber Rose: This girl at the orphanage was raped by her Dad is that
what happened to you mommy?
Frank and Julie look at each other.
Julie: Yes, and that is why we have to go to court to make sure he
is punished for that.
Amber Rose: Mommy I'm sorry you got hurt.
She hugs Julie.
Julie smiles.
Amber Rose: Can I come to court?
Julie: No sweet heart you need to go to school.
Frank: I agree with your mom you need to be at school.
Amber Rose: But I want to help make sure he gets punished.
Frank: Well there isn't much you can do in that area but if you really
want to help us out go to school and work real hard.
Amber Rose: Okay I can do that.
Just then the school bus horn blows.
Amber Rose hugs her parents.
Amber Rose: Bye my bye Dad good luck.
She grabs her back pack and is out the door.
Julie looks at Frank who is beaming.
Frank: When she called me Dad I felt my heart do cart wheels.
Julie smiles.
Julie: She is good at melting ones heart isn't she. So do you think
we did an okay job of explaining it to her?
Frank: I think so, we were honest with her and that's what counts.
Frank and Julie go back into the kitchen for breakfast.
Joe: Is everything okay?
Julie: I hope so.
Frank: Everything is going to be fine.
Karen: Hey Julie is that an engagement ring I see?
Julie smiles happily as she holds out her hand for everyone to see.
Karen: It's beautiful!
Julie: Isn't it though. It's been passed down from generation to generation.
Frank's great great grandfather gave it to his true love and in every generation
after the oldest son gives it to the lady he wants to marry. I'm the fifth
generation of Scanlon brides to wear it!
Joe: Well it looks perfect on you.
Mary: As it should. You know there is a legend that that's how a Scanlon
man knows if he's chosen right. You see that ring always sparkles on the
future Mrs. Scanlon and it always looks as if it should have always been
there. If it ever didn't look that way then the Scanlon man would know
to keep looking.
Frank: Well I don't need a ring to tell me that Julie is the right
one.
Mary: Well I certainly hope not after all it's just a legend but I
like the idea.
Julie: Well the ring is perfect and being part of this family is a
dream come true.
Joe: Well enough mush lets eat!
Karen: Spoken like a true man.
They all laugh. After breakfast they head off to the court house for
opening arguments.
Chapter 27
At the court house there are tons of reporters all swarming around.
Frank and Joe push through the crowed keeping Julie tucked in between them.
Mary and Karen bring up the rear. While reporters yell questions.
Reporter: Julie how to you feel.
Julie: Scared.
Frank and Joe finally get the group inside.
In the court room they find Matt, Ellen, Eve, Scott, and Nicole are
already there.
Everyone shakes hands.
Matt: So are you ready/
Julie: As ready as I'll ever be.
Ellen: You'll be fine.
Julie: I hope so.
Eve: Julie no matter what he says just remember you are in the right
here.
Julie: That's good advice but my Dad has this way of undermining my
confidence no matter how sure of my self I start out.
Scott: Well that's the way creeps like that stay in control.
Mary: Just remember we are here for you. And no matter what he dose
or says he can't ever hurt you again. You have the power to make sure he
doesn't Julie.
Karen: Mary is right. The only way we can be victims is if we allow
ourselves to be.
Julie smiles at Karen and they squeeze one another's hands.
Joe: Julie the only one who has a reason to be scared is Devlin his
life as he knows it is about to change for ever and not for the better.
You are going to win.
Frank: She most certainly will win. Julie you are going to be just
fine, we are going to see to it that he is punished.
Julie: I hope your right.
Frank: I know I'm right.
They kiss.
Matt: Julie life is like a roller coaster there are ups and downs.
Right now this hurt is a down but when it's all said and done you'll be
in store for a major up.
Nicole: Julie I know everything is going to work out.
Julie: Thanks Mom.
Just then Devlin and is attorney come in.
Devlin gives Julie a dirty look.
Frank and Joe squeeze Julie's hands in unison. And the whole group
gives Devlin a dirty look.
The judge then enters and calls the room to order.
Judge: The court will now have opening arguments in the case of The
state verses Dr. Bennett Devlin. Prosecution are you ready?
Dara: Ready your honor.
Judge: Defense are your ready?
Leopold: Ready your honor.
Judge: Ms. Jenson you may begin.
Dara: Your honor ladies and gentlemen of the jury. This is a sad, tragic,
and most disturbing case of child abuse. A child having there innocence
stolen from them while they're still in diapers. Living in fear and being
raped over and over again until they leave for college. Any one would agree
that this is a most reprehensible situation. But when it comes by way of
a parent. A parent that is supposed to love and protect there child. A
parent who is supposed to look out for and nurture that child. It is beyond
sickening and is with out a doubt the ultimate betrayal. Ladies and Gentlemen
the will show that from the time Julie Devlin was a baby until she left
for college she was a victim of such a betrayal. Julie Devlin was repeatedly
raped and beaten by her own father, Dr. Bennett Devlin. We will prove this
beyond any reasonable doubt by way of witnesses, and physical evidence.
And then Julie will truly be free when you find her father guilty of his
heinous crimes. Thank you.
Judge: Thank you Ms. Jenson. Mr. Leopold you may begin.
Leopold: Your honor Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury. I will agree
that a child being raped and beaten is hideous, and a child suffering that
kind of abuse at the hands of a parent is beyond hideous. However my client
Dr. Bennett Devlin is not guilty of these crimes.
Joe and Frank squeeze Julie's hands.
Leopold: My client is an upstanding citizen who loves his daughter
very much and would never hurt her. He has never and would never hurt his
little girl. Then why you ask did Julie Devlin say he did. Dr. Julie Devlin
has been under a great amount of stress. Last fall she was kidnapped and
held hostage by a mad man, and then had to face her parents divorce. Then
she had to endure the misbehavior of a juvenile delinquent that her boyfriend
tried to help. And just a month ago the man she plans to marry nearly died.
Now ladies and gentlemen surely you can see the amount of stress all of
these things would cause. It would take a super human not to crack. Ms.
Devlin's mind is so stressed that she simply dreamed up these false memories,
and her boyfriend being unknowledgeable about the human mind and not liking
Dr. Devlin cultivated these false memories. Ms. Devlin is in desperate
need of psychiatric help. This case should never have even made it to trial.
Please don't punish an innocent man find him innocent so he can get his
daughter the help she needs. We will prove that my client is a victim of
false memories that have been cultivated in his daughters head. We will
also show that not only are these claims false but that his daughter is
not exactly unflawed and must be seen as someone that can and dose lie.
Thank you.
Julie turns to Frank.
Julie: He's lying he's lying.
Frank hugs her.
Frank: It's going to be okay we new he wasn't going to fight clean.
Everything is going to be alright.
Judge: Order in the court. We will recess until 9am tomorrow morning.
This court stands adjourned.
Frank, Joe, Mary, and Karen. rush Julie through the onslaught of reporters
to the car and take her home.
It is the next morning, and just like yesterday the group gathers at
the courthouse for the trail. The only difference is today Chris shows
up.
Chris: Hey everyone.
Matt: What brings you here Ramsey?
Chris: Well I just wanted to offer my support to Julie.
Everyone looks at each other questioningly.
Julie: Thanks Chris.
The Judge enters, and everyone sits down. Eve leans over and taps Chris
on the shoulder.
Eve: Okay you what's up, what's the real story.
Chris: What do you mean real story I'm here to support a friend.
Eve: Yeah and I'm the queen of England. Come on Chris I know you now
why are you really here/
Chris's mind flashes back to a dimly lit bathroom and something makes
him shiver.
Eve: Chris Yoo-hoo.
Chris shakes him self of the image.
Chris: Look I'm here because Julie is a friend and she deserves are
support.
Judge: The case of the state of New York Verses Dr. Bennett Devlin
is now in session. Ms. Jenson you may begin.
Dara: Your Honor I call privet investigator Felicia Scorpio to the
stand.
Felicia takes the stand and is sworn in.
Dara: Mrs. Scorpio you and your husband police commissioner Mac Scorpio
run a private investigating company. Is that correct.
Felicia: Yes, my husband and I started it in 93.
Dara: When and how did you become involved in this case?
Felicia: Several weeks ago Frank Scanlon called me.
Dara: And Frank Scanlon is.
Felicia: He is an E.M.T. a teacher, and a foster parent. He is Julie's
soon to be husband to. Anyway he called me very upset telling me that Julie
had just confided in him the night before that her father had sexually
abused her as a child.
Leopold: Objection your honor that is hearsay, and it could prejudice
the jury against my client.
Judge: Objection sustained. The Jury will disregard what they just
heard.
Dara: Mrs. Scorpio what did Mr. Scanlon want?
Felicia: He wanted me to investigate, and find what ever evidence there
was to be found. He also wanted me to find any people that might have some
knowledge about what went on. Being a parent myself and wanted all children
to be safe I naturally took the case.
Dara: And did you find anything/
Felicia: As a matter of fact I did.
Dara: Such as?
Felicia: Disturbing medical records.
Leopold: Objection your honor She isn't a medical specialist how dose
she know what is disturbing.
Dara: Your honor If I may continue I plan to show what Mrs. Scorpio
found that was disturbing.
Judge: Over ruled. Ms. Jenson you may proceed.
Dara holds up some folders and hands them to Felicia.
Dara: Are these the records you are speaking of?
Felicia looks at them briefly.
Felicia: yes they are.
Dara: Could you please read for the court what you found disturbing.
Felicia; 9 year old patient Julie Devlin was diagnosed with Chlamydia
Infection
The court room gasps. Frank and Joe squeeze Julie's hands. Julie stairs
down at the floor. Frank leans over and whispers in her ear.
Frank: You have nothing to be ashamed of you've done nothing wrong.
Hold your head up.
Julie looks up and smiles at Frank. They kiss.
Judge: Order in the court. Mrs. Scorpio you may continue.
Felicia: The child was prescribed appropriate medication and sent home.
Dara: An S.T.D is a pretty grown up problem for a child of 9 wouldn't
you say?
Leopold: Objection your homer the prosecution is leading the witness.
Dara: I'll rephrase the question Felicia what is your feeling on this?
Felicia: A child having an S.T.D is certainly cause for suspicion.
Dara: So the police were called?
Felicia: No there is no record, that the police or any other group
such as social services were ever contacted.
Dara: Waite a minute you're telling me that a 9 year old child is brought
in to a doctor and has an S.T.D. and no one is contacted!
Felicia: yes, I did find another interesting point of interest.
Dara: And that would be?
Felicia: After I found that no report of this had been made I did some
digging and found out that less then 24 hours after Julie had been diagnosed
50,000 dollars was transferred into the account of the Doctor who had treated
her.
Dara: That's a lot of money were was the money transferred from?
Felicia: The bank account of Doctor Bennett Devlin.
The court room gasps.
Judge: order in the court!
Leopold: Objection your honor we don't know what that money was for!
The prosecution is turning the jury against my client.
Dara: Your honor if I may continue I can validate what I'm saying.
Judge: You may proceed cautiously Ms. Jenson.
Dara: Felicia do you have proof of this?
Felicia: I have the bank statement right here. I also found the insurance
bill as well as the doctors bill paid in full. I have all three canceled
checks. So what ever the money was for it had nothing to do with payment
for the treatment because separate payments were made for that.
Dara: Your honor I'd like to submit the medical records, checks, bills,
and bank statements as state exhibit A,B,C,and D.
Dara hands over the material to the bailiff.
Dara: Mrs. Scorpio did you find any other points of interest during
your investigation?
Felicia: More of the same really unexplained medical problems followed
by a large chunk of cash being transferred from Bennett Devlin to the attending
doctor.
Dara: And in every case was the treatment paid for separately?
Felicia: Yes it was and I have the papers to prove it.
Dara hands the bailiff the papers.
Dara: Your honor I'd like to submit these and state evidence as well.
Thank you Mrs. Scorpio I have nothing further.
Judge: Your witness Mr. Leopold.
Leopold: Mrs. Scorpio your maiden name is Jones correct.
Felicia: Yes.
Leopold: Back in 93 weren't you for a time a patient at Ferrncliff
Mental facility for the criminally insane?
Felicia; yes but.
Leopold; yes or know will do. And isn't it true that you faked your
own death and for awhile was using fake ID's?
Felicia: Well yes but
Leopold: So you do know how to forge documents.
Felicia: yes but
Leopold: And isn't it true that you have battled paranoia after being
stalked? And isn't it true that you've suffered from amnesia on more the
one occasion
Felicia: Well yes But.
Leopold: So a doctor might call your mental past somewhat unstable
wouldn't they.
Felicia: Well I suppose.
Leopold: I have nothing further your honor.
Judge: Mrs. Jenson you may redirect.
Dara glares at a smiling Leopold.
Dara: Thank you your honor. Felicia could you explain your incarceration
at Ferrncliff?
Felicia; Serial killer Ryan Chamberlain tried to kill because I saw
him kill one of his victims. So I in self defense stabbed him. Only no
one would believe what I'd seen and since there was no evidence yet that
Ryan was a killer I was charged with attempted murder. Since I was insistent
on what I saw they assumed I was crazy and sent me to Ferrncliff.
Dara: And was your name ever cleared.
Felicia: yes once it was discovered that I was telling the truth and
he really was a killer I was released and the conviction was over turned.
Dara: Now the fake ID's
Felicia: I'm a PI as a PI I have to go under cover many times. We are
essentially cops only we work for individuals as they hire us. Fake Id's
and costumes come with the territory as dose owning a gun.
Dara: And your mental stability?
Felicia: It is true I have seen a counselor. But you do not need to
be insane to need to talk through your troubles. As for the amnesia both
times I've over come it. It was caused once by a traumatic experience,
and the second time I was drugged. So in other words I'm perfectly stable.`
Dara: Thank you. I have nothing further your honor.
Judge: Very well court is adjourned for lunch we'll resume testimony
at 1:50 sharp.
Frank looks at Julie
Frank: Prosecution 1 defense zip.
Julie: How can you say that Leopold made Felicia look awful.
Frank: And Dara cleaned everything up. He got know where.
Chapter 29
Down in the court house lunch room everyone is talking and eating.
Eve sees Chris sitting alone sipping a soda looking like he's a million
miles away.
Eve: Scott I'll be right back. Something is up with Chris, and as his
friend I think I should at least try to find out what it is.
Scott smiles.
Scott: Okay but don't be gone long.
He pulls Eve close and kisses her.
Eve: I won't and you better have another one of those kisses for me
when I come back.
Eve walks over to Chris.
Eve: Hey ex-roomie, mind if I pull up a chair?
Chris doesn't say a word he just stairs into space. A little boy screams
inside his head. And he can feel the terrier and pain. Eve waves her hand
in front of Chris's face.
Eve: Hello earth to Chris come in Chris.
Chris is startled out of his trance.
Chris: Oh Eve hey, I was just thinking.
Eve: I'll say you were a million miles away.
Eve pulls up a chair.
Eve: You want to tell me what's going on?
Chris: What do you mean?
Eve: Come on Chris you and Julie aren't exactly friends yet you show
up here today. And you had this real strange look on your face during most
of it. Now you're sitting over here a million miles away. What's up?
Chris sighs.
Chris: Look Julie may not be my friend but that doesn't mean that Devlin
should get away with what he did or that I can't offer my support. And
I just have a lot on my mind. So why don't you just go back over to your
hot headed boyfriend and leave me alone okay.
Eve: No your not getting away from me that quickly I know you Chris
and I know when something is wrong. Come on Chris we're best friends and
friends confide in each other now what's eating you?
Chris feels the water covering his face, as the hands push him down
under and then yank him back up. He here's himself gasping and crying.
He feels the cold hands like metal rods on his body. Chris shivers.
Eve: Chris what is it?
Chris: Leave me alone!
Chris storms out of the lunch room. Eve looks after him with concern.
Then goes back over to Scott. In the lunch room Felicia comes over and
sits bye Dara.
Felicia: Do you have a minute?
Dara: Not much more then that but yeah.
Felicia: How much damage did Leopold really do?
Dara sighs
Dara: Well he made you look bad that's for sure. But at the same time
we did explain the situation and I think the jury understood. You did a
good job of explaining yourself.
Felicia: I hope so, I'd hate to think that that monster might get away
with this because Jessica prosecuted me for self defense.
Dara: That women was always great at making messes. She made a disaster
of the D.A. office most of the time. I can't tell you how many times she
got in my way.
Felicia: So why did the D.A. keep her on?
Dara leans in.
Dara: Don't tell anyone I told you this but up until the time Ryan
killed her she was sleeping with the D.A.
Felicia: Your kidding! Well that explains a lot. But do you think you
can win?
Dara: Yes definitely, I'd say most times a witness for the prosecution
never comes through unscathed. But somehow we still manage to get people
convicted and we will get Devlin convicted.
Felicia: Good.
Dara: Speaking of Devlin it's time to head back up to the courtroom.
Everyone is soon reassembled up in the court room. Frank and Joe as
before on either side of Julie.
Judge: I now call this court to order. Ms. Jenson you may call your
next witness.
Dara: The prosecution calls Doctor Mark Green to the stand.
Dr. Mark Green takes the stand.
Julie nervously whispers to Frank.
Julie: That's the man who performed the abortion on me when I was 13.
Frank squeezes her hand.
Frank: It's going to be okay.
Dara: Dr. Green what branch of medicine are you in?
Mark: I'm an ER specialist.
Dara: Have you always been in the ER?
Mark: No during my third year of med school I worked at a free clinic
for the homeless in Indiana.
Dara: Were there any cases that particularly stick out in your mind?
Mark: Yes all doctors have cases they can't forget. There was one in
particular that has haunted me for a long time.
Dara: And what case would that be.
Mark: They case of a Ms. Julie Devlin.
There are murmurs heard through out the court room.
Dara: Dr. Green how did you meet Julie Devlin?
Mark: She was a patent at the clinic.
Everyone gasps.
Dara: Dr. Green what was an extremely affluent young lady from Chicago
doing at a free clinic for the homeless in Indiana?
Mark: Her father brought her in to have an abortion when she was 13.
Everyone gasps
Leopold: Objection this proves nothing and is unsubstantiated!
Dara: Your honor if I may continue I can do both.
Judge: Okay Ms. Jenson objection over ruled.
Dara: Dr. Green did the clinic keep records of all of their patents?
Mark: Yes it's standard procedure.
Dara hands him a file.
Dara: Is this Julie's file?
Dr. Green looks at it for a minute.
Mark: Yes it is.
Dara: Could you please read the summary of the case for the court.
Mark: One 13 year old Julie Devlin brought in February 1st for an abortion
father not revealed.
The court room gasps.
Leopold: Objection your honor this in know way means my client was
the father! The prosecution is trying to prejudice the jury against my
client!
Dara: Your honor if I may continue I do plan on showing a connection.
Judge: I'll allow it. Mr. Leopold you'll get your chance. Objection
over ruled. Ms. Jenson you may continue.
Dara: Thank you your honor. Dr Green besides the patents age and financial
status was there any thing unusual about this case?
Mark: Yes upon examining her it was clear that she had had several
sexually transmitted diseases, and had been sexually active for many years.
Her fathers behavior was also strange.
Dara: How so?
Mark: Well normally if someone brings a patent in they stay with them.
But he seemed more interested in hanging out with the head of the clinic.
And when I tried to speak to him about his daughter he glared at me and
told me to mind my own business. I asked Julie several times if she new
who the father was and she'd just start crying.
Leopold: Objection this is all hear say.
Judge: Sustained the Jury will disregard what they just heard.
Dara: Did you speak to one of your supervisors about this?
Mark: Yes and I was told to shut up and forget it or I'd loose any
chance at getting an internship any where. And that same day the clinic
was given a large donation from Bennett Devlin.
Dara: How much was it for?
Mark: It was for 75,000 dollars.
The court room gasps.
Dara: Do you have the bank statement and check receipt?
Mark: Yes right here.
He hands them to Dara.
Dara: Your honor I'd like to submit these as states evidence as well.
Dara: Was there anything else strange about this case?
Mark: When she left with her father she turned her head to me just
a little and mouthed the words help me. That has haunted me for years.
Julie I'm sorry it took me so long.
The court room erupts.
Leopold: OBJECTION OBJECTION!! That is hear say and this case should
be thrown out this trial isn't fair. The jury has been tainted!
Judge: Sustained the jury will disregard what they just heard.
Dara smiles broadly
Dara: I have nothing further your honor.
Judge: Defense your witness.
Leopold: Dr. Green is it uncommon for wealthy people to donate to clinics
yes or no.
Mark: No it isn't but.
Leopold: And is it uncommon for a father to not want to discuss such
a thing as his daughters sex life.
Mark: No but.
Leopold: And is it uncommon for such a well known person to seek secrecy
when faced with such an embarrassment as a promiscuous daughter?
Julie cringes Frank and Joe squeeze her hands.
Mark: No but.
Leopold: Nothing further your honor.
Judge: Ms. Jenson you may re cross.
Dara: Thank you your honor. Dr. Green you've over the years you've
seen many patents and their family's correct?
Mark: Yes.
Dara: And you've seen parents deal with out of control kids right?
Mark: Yes. The parents are embarrassed but in the end they want to
help the child.
Dara: Did Devlin seem interested in helping her?
Mark: He asked over 20 times if he could take her home yet when she
was just coming out of anesthesia. He yelled at a nurse who asked him to
fill out a form letting us know of any allergies or medical conditions
that Julie has. He told my supervisor if a councilor or social worker was
notified he'd have us shut down. No he didn't care.
Leopold: Objection! This is hear say!
Judge: Sustained Jury forget what you just heard.
Dara smiles.
Dara: Nothing further your honor.
Judge: Court is adjourned till 9am tomorrow morning.
Frank looks at Julie and smiles.
Frank: Prosecution 2 defense zip!
Julie: But the jury was told to disregard what they heard.
Scott turns around.
Scott: It doesn't matter it's in the jury's head and that's all that
matters.
Frank: In other words we're winning.
Chapter 30
The next morning both Chris and Eve are at the hospital after pulling
all night shifts. Chris is passed out on a bed in the on-call room when
Eve comes in to get ready to meet Scott at the court house. As she finishes
and closes her locker she hears what sounds like a whimper coming from
Chris. She turns towards Chris.
Eve: Chris?
She looks at him. He starts to thrash back and forth still asleep.
His eyes are squinted shut and his fists are clenched. In his sleep he
starts to yell.
Chris: NO NO! Please no stop! I promise I won't tell again I promise!
Please stop Chris is a good boy stop stop! No Mommy No! That hurts Mommy
No! Ow ow!
Tears are streaming down Chris's face as he thrashes wildly.
Eve runs to him.
Eve: Chris Chris wake up Chris wake up!
Eve shakes his shoulders trying to wake him. Chris sits bolt up right
screaming NO! as he comes to. Chris looks around gathering his surroundings
as his heart pounds wildly in his chest, and sweat runs down his face.
Chris: What time is it.
Eve: It's 8:30, Chris are you okay that was some nightmare you were
having.
Chris: I'm fine.
Chris gets up and starts to head into the bathroom. Eve blocks his
path.
Eve: Not so fast there.
Chris: What do you want from me?
Eve: Chris you have been acting very strange lately and you were screaming
for your mom to stop hurting you just now. Chris please I want to help
you.
Chris: Eve I can't tell you.
Eve: Because this kind of thing isn't supposed to happen to Men!
Chris pushes by Eve and goes into the shower.
Eve Stands there in stunned silence for a bit then pulls herself together
and leaves.
Later at the court house just like the day before the same group gathers.
Dara walks in and greets them.
Dara: Good morning everyone. So how is everyone?
Julie: Oh wishing this was already over.
Dara: It will be soon enough and justice will prevail.
Julie: I hope you're right.
Dara: Have confidence Julie we're right on track.
Nicole: So you believe we're winning.
Dara: At this point we are definitely winning.
Frank: So what's today's game plan?
Dara: First the counselor Julie told when she was 16, then the guy
she was dating at the time, and then the doctor who treated her when she
was beaten. We have a full day today and it's not going to be a good one
for Devlin I promise you that.
Karen:: It Sounds like everything is under control.
Joe: Thanks to Frank (Joe grins proudly.) He found all those people
you know.
Frank: Correction Felicia found all those people.
Julie: But you are the one who hired her. Face it Frank you are amazing.
The judge then calls the room to order.
Judge: Ms. Jenson you may call your first witness.
Dara: I'd like to call Mr. Jim Rocken to the stand.
Jim takes the stand.
Dara: Mr. Rocken do you no the Julie Devlin?
Jim: Yes I do, I could never forget her.
Dara: How do you know her?
Jim: I was a school counselor at her high school. I worked there for
nearly 22 years.
Dara: 22 years is a long time you must have met thousands of students
during that time. What makes Julie Devlin stand out?
Jim: What she chose to confide in me, how she confided it in me, and
what happened after she confided in me make her an impossible student to
forget.
Dara: Please explain for the court.
Jim takes a deep breath.
Jim: I was in my office and the secretary said there were two students
here to see me. I told her to send them in one was Kevin Buecanon, who
I new since I'd been counseling him since his parents divorce and the other
was his girlfriend Julie Devlin. I knew her mostly through Kevin. Anyway
they walked in both looking nervous and scared. I noticed right away that
Julie had been crying and she was leaning heavily onto Kevin. Kevin was
holding her hand tightly and looked sort of green. He had tears in his
eyes as well but he was clearly angry on top of that. I asked them to sit
down they sat on the couch still holding tight to one another. I asked
what I could do for them after shutting the door. Kevin looked at me and
said Julie has a problem that is to big for me to fix I'm hoping you can
fix it. I looked at Julie and asked her what was wrong. She looked at Kevin
and he told her not to worry that I'd help and that she had nothing to
be scared of. Julie took a deep breath turned to me and stated that her
father had been raping her since she was an infant.
The court room gasps.
Leopold: Objection your honor! This is hearsay if I've ever heard it!
Dara: Your honor I have material that will back it up.
Judge: I'll allow it. Objection over ruled. Ms. Jenson you may proceed.
Dara: Do you have any proof of this conversation?
Jim: Yes I do I taped all of my sessions to review later and so that
I could mark down anything of importance into the students file.
Dara holds up a tape.
Dara: Is this the tape?
Jim looks at it.
Jim: Yes this is the one I gave you. I've kept it in a locked compartment
in my desk hoping one day the system would rise above Devlin and prosecute
him.
Leopold: Objection that is a discriminatory statement against my client!
and unless we here the tape it's still hearsay!
Judge: Sustained the jury will disregard what the witness just said.
Ms. Jenson are you willing to play the tape?
Dara: I thought you'd never ask.
Dara Puts the tape in and plays Julie's voice along with Kevin's and
Jim's. The room is silent. After the tape finishes.
Dara: I'd like to submit this as evidence.
The bailiff takes it.
Dara: Jim what did you do after this?
Jim: I promised to help her. They left and I notified the principal
and social services.
Dara: And did they remove Miss. Devlin from her home?
Jim: No they never even got a chance to investigate. The next morning
I got to school to the news that Julie had been badly beaten and was in
extremely critical condition. I got in touch with Kevin as quick as I could
and learned from him that a social worker had called the Devlins to make
an appointment and bye the time he had driven Julie home her father was
waiting there. He had grabbed Julie bye the arm slammed the door in Kevin's
face and Kevin said he could here screaming from inside. Later that day
the school suspended Kevin claiming he had beaten Julie, and they fired
me claiming I had put lies into a disturbed young ladies mind. I asked
around and found out through my secretary that Devlin had given the school
75,000 dollars to suspend Kevin and fire me.
Everyone gasps.
Leopold: Objection!
Dara: Your honor I have the receipts for this money right here so it's
not hearsay!
Judge: Objection over ruled.
Dara: I'd like to submit this as evidence.
The bailiff takes it.
Dara: I have nothing further.
Judge: Leopold you may question the witness.
Leopold: Isn't it true Mr. Rocken that you had been suspended from
working at that school two years prier to this for misusing your authority?
Jim: Yes but
Leopold: Isn't it true that because of your abuse of authority a young
man killed himself!
Everyone gasps.
Jim just stairs.
Leopold: Isn't it true that you hated Devlin and persuaded Kevin to
get Julie to tell these lies to hurt him!
Dara: Objection! Your honor that is purely speculative and he is badgering
the witness!
Judge: Sustained Mr. Leopold watch your step.
Leopold: I have nothing further.
Leopold grins and sits down.
Judge: You may redirect Ms. Jenson.
Dara: Mr. Rocken could you please explain the incident in question.
Jim: This young man was a senior I had been counseling him since he
was a fresh man. He had a lot of trouble at home. He did poorly in school
and used drugs off and on. I did my best to help him. I counseled him,
I made a point to come to his house to see him on holiday's during the
summer and some weekends. I took him places I did my best to help him reach
his potential. He didn't have a father figure so I tried to be that. I'm
one of those people I guess who sees a problem and takes it on no matter
how big it is. I believed I was helping but I learned I wasn't. He came
to me his senior year and asked me to adopt him I explained to him that
I couldn't he ran out of the room calling me a traitor and that night he
shot himself.
Everyone gasps.
Jim buries his head in his hands and cries.
Dara: Did you have him see other therapists during the time you new
him?
Jim: Yes of course.
Dara: Was his family aware of his problems?
Jim: Yes his mother and I had spoken many times. She even wrote me
a letter after he died telling me not to blame myself that I'd done all
I could for him.
Dara: Do you have documentation of all of this?
Jim: Yes I most certainly do.
Dara: Nothing further. I'd like to call Kevin Buecanon to the stand.
Frank: It sounds like Mr. Rocken went through the same thing I did
with Lark. Or something similar anyway.
Joe: I guess the two of you are birds of a feather.
Julie: At least I know the kind of person to tell.
Frank and Julie kiss.
Dara: Mr. Buecanon how do you know Ms. Devlin?
Kevin: We dated from freshmen year in high school till junior year.
Dara: Sounds serious.
Kevin: It was Julie was my first love, and I've never forgotten her.
Dara: May I ask why the two of you broke up?
Kevin: Her Father made her dump me.
Dara: Why?
Kevin: Because I was trying to help her get away from her fathers abuse.
Leopold: Objection this is hearsay!
Judge: Sustained Jury will disregard what they just heard.
Dara: When and where did you and Julie break up.
Kevin: She was beaten severely and almost died after trying to tell
what her father had been up to. She almost died. Anyway I tried to go to
see her everyday but her father had convinced the hospital that I had hurt
her. Finally she was released and I went to her house. Her mom let me see
her for 10 minutes, while her Dad was out. She cried and apologized for
me getting suspended and blamed. I held her and tried to help her see it
wasn't her fault. She told me that her father had agreed to drop the charges
against me if she never saw me again. She said she loved me and wanted
me to have a life so we'd have to break up. I tried to convince her to
keep fighting and that we could win but she wasn't about to let me endanger
my future. So we broke up. I've prayed every night since then that someone
would be able to defeat Devlin and help Julie realize how good she is and
that this was wrong of her father to do and that it isn't her fault. I
guess my prayers were answered when she found Frank Scanlon.
Dara: Kevin when did Julie tell you what her Father allegedly did to
her?
Kevin: We were out to dinner and then took a nice drive after words.
She fell asleep in the car and had some awful nightmare I tried to comfort
her but holding her seemed to make her feel worse. Finally she told me.
I was horrified I begged Her to let me hide her somewhere or take her to
the cops so she could tell but she was to scared and was unwilling to.
I hated dropping her off knowing what was waiting for her. That was on
a Friday. I spent the rest of the weekend trying to convince her to tell.
On Monday she decided to tell so we went to Mr. Rocken my counselor and
told.
Leopold: Objection this is all hearsay!
Dara: I have another witness that will substantiate this later on.
Judge: Very well objection over ruled.
Dara: I have nothing further.
Judge: Mr. Leopold you may question the witness.
Leopold: Kevin Buecanon is that correct?
Kevin: Yes that is correct.
Leopold: When you were in college didn't you stand trial for gang rape
against one Marty Saybrook?
The court room gasps.
Julie: WHAT!
Frank and Joe squeeze her hands tightly. Mary and Nicole look at each
other in shock.
Judge: Order in the court order in the court!
Kevin: Yes but. . .
Leopold: I have nothing further.
Dara is out of her seat before the judge can even say your witness.
Dara: Kevin could you please explain your self.
Kevin: It was at a party a lot of people were drinking I was one of
the few that wasn't because I was a designated driver. Anyway I went up
to my room to get my keys, it was in a fraternity house, and Marty was
up there past out on my bed. I had to move her to get to my coat. She woke
up enough to recognize me and moved a little so I could get my coat. I
don't know the time frame but sometime before or after I came in there
three other guys came in and raped her. Because of the state she was in
her mind cluttered all of the faces together during the trial she started
to remember what really happened. She got on the stand and explained while
the other three had I hadn't. I was then cleared of all charges and she
had an apology to me and my family put in the paper.
Dara hands him a file.
Dara: Is this the file that contains the documents clearing your name
and that apology?
Kevin: Yes.
Dara: I think we'd better add this to the evidence.
She hands the file to the bailiff.
Julie mouths I'm sorry to Kevin who smiles and nods mouthing it's okay.
Dara: I have nothing further. I'd like to call Dr. Gil Becket to the
stand.
Dara: Dr. you were in charge of Julie's care were you not when she
was a patient at Chicago Hope after being beaten when she was 16 is that
correct?
Gil: Yes I'll never forget her.
Dara: Was there anything unusual about this case?
Gil: Well once she woke up she would tell anyone and everyone who would
listen how wonderful her boyfriend was and how much she loved him and wanted
to see him. It didn't matter who was in the room she'd insist that she
loved him and wanted to see him. I asked her many times if he had done
this to her and she'd tell me that he'd never hurt her and tell me what
a gentle he was. The only exception was when her father was in the room.
Then she'd get all stiff and would hardly speak. If we asked her questions
about the attack or the attacker or Kevin she'd look at her father and
he'd give her the coldest look. I got shivers when he looked at her. Anyway
she would then look at him whimper and like a robot recite this horrible
stuff about the man she'd been telling us not five minutes before that
she loved so dearly. If It hadn't sounded so rehearsed and if it hadn't
always come right after her Dad entered I would have just said she's in
denial about the kind of man Kevin is. But it was so rehearsed and happened
like clock work so often I just couldn't buy it. A bunch of us talked about
it. And I'd say 30 to 40 doctors and nurses who had seen this along with
me decided to report it. Well we tried and 10 nurses and 5 Doctors were
fired and the rest of us were yelled at and threatened by the bored. You
see Devlin more or less ran the hospital. How ever we did document the
incidents of this along with are thoughts on this on paper and dated it
just in case it ever got to trial.
Dara: Is this that file?
Dara hands him a file.
Gil: Yes it is.
Dara: I'd like to submit this as evidence.
She hands the file to the bailiff.
Dara: I have nothing further.
Judge: Mr. Leopold you may cross examine.
Leopold: Dr. isn't it true that Dr. Devlin had written you a terrible
evaluation which caused you to loose out on an award given at the end of
the intern year?
Gil: Yes but.
Leopold: So your view of him wasn't exactly good was it.
Gil: Well
Leopold: I have nothing further.
Judge: Ms. Jenson you may re cross.
Dara: Dr. Becket what did you base your feelings on the situation with
Ms. Devlin on?
Gil: Strictly on her behavior around everyone else in comparison to
her father.
Dara: And I believe you said 30 or 40 others saw the same things and
agreed with you?
Gil: Yes that is correct.
Dara: And he certainly couldn't have given them all bad evaluation
correct.
The court room snickers.
Gil: No it's doubtful.
Dara: Nothing further your honor.
Judge: Okay we'll break for lunch and reconvene at 1:55pm. Court adjourned.
Frank: Prosecution 5 defense zip.
Julie: Are we really winning?
Mary: Well the defense certainly isn't.
Eve: If I were Devlin I'd be quacking in my boots right now.
Scott: I can't believe he really thinks he's winning!
Matt: It's called over blown ego.
Ellen: I'm just glad all of these people were willing to testify.
Julie: It's all so amazing that they didn't forget me.
Dara: I'd say you certainly made an impression on them that's for sure.
Kevin approaches the group.
Kevin: Hi
Julie: Hi Kevin.
Julie hugs him.
Julie: Thank you for testifying.
Kevin: I told you I'd find a way to help.
Kevin turns to Frank.
Kevin: I'm glad Julie has you. You figured out how to beat Devlin and
I'm grateful that he's finally getting punished.
Frank and Kevin shake hands.
Frank: My pleasure. Would you like to join us for lunch? No I have
to catch a plane.
Julie: Thanks again
Kevin: I was happy to do it.
Kevin leaves. The rest head out to lunch.
Eve: You know Scott all this legal business has gotten my appetite
going but not for food.
She winks at Scott. He pulls her near.
Scott: Oh really, well I saw a nice broom closet down the hall.
Eve laughs
Eve: Oh you did did you.
They kiss passionately and Scott starts kissing her neck as Eve runs
her fingers through his hair.
Eve: I think we better find that closet.
They hurry to the closet and closing the door behind them they pull
on another to the floor in a passion filled embrace.
Matt and Ellen get in the elevator and the electricity goes out leaving
them trapped between floors.
Ellen: What! Oh this is just great! Now were not going to get lunch
which I'm starving for and we might not get back in time to support Julie!
Matt: Well look on the bright side.
Ellen bangs on the doors and yells for help.
Ellen: What bright side!
Matt moves over to her and take her hands.
Matt: We're together and no one else is here.
Ellen strokes his face.
Ellen: Well that is a pretty nice bright side.
Matt pulls her onto his lap.
Matt: I'd say it is.
Matt and Ellen start kissing passionately as they start tearing at
one another''s clothes. Soon they lay them selves on the floor. Matt pulls
Ellen to him in his strong arms as she arches her back to be as close to
him as she can. He plants fiery hot kisses everywhere as she runs her hands
along his back. There passion burns on and on hotter and hotter. Till suddenly
their fire is broken by the doors opening as Frank, Julie, Mary, Joe, Karen,
Nicole, and Dara get on to go back to the court room. The group bursts
out laughing as Matt and Ellen turn blood red with embarrassment.
Chapter 31
The group snickers as Ellen Matt try to quickly redress them selves.
Frank: Okay everyone lets give the love birds some privacy. Come on
let's back up we'll take the next elevator.
Frank moves everyone out of the way as the doors reshut.
Joe: Hey Karen what do you say we take the next elevator.
Karen: Joe! Stop it.
Karen laughs.
Mary: I just don't think this is the time or place to be doing such
a thing.
Julie: Well at least someone is having fun.
Nicole: Oh to be young again. The thrill of doing it in odd places
almost always beat the thrill of it.
Julie: Mother!
Nicole: Julie I may be old but I'm not dead!
Everyone laughs.
Dara: Well that elevator has a history of causing some interesting
situations. I remember once I got trapped in it with Justice Ward during
a trial we were both working on. And well it was very hot and I'm claustrophobic.
So when the doors opened we were both half naked.
Everyone laughs.
Karen: Poor Matt and Ellen they must be so embarrassed.
Frank: Which Is why I think it's best if we simply try and forget what
we saw and pretend it never happened.
Joe: I agree I mean it's really none of are business.
Julie: I think it's great anyway that they are together. I mean Matt
has only been smitten with her since day one. And now he's finally won
her. He must be so happy.
Karen: Well Matt's a fighter I mean he wouldn't be a surgeon in training
if he wasn't.
Joe: And I think Ellen always felt something for Matt but she just
wasn't ready to admit it.
Mary: Oh I'm sure she did. But grief can cause you to really put the
breaks on love. She's still working through loosing Sam you know.
Frank: I'm sure it's hard for Matt as well. I mean he's lived for so
long looking over his shoulder and keeping everyone at a distance. It's
probably hard to just turn around and stop looking and let someone in.
Julie: Love is a complete contradiction. It's the easiest thing and
the hardest thing all at once.
Dara: Well we better get back to the court room for the afternoon session.
Frank: How many more witnesses today?
Dara: Just one. I'm going to call Nicole.
Nicole: Me oh okay.
Dara: Don't worry it will be fine. Remember what ever Leopold says
I can undo. And besides we need the people close to Julie to get up there.
Back in the elevator a flustered Matt and Ellen get out fully dressed.
Matt: Hmm well it could have been worse.
Ellen: Name one way it could have been worse!
Matt: Chris could have been with the group.
Ellen: Well that's true.
Matt: And besides were adult we're aloud.
Ellen: But you know what a private person I am.
Matt: I'm sorry you got embarrassed, but look I know that group well
enough to know they aren't going to mention it okay. They are classy people.
Why don't we just try and forget about it. And after the after noon session
of this case we'll go back to my place and finish.
Ellen: Are you saying that no one teased Joe and Karen when I caught
them at her place, or when they got locked out on the roof of GH.
Matt: Joe was playing hooky we were teasing him as much about that
as anything. And the roof made them late for meeting the head of pediatrics.
We teased them in a friendly joking way. If we had thought it would bother
them we wouldn't have. They know how private you are they aren't about
to try that with you. Now I will probably take a few jabs but I don't mind.
Joe and Frank are two of my best friends, and that's the way guys are when
they get together. But it won't happen with you around. Do you understand?
Ellen: Yes and I guess it was kind of funny. I just hope Julie didn't
get offended. I mean here she is going through the toughest battle of her
life and we're goofing off.
Matt: Julie doesn't expect us to eat sleep and breath her problems.
She knows we have lives. Besides she's getting on with her life regardless
so why should we put ours on hold?
Ellen: But we're at the court house in the middle of the trail we are
supposed to be here offering support.
Matt: It was during a break.
Ellen: Well I'm going to apologize.
Matt: If you feel you need to. But I'm telling you it isn't necessary.
Ellen: If I were Julie it would be necessary.
Matt smiles.
Matt: Incase you haven't noticed the two of you are not identical.
Just then they pass Scott and Eve coming down the hall looking a little
hot and a little disheveled.
Eve: Hi Ellen hi Matt.
Ellen: Hi Eve hi Scott. Did you have a good lunch?
Scott and Eve look at each other and blush.
Scott: It was satisfying
Eve snickers.
Eve: Yes it was very satisfying.
Matt and Ellen exchange a look and smile.
Eve: How was yours.
Matt: Quick.
Ellen Covers a laugh by pretending to cough.
Just then the rest of the group joins them.
Dara: Well I see we're all here. Ready to go back in?
Ellen: Julie may I speech with you for a moment first.
Julie: Oh sure, Dara do we have time?
Dara: Yeah you have about 5 minutes.
Julie: Okay the rest of you head in I'll be there soon.
Frank kisses Julie and everyone heads in.
Ellen and Julie sit down on a bench in the hall.
Ellen: Julie about before.
Julie: Ellen it's none of my business. You and Matt are grown ups you
can do what ever you want.
Ellen: But not when we're supposed to be here supporting you. I'm sorry
Julie here you are going through the toughest time of your life and Matt
and I are acting like a couple of sex crazed teens. We're your friends
and we were being totally disrespectful.
Julie just looks at Ellen.
Julie: Ellen I appreciate you support but I don't expect you or anyone
else to put their lives on hold while I handle this. I'm certainly not.
I'm planning my wedding, and furthering my carrier. Why should anyone else
put their lives on hold when I'm not. And besides you have shown me your
support I don't need you to hover over me 24 7 saying you support me. I
know you do and I appreciate this. Oh please Ellen never be sorry for celebrating
the love you have found. Love is a wonderful thing. I fought the depths
of my feelings for Frank for a long time because I thought it would get
in the way. And the only thing that happened is that I lost out on some
wonderful time we could have spent showing our love to each other. Ellen
you and Matt have been through so much alone and together never be ashamed
to celebrate what you have. I'm sorry we interrupted you and I'm happy
for you both. You make a great couple.
Ellen smiles and shakes her head.
Ellen: You are such a fine lady thank you.
Karen pokes her head out.
Karen: They're about to start.
Julie takes a deep breath.
Ellen: I guess we better get inside. Are you ready?
Julie: Yeah lets go.
They go inside. Julie takes her seat between Frank and Joe. Ellen sits
next to Matt.
Matt: So what did Julie say?
Ellen: Pretty much what you said. That she doesn't expect us to put
our lives on hold. And she is sorry she interrupted us.
Matt: Well maybe we should go back to my place after this and pick
up where we left off. I mean we wouldn't want Julie to feel bad.
Matt grins.
Ellen: No we certainly wouldn't. So I guess we should I mean as her
friends we owe it to her.
Ellen giggles.
Matt: Oh absolutely.
They kiss.
Frank Kisses Julie.
Frank: So what did Ellen want?
Julie: Oh she felt guilty about have sex during such a bad time for
me. Since she feels her and Matt should be supporting me. I explained that
I don't want anyone putting their lives on hold and that I'm happy for
them.
Frank: Speaking of not putting our lives on hold after this is over
how about we go have some fun of our own.
Julie smiles.
Julie: That doesn't sound to shabby.
The judge then comes in.
Judge: I now call this court room to order. Ms. Jenson you may call
your next witness.
Dara: I call Ms. Nicole Devlin to the stand.
Nicole takes the stand.
Dara: Ms. Devlin you are Julie's mother correct?
Nicole: Yes I am and I'm proud beyond words of her.
Dara: Could you please describe your daughter to the court?
Nicole: She is very responsible, intelligent, thoughtful, generous,
and honest.
Julie looks at Frank.
Julie: They're going to bring up the Morris thing I just know it.
Frank: Then it will be explained. Julie you did nothing wrong. And
since you did make it legal and it is your mother's name. It wasn't really
a lie.
Frank squeezes her hand tightly and kisses her.
Dara: Was your daughter a happy child?
Nicole: She was very shy, and scared of everything. She cried a lot
and had nightmares that she'd never talk about. Although now I know what
they were about.
Dara: What was her relationship like with her father.
Nicole: She idolized him. She loved him so much. Julie seemed to believe
he hung the moon.
Dara: Do you and your daughter have a very open and honest relationship?
Nicole: I like to think we do. This was the first thing that I know
of that she was unable to tell me.
Dara: Has your daughter ever made false accusations?
Nicole: No she has always been very honest. And when I look back it
all makes since now.
Dara: How so?
Nicole: Well growing up she consistently had these nightmare where
she'd wake up drenched in sweat screaming no no. But she'd never tell me
about them. And she wet the but off and on till she was 11 or 12. Since
all of this started I did a little research and those are signs of abuse.
Dara: Why didn't your daughter tell you about the abuse?
Nicole: She was afraid that I wouldn't love her anymore and that I'd
blame her.
Dara: Who made her feel this way?
Nicole: Her father the person she had total faith in.
Leopold: Objection this is hearsay!
Dara: Your honor I'm going to call Julie to the stand later on she
will be able to corroborate on this claim.
Judge: I'll allow it. Objection over ruled.
Dara: Did you know about the abortion?
Nicole: Yes she told me she had been raped but she wouldn't say by
who. When I tried to push the issue my husband told me to leave it alone.
The court room murmurs.
Leopold: Objection this is hearsay!
Dara: As I said I am going to call a witness to corroborate on this.
Judge: fine over ruled.
Dara: Has there ever been anything else she has ever kept from you?
Nicole: Last September she learned that her father had had an affair
with one of the interns she works with. She didn't tell me I found out
on my own.
Dara: So she was protecting her father?
Nicole: Well in a way both of us she didn't want to see me hurt either.
But yes she ended up protecting him till I found out. She's been protective
of him in the past as well. She loves him has any daughter would love her
father.
Dara: When you found out about the alleged abuse did you confront your
ex-husband?
Nicole: Yes I did and he started to beat me up.
The court room gasps.
Dara: Has this ever happened before?
Nicole: Yes on several occasions through out are marriage it has.
Dara: What stopped him?
Nicole: My future son in law Frank Scanlon. My daughter had been worried
when I told her I was going to talk to him about this. So he followed me
there and when he heard all the screaming he knocked. He came in then saw
what was going on took me back to the house where he and my daughter live.
And cleaned up my bruises. He is a great man. My daughter is one lucky
lady to have found him.
Dara: Thank you Ms Devlin I have nothing further.
Judge: Mr. Leopold your witness.
Leopold: Ms. Devlin you and your husband are no longer married is that
correct?
Nicole: Yes he cheated on me.
Leopold: And for that you were very angry at him weren't you. In fact
you were so angry that you set it up that he would walk in on you with
another man. Another one of your daughters interns. Is that correct?
Dara: Objection this has nothing to do with the case!
Leopold: Your honor if you will allow me I'm making a point.
Judge: I'll allow it objection over ruled you may continue.
Leopold: Is it true?
Nicole: Yes
Leopold: That's some temper in fact I bet that anger is big enough
to allow you to go along with your daughters lies and make up the stuff
about him beating you just to get back at him!
Nicole: NO!
Leopold: You claim your an honest lady Ms Devlin but come now tell
the truth. You've been hiding a very big secret for years. Julie isn't
even Bennett Devlin's biological child is she!
The court room gasps.
Dara: Objection!
Leopold: I'm trying to show that the witness is not an honest person!
Judge: I'll allow it.
Leopold: Well Ms Devlin?
Nicole: No he isn't Julie's father is Lee Baldwin.
The court room erupts.
Julie screams and faints into Franks arms.
Scott: Leaps out of his seat.
Scott: WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU SAYING!!! MY FATHER WOULD NEVER HAVE CHEATED
ON MY MOM!
Frank pulls Julie onto his lap.
Frank: Julie can you hear me Julie! Joe we got to get her out of here!
Judge: ORDER IN THE COURT ORDER IN THE COURT!
Joe: Here is some smelling salt.
Karen: How are we going to get her out of here! The press is going
to be everywhere.
Dara looks at what is going on.
Dara: Your honor! I ask that we recess until tomorrow Julie is in need
of help.
Julie starts to wake up and starts yelling.
Julie: WHO AM I WHO AM I.
Julie starts baling.
Frank hold her to his chest and rocks her back and forth.
Frank: You're my Julie your my Julie and that's all that matters.
Mary: We have to get her out of here.
The bailiff is holding Scott back as he yells at Nicole.
Scott: What the hell do you mean! You slept with my father while he
was with my Mom! That's what probably gave her the stroke that killed her!
Get off of me!
Eve: Scott calm down!
Judge: Bailiff take Mr. Baldwin to a holding cell so he can calm down.
Court is adjourned till 9am.
Joe: Ms Jenson how are we going to get the hell out of here!
Dara: Come on I'll take you out the back way.
Frank picks up a still balling Julie and carries her out as Joe and
Karen walk on either side trying to help Frank reassure her.
Nicole starts to come close to them Mary stops her.
Mary: You stay away, you have done quite enough!
Mary then leaves with the others as a stunned Nicole stands in the
court room as people swarm around her.
