Piper, Phoebe, and Leo walked into the courthouse in Brewster, California at nine thirty the next Friday. Cole had spent the entire day before in the town and had called them the night before. He said he had learned a few things and that they might just stand a chance fighting the ticket. As they walked into the courthouse, they saw Cole sitting on a bench outside one of the courtrooms looking over some papers.
"Well," asked Piper, walking up to him, "what did you find out?"
"I don't really have time to go into all of it here," Cole said. "Let's just say that you were right. This is definitely a speed trap. Piper, are you sure you want to go through with this? If we lose, you'll have to pay not only the fine, but also court costs and the officers' salary for the day. It could add up to quite a bit."
"I didn't do it," protested Piper. "I shouldn't be punished for something I didn't do. Are you sure you can beat this?"
"No, I'm not," said Cole. "But I think we do have a good shot. If you want me to I'll fight this for you. But you have to understand we could still lose. There are no guarantees in a courtroom."
"Just do your best," Piper said. "I know we can beat this."
"Okay," Cole said. "We're scheduled to appear before a Judge Lopez at ten. I saw Officer Morgan down the hall a little bit ago. He's the one who gave you the ticket. Piper, there's something else you need to know before we go into court. It could affect your decision to pursue this."
"What?" Phoebe asked before Piper could. "You make it sound serious."
"Well, it is, depending on your point of view," Cole said. "Piper, the entire court is comprised solely of bureaucracy demons. Including the officer who ticketed you."
"Bureaucracy demons?" Leo questioned. "Are you sure?"
Cole just looked at Leo with a look that said, "do you really have to ask".
"Oh, yeah," Leo said. "Stupid question. Sorry I asked."
"Where's Paige?" Cole asked. "I figured she'd be here for moral support."
"Glen's back in town," Piper said. "She didn't think this was such a big deal."
"Well, we probably won't need her," Cole said. "Now, when you testify, just answer the questions put to you. Keep your answers as brief as possible. Don't elaborate beyond what you're asked. The DA in there will do whatever he can to trip you up. Don't give him any opening to do that."
"I'm going to have to testify?" Piper asked.
"Of course," Cole said. "Don't worry. The DA will think this is an open and shut case. He won't press the issue very much. Once you're finished testifying, I'll go to work."
"Okay," Piper said. "I just hope you can stick it to these guys."
"I'll do my best," Cole promised, smiling at her. "I think I'm ready for them."
Confidently, the four went into the courtroom to wait for Pipers' case to be called.