After the storm calmed down, it was time for the trial to begin. Just about
everyone in Harmony was there, and Rebecca and Gwen were testifying in the
trial of the century. Everyone was seated, and the bailiff brought him out.
"All rise, the honorable Judge Berkley of the U.S. Supreme Court of the 5th division resides. Please everyone be seated".
The judge took her seat, and everyone else did too. Michelle's good friend, Shana Wilson was prosecuting this case, and she knew it would get at least a nod to run for district attorney, in Washington D.C., if she won here, so she was very determined to put him away for life, at the very least.
Alistair got his finest attorneys from his office to defend him. Goldstein, Smith, and Bradford was the firm. The very firm her family started, and associated their business with until her father found out he was stealing money from federal accounts. From the point he blew him out the water, they were mortal enemies. So it was poetic justice that another Bradford was bringing him down yet again. Question was, would he stay down, or come after her, and everyone else she loved, and grew to know?
"Ms. Wilson, please present your case", Judge Berkley said.
She walked over to the jury, and began her opening statement.
"People of the jury, my job is to prosecute criminals of all kinds. Alistair Crane has done horrible things to his own family, and the people of the small town Harmony, Maine. For decades, he has tortured these families in this courtroom, and anyone who crossed his path. During this trial, you will hear testimony from people who have felt his wrath, and from a family who has felt it to the worse extent. The evidence will also show that this man should be locked up in jail for a long time, or worse. Keep your minds open, along with your ears and eyes, and if you feel he is innocent after everything you see during this trial, then my case wasn't shown properly. Remember, just about every person in that city is depending on your verdict. Thank you".
"You're opening statements Mr. Goldstein".
"People of the jury, my client is suffering from a mental disorder. He has suffered since his wife has pasted away, and frankly, our case will show that he needs rehabilitation for his actions. Life in prison won't help, it will make him worse and frankly, he's up in age, and does he seem to want to hurt anyone? I ask you to also keep your eyes, ears, and minds open to think about exactly why a sane person would do any of these things. Thank you".
"Prosecution calls Julian Crane to the stand".
Julian is brought out of the chambers where he, Rebecca, Gwen, Antonio, and Beth are being held. He looks over to see Eve sitting with Theresa and Chad. He smiles, and sits down at the stand.
"Do you swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth?"
"I do".
"Please state your name for the court".
"Julian Crane".
"Mr. Crane, what was your job?"
"CEO of Crane Industries".
"And how was you relationship with your father?"
"Always terrible. He treated me, and my sister, Sheridan horrible, but she got it the worst".
"How so?"
"He had me try to kill her on numerous occasions, and he told her that she murdered Martin Fitzgerald. It put a strain on our relationship, and her relationship with her husband".
"Let me ask you this, do you think your father was sane during this?"
"OBJECTION! She's asking him for a medical opinion he can't give".
"Overruled, answer the question, Mr. Crane".
"Yes, I do, he was bitter after our mother died. Frankly, he blamed Sheridan for it, I never did, but he's a cold man".
"Katherine Crane, your mother, died from complications to childbirth, right?"
"Yes"
"Or so you thought".
"What?"
"She was poisoned, her toxicology reports show rat poisoning in her blood. She was poisoned, but we never got the person who did it", she explained.
"OBJECTION!"
"Overruled, move on Ms. Wilson".
They continued the questioning, he explained the times he was to kill Sheridan, blowing up the boat she and Luis were on, lacing the ring she was to wear as her wedding band, and other things he was told to do by Alistair.
"No further questions your honor".
"Mr. Crane, didn't you also go along with these things?"
"Yes, because he wasn't a force to challenge".
"So why now change your mind? Was it the deal Michelle Bradford got for you to testify? Let me see, lifetime probation, in six months?"
"Partly, also he has no power over me now, and I'm ready to come clean about everything".
"Yes, sounds to me, it's more for your personal gain, then to do society justice".
"I'm doing this for my mother, and sister, no one else. He made are lives a living hell".
"So why not leave, right, there was the fortune to think about. No further questions".
As the trial, progressed, Sheridan, Luis, Pilar, and Just about every person who was a resident in Harmony, testified. It was Gwen's turn. She came out to the stand, eyeing Ethan and Michelle.
"State your name for the record".
"Gwendolyn Hotchkiss – Winthrop".
"May I call you Gwen, it is a long name".
"Sure".
"Gwen, how do you know my client?"
"He was the grandfather to my soon to be ex-husband, and father in law to my mother".
"Wow, so how did he treat you?"
"With class and respect".
"When was your first meeting with him?"
"I came home from boarding school, I was 14, and just met Ethan".
"Ethan, you're soon to be ex-husband?"
"Yes".
"Has he ever harmed you in any way?"
"No, never".
"No further questions".
"Your witness, Ms. Wilson".
"Gwen, how are you?"
She looked at Shana with cold eyes and a glare that could kill".
"Fine, get on with it"
"Your honor, permission to treat as hostile".
"Go head".
"Gwen, did you know about the history Alistair had with lying and manipulating people?"
"Commoners, not me".
"Contraire Gwen, remember when you and Ethan went to Dr. Culver to see about having more children? You good deed for Sheridan, against Beth. You see, he met with him, and blackmailed him not to tell you about the baby being Sheridan's".
Shana walked to tape to the Judge.
"Exhibit J, the recording of the conversation, between Dr. Culver, and the defendant".
She played the tape.
"You better tell them something else, or I will put these pictures in the paper".
"She has the right to know how Beth really is."
"Do you want to try me?"
"Fine, I'll break there hearts".
"This man who you loved, and respected double crossed you for his own benefit. He didn't care that you were hurting, or that you and Ethan were trying for another baby, he wanted what he wanted. You were a pawn to keep Ethan and Theresa part, just because he hates the Lopez-Fitzgerald's. He used your mother and yourself, for business purposes".
"I can't believe this", she sobbed.
"No further questions"
"We will break for today, and adjourn tomorrow for more testimony".
She slammed the gavel down, and may her way to her office.
"ALL RISE".
Everyone cleared the courthouse, and made their way out to the press.
"Ms. Bradford, will this trial hinder your pending marriage to Mr. Winthrop?"
"No, we're planning as we should be".
As they drove home, Ethan was very quiet, and so was she. She knew all of these things they were saying in the court room. This was the very reason she wanted to leave after the assignment was over, but she fell in love......again.
Pilar's Car~
"Thanks for going with me; I thought I was going to fall apart in there".
"No problem, I mean we are friends, right?", Pilar said.
"Pilar, how do you do it? He killed Martin". Sam said.
"Whether he's guilty or innocent, he will suffer his consequences when he dies. I'm done with him. I have a good job, and my family back, aside from Antonio, but I have to live for me".
"I never thought of it that way, I always saw it like T.C.".
"Well, he's getting a divorce now, and he's lost his communication with his daughters now, trust me, his advice isn't one you want to take".
"Good point".
"So maybe we could talk some more".
"As in?"
"A date, I'm single, and so are you recently, why not?"
"Because we are related?"
"Oh foofy, come one, it's a date, not marriage".
"Okay, why not, one question, when did this start, you're feelings for me?"
"It was more as in, I should move on with my life, as you should too. Life is too short to live out the past Sam".
"Another good point, so when should I pick you up?"
"How about 8pm tonight?"
"That's good, it will get me away from Ivy tonight".
Eve already reached her new apartment, and Whitney, and Fox were waiting for Chad and Theresa to show up for lunch. She was happy at last. It was the best she felt in years, even without Julian. She loved him, but she never had time for herself. So now she decided to practice on her own, with Simone being a nurse in her office, it was a new her emerging, and she liked it.
Whitney and Fox were helping her prepare lunch, and talking about the case.
"I can't believe he was that ruthless", Whitney said.
"I love how Shana was going after everything they countered with, it was priceless".
"I have to agree with you on that, it's about time, he was held accountable for his actions, I just feel sorry for everyone he ran over in the process", Eve said sitting down.
"I know, it sucks".
The doorbell rang, and Fox answered it.
"Hey you two, come on in, we are just getting ready for lunch. I wanted to invite Simone and John, but they have a biology class and lab right now, so we'll have dinner tomorrow, are you four coming?"
"Yes, we wouldn't miss it, I just been so busy with work, then Michelle and Ethan's wedding, and then this trial starting. Then the dilemma of little Ethan.....", Theresa trailed off.
"He doesn't want to stay in the house anymore, and I can't blame him".
"I'll call Ethan and Michelle, they can come here, and you two can talk".
"Okay thanks Mrs. Russell.....I mean Johnson, uh...", she stumbled.
"Call me mom, okay Theresa, you are like one of my own, or call me Eve, which ever you prefer".
"Okay, Eve".
The Lopez-Fitzgerald Mansion~
"Are you going to ignore me all day, or what?"
"Just until I go pee! Can I go to the bathroom, or is that a crime too?", she countered.
The phone rang, and he looked at her, and then the phone.
"This isn't over", he said.
"The problem is, I know it isn't".
"L.F. Residence, Ethan speaking".
"Hello Ethan, its Eve, do you and Michelle have plans for today, say, right now?"
"We were going out for lunch, then to the office, but it can be changed, why?"
"Fox, Whitney, Chad, and Theresa are here having lunch with me, Simone and John had to miss our date for their Biology class. I was wondering if you and she would......".
"Like to join us for lunch?"
"Yes, or you mean us for lunch?", she joked.
"Sure why not, Michelle came up with idea for Little Ethan, and hopefully Theresa and Chad would like it".
"Okay, well, I live in the new condos built by the mansion, I guess right up the street. I'll see you two in ten?"
"Okay, bye".
Upstairs~
"I knew it, all that sex would catch up with us, but I don't care, it's OUR baby", she thought reading the results of the test.
"Shelle, we gotta get going", Ethan said walking in.
He noticed the test, and got happy from that moment.
"Looks like we have to bump up the date?", she joked.
Spoilers~
Ethan, Michelle, Chad, and Theresa move in together for Little Ethan.
Sam and Pilar enjoy their first date, even after Ivy comes to try and ruin it.
Fox and Whitney decide to help Simone and John, and become friends in the process.
Michelle, Rebecca, and Alistair testifies.
The verdict comes back
And
The wedding begins!
STAY TUNED!
"All rise, the honorable Judge Berkley of the U.S. Supreme Court of the 5th division resides. Please everyone be seated".
The judge took her seat, and everyone else did too. Michelle's good friend, Shana Wilson was prosecuting this case, and she knew it would get at least a nod to run for district attorney, in Washington D.C., if she won here, so she was very determined to put him away for life, at the very least.
Alistair got his finest attorneys from his office to defend him. Goldstein, Smith, and Bradford was the firm. The very firm her family started, and associated their business with until her father found out he was stealing money from federal accounts. From the point he blew him out the water, they were mortal enemies. So it was poetic justice that another Bradford was bringing him down yet again. Question was, would he stay down, or come after her, and everyone else she loved, and grew to know?
"Ms. Wilson, please present your case", Judge Berkley said.
She walked over to the jury, and began her opening statement.
"People of the jury, my job is to prosecute criminals of all kinds. Alistair Crane has done horrible things to his own family, and the people of the small town Harmony, Maine. For decades, he has tortured these families in this courtroom, and anyone who crossed his path. During this trial, you will hear testimony from people who have felt his wrath, and from a family who has felt it to the worse extent. The evidence will also show that this man should be locked up in jail for a long time, or worse. Keep your minds open, along with your ears and eyes, and if you feel he is innocent after everything you see during this trial, then my case wasn't shown properly. Remember, just about every person in that city is depending on your verdict. Thank you".
"You're opening statements Mr. Goldstein".
"People of the jury, my client is suffering from a mental disorder. He has suffered since his wife has pasted away, and frankly, our case will show that he needs rehabilitation for his actions. Life in prison won't help, it will make him worse and frankly, he's up in age, and does he seem to want to hurt anyone? I ask you to also keep your eyes, ears, and minds open to think about exactly why a sane person would do any of these things. Thank you".
"Prosecution calls Julian Crane to the stand".
Julian is brought out of the chambers where he, Rebecca, Gwen, Antonio, and Beth are being held. He looks over to see Eve sitting with Theresa and Chad. He smiles, and sits down at the stand.
"Do you swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth?"
"I do".
"Please state your name for the court".
"Julian Crane".
"Mr. Crane, what was your job?"
"CEO of Crane Industries".
"And how was you relationship with your father?"
"Always terrible. He treated me, and my sister, Sheridan horrible, but she got it the worst".
"How so?"
"He had me try to kill her on numerous occasions, and he told her that she murdered Martin Fitzgerald. It put a strain on our relationship, and her relationship with her husband".
"Let me ask you this, do you think your father was sane during this?"
"OBJECTION! She's asking him for a medical opinion he can't give".
"Overruled, answer the question, Mr. Crane".
"Yes, I do, he was bitter after our mother died. Frankly, he blamed Sheridan for it, I never did, but he's a cold man".
"Katherine Crane, your mother, died from complications to childbirth, right?"
"Yes"
"Or so you thought".
"What?"
"She was poisoned, her toxicology reports show rat poisoning in her blood. She was poisoned, but we never got the person who did it", she explained.
"OBJECTION!"
"Overruled, move on Ms. Wilson".
They continued the questioning, he explained the times he was to kill Sheridan, blowing up the boat she and Luis were on, lacing the ring she was to wear as her wedding band, and other things he was told to do by Alistair.
"No further questions your honor".
"Mr. Crane, didn't you also go along with these things?"
"Yes, because he wasn't a force to challenge".
"So why now change your mind? Was it the deal Michelle Bradford got for you to testify? Let me see, lifetime probation, in six months?"
"Partly, also he has no power over me now, and I'm ready to come clean about everything".
"Yes, sounds to me, it's more for your personal gain, then to do society justice".
"I'm doing this for my mother, and sister, no one else. He made are lives a living hell".
"So why not leave, right, there was the fortune to think about. No further questions".
As the trial, progressed, Sheridan, Luis, Pilar, and Just about every person who was a resident in Harmony, testified. It was Gwen's turn. She came out to the stand, eyeing Ethan and Michelle.
"State your name for the record".
"Gwendolyn Hotchkiss – Winthrop".
"May I call you Gwen, it is a long name".
"Sure".
"Gwen, how do you know my client?"
"He was the grandfather to my soon to be ex-husband, and father in law to my mother".
"Wow, so how did he treat you?"
"With class and respect".
"When was your first meeting with him?"
"I came home from boarding school, I was 14, and just met Ethan".
"Ethan, you're soon to be ex-husband?"
"Yes".
"Has he ever harmed you in any way?"
"No, never".
"No further questions".
"Your witness, Ms. Wilson".
"Gwen, how are you?"
She looked at Shana with cold eyes and a glare that could kill".
"Fine, get on with it"
"Your honor, permission to treat as hostile".
"Go head".
"Gwen, did you know about the history Alistair had with lying and manipulating people?"
"Commoners, not me".
"Contraire Gwen, remember when you and Ethan went to Dr. Culver to see about having more children? You good deed for Sheridan, against Beth. You see, he met with him, and blackmailed him not to tell you about the baby being Sheridan's".
Shana walked to tape to the Judge.
"Exhibit J, the recording of the conversation, between Dr. Culver, and the defendant".
She played the tape.
"You better tell them something else, or I will put these pictures in the paper".
"She has the right to know how Beth really is."
"Do you want to try me?"
"Fine, I'll break there hearts".
"This man who you loved, and respected double crossed you for his own benefit. He didn't care that you were hurting, or that you and Ethan were trying for another baby, he wanted what he wanted. You were a pawn to keep Ethan and Theresa part, just because he hates the Lopez-Fitzgerald's. He used your mother and yourself, for business purposes".
"I can't believe this", she sobbed.
"No further questions"
"We will break for today, and adjourn tomorrow for more testimony".
She slammed the gavel down, and may her way to her office.
"ALL RISE".
Everyone cleared the courthouse, and made their way out to the press.
"Ms. Bradford, will this trial hinder your pending marriage to Mr. Winthrop?"
"No, we're planning as we should be".
As they drove home, Ethan was very quiet, and so was she. She knew all of these things they were saying in the court room. This was the very reason she wanted to leave after the assignment was over, but she fell in love......again.
Pilar's Car~
"Thanks for going with me; I thought I was going to fall apart in there".
"No problem, I mean we are friends, right?", Pilar said.
"Pilar, how do you do it? He killed Martin". Sam said.
"Whether he's guilty or innocent, he will suffer his consequences when he dies. I'm done with him. I have a good job, and my family back, aside from Antonio, but I have to live for me".
"I never thought of it that way, I always saw it like T.C.".
"Well, he's getting a divorce now, and he's lost his communication with his daughters now, trust me, his advice isn't one you want to take".
"Good point".
"So maybe we could talk some more".
"As in?"
"A date, I'm single, and so are you recently, why not?"
"Because we are related?"
"Oh foofy, come one, it's a date, not marriage".
"Okay, why not, one question, when did this start, you're feelings for me?"
"It was more as in, I should move on with my life, as you should too. Life is too short to live out the past Sam".
"Another good point, so when should I pick you up?"
"How about 8pm tonight?"
"That's good, it will get me away from Ivy tonight".
Eve already reached her new apartment, and Whitney, and Fox were waiting for Chad and Theresa to show up for lunch. She was happy at last. It was the best she felt in years, even without Julian. She loved him, but she never had time for herself. So now she decided to practice on her own, with Simone being a nurse in her office, it was a new her emerging, and she liked it.
Whitney and Fox were helping her prepare lunch, and talking about the case.
"I can't believe he was that ruthless", Whitney said.
"I love how Shana was going after everything they countered with, it was priceless".
"I have to agree with you on that, it's about time, he was held accountable for his actions, I just feel sorry for everyone he ran over in the process", Eve said sitting down.
"I know, it sucks".
The doorbell rang, and Fox answered it.
"Hey you two, come on in, we are just getting ready for lunch. I wanted to invite Simone and John, but they have a biology class and lab right now, so we'll have dinner tomorrow, are you four coming?"
"Yes, we wouldn't miss it, I just been so busy with work, then Michelle and Ethan's wedding, and then this trial starting. Then the dilemma of little Ethan.....", Theresa trailed off.
"He doesn't want to stay in the house anymore, and I can't blame him".
"I'll call Ethan and Michelle, they can come here, and you two can talk".
"Okay thanks Mrs. Russell.....I mean Johnson, uh...", she stumbled.
"Call me mom, okay Theresa, you are like one of my own, or call me Eve, which ever you prefer".
"Okay, Eve".
The Lopez-Fitzgerald Mansion~
"Are you going to ignore me all day, or what?"
"Just until I go pee! Can I go to the bathroom, or is that a crime too?", she countered.
The phone rang, and he looked at her, and then the phone.
"This isn't over", he said.
"The problem is, I know it isn't".
"L.F. Residence, Ethan speaking".
"Hello Ethan, its Eve, do you and Michelle have plans for today, say, right now?"
"We were going out for lunch, then to the office, but it can be changed, why?"
"Fox, Whitney, Chad, and Theresa are here having lunch with me, Simone and John had to miss our date for their Biology class. I was wondering if you and she would......".
"Like to join us for lunch?"
"Yes, or you mean us for lunch?", she joked.
"Sure why not, Michelle came up with idea for Little Ethan, and hopefully Theresa and Chad would like it".
"Okay, well, I live in the new condos built by the mansion, I guess right up the street. I'll see you two in ten?"
"Okay, bye".
Upstairs~
"I knew it, all that sex would catch up with us, but I don't care, it's OUR baby", she thought reading the results of the test.
"Shelle, we gotta get going", Ethan said walking in.
He noticed the test, and got happy from that moment.
"Looks like we have to bump up the date?", she joked.
Spoilers~
Ethan, Michelle, Chad, and Theresa move in together for Little Ethan.
Sam and Pilar enjoy their first date, even after Ivy comes to try and ruin it.
Fox and Whitney decide to help Simone and John, and become friends in the process.
Michelle, Rebecca, and Alistair testifies.
The verdict comes back
And
The wedding begins!
STAY TUNED!