Disclaimer- Charmed belongs to the WB network and Spelling television. This is used for entertainment only and not for profit of any kind.

Recap Chapter 10- Cole and Phoebe are preparing for the trial of the century (or whatever you want to call it).

A/N- Hey, guys! :D I know I promised only two chapters before I leave, but I've been bored lately and I sat my booty down to type every chance I got. And...Well, I got this chapter right here. I don't know if it's any good, but that's what you guys are here for. So, read and review! Thank you very much!

BTW- Next time that you hear from me, I'll be back from Los Angeles. Bye! :)

Chapter 11: Case on Trial

For the past four weeks, Phoebe have been preparing like a maniac for the trial. She wanted it to be over so bad that she didn't care what it took to get it done. Cole hoped and prayed that this was going to go over easily.

The courtroom looked prodigiously scary from the inside. It was nothing Phoebe had ever imagined. Everything and everyone in the room was so tense and serious. Suddenly, Phoebe didn't know what to expect in the courtroom anymore. Everyone, except the judge was ready to go and get this over with. Phoebe didn't know if she was ready to fight this anymore.

Her hands were sweaty from the anticipation, and the designer suit made her body perspire uncontrollably. She just wanted Cole to be there and hold her tight, but this was her fight that she had to win on her own.

When it seemed like an eternity, the judge walked into the room. "All rise. The honorable Judge Donnalbain presiding. Case number 3109426, Phoebe Halliwell VS. Jason Dean," the Bailiff announced. "You may be seated," Judge Donnalbain said taking her seat. "Court is now in session," Bailiff announced.

"Your Honor, I would like to question the plaintiff," Mr. Sanchez (Jason's lawyer) said. "Proceed," the Judge said. "Calling Miss. Phoebe Halliwell to the bench," Bailiff said. That moment there, Phoebe knew her world was about to change a lot more than she would've expected it to. Time seemed to slow down as the whole process continued to torture her. Jason's eyes stared at her from across the room making it even more difficult to focus on what she needed to do.

"Miss. Halliwell, on the night of September 16 at 7:15 pm, where were you?" Mr. Sanchez asked. "I was at a charity dinner with Mr. Dean," Phoebe answered full of regret. "I understand that you are engaged. What made you decide to go to a party with Mr. Dean?" Mr. Sanchez asked. "It was a charity dinner...I thought it would be beneficial for me to go," Phoebe replied. "Hmm...Did Mr. Dean show signs of being flirtatious?" Mr. Sanchez asked. "Objection, your honor," Mr. Montgomery said standing up. "Overruled. Miss. Halliwell, please answer the question," Judge Donnalbain said.

Phoebe nodded. "He had a habit of offering too many drinks, but there was nothing suspicious," Phoebe replied. "Did you have dinner?" Mr. Sanchez asked. "No, I was half-conscious at that time. I insisted Mr. Dean to take me home," Phoebe said. "And did he?" Mr. Sanchez pressed on. "No, he did not," Phoebe answered. "So, what happened?" Mr. Sanchez asked getting bored.

The whole courtroom was staring at her for an answer. An answer she couldn't freely speak of. It was difficult talking to Cole about it, but now she has to open up to a whole room full of people who she doesn't even know. Phoebe looked for a way out, but her eyes landed on Cole. He had that encouraging look on his face telling her she could do it.

Phoebe took a deep breath. "We were walking out to the limo when Mr. Dean started to touch me. I told him to stop, but he didn't. That's when he threw me into the car..." Phoebe paused.

"Excuse me, your honor. I would like to give you a copy of Miss. Halliwell's medical report after arriving at the hospital where she was listed victim of assault," Mr. Montgomery stated. Bailiff gave the file to the judge to look at. "Proceed, Mr. Sanchez," Judge Donnalbain said.

"What exactly did he do after he threw you into the car?" Mr. Sanchez asked. "He proceeded to touch me forcefully. I made it clear that I wanted to keep our relationship on a professional level," Phoebe said bravely. "But agreeing to go to this party makes things personal, doesn't it?" Mr. Sanchez asked.

"Objection, your honor! Irrelevant question," Mr. Montgomery stood up. "Sustain. Mr. Sanchez, please move on," Judge said. "No further questions, your honor," Mr. Sanchez said taking his seat next to Jason. Phoebe started back to her chair as Mr. Montgomery stood up.

"I like to call the defendant to the stand, please," He said referring to Jason. Phoebe heard her heart beating in that large courtroom. Jason sat on the chair casually like he's been through it before. Mr. Montgomery looked at him for a long time before starting. Perhaps he was trying to guess if Jason would be an honest man or not.

"Mr. Dean, did you or did you not lay your hands on Miss. Halliwell that night?" Mr. Montgomery asked. "I did not," Jason answered firmly. "Then, what did you do to her that night, Mr. Dean?" Mr. Montgomery asked. "I didn't do anything to her. She came willingly," Jason replied. "True, she agreed to go with you to this charity dinner. But...What happened in the car?" Mr. Montgomery asked.

Jason paused for a quick second and replied, "We were both excited that night, and things got carried away." A few snickering came from the people sitting in the courtroom. "Order! Silence!" The Judge banged her gravel. Immediately, the courtroom came to an eerie silence.

"Is that right? Please, elaborate," Mr. Montgomery stated. "We were in the limo making out, and she never signaled me to stop..." Jason said. "Is that so? How do you explain the tear on the dress Miss. Halliwell was wearing?" Mr. Montgomery asked. "We were both very much aroused," Jason replied. A few quiet snickers came from the people of the court, but it quickly died down.

"You said she never said no to anything you did, is that correct?" Mr. Montgomery asked. "That is correct," Jason answered. "Okay, well, let's take a look of the medical report here on the night of September 16 at 9:36 pm. Nearly two hours after Miss. Halliwell was found lying on the ground of a gas station," Mr. Montgomery said flipping through the record.

When he found what he was searching for, he continued to break Jason down little by little. "After tests were ran, the results came back saying that Miss. Halliwell had a date rape drug called Rohypnol in her system. Do you deny that you slipped this into Miss. Halliwell's drinks?" Mr. Montgomery. "I've never heard of it. And yes, I do deny it," Jason replied.

"That's awfully interesting," Mr. Montgomery said walking towards the jury. "Let me tell you something about Rohypnol. Also known as 'R-2', 'roofies', or 'rope'. This drug is quickly becoming the drug of choice. It's not an ordinary date rape drug; it's many times more effective. Rohypnol's effects include muscle relaxation, slow response, and mostly sedation. After this drug is administered, it takes less than 30 minutes to sedate its victim and lasts for several hours..." Mr. Montgomery paused and let the jury think about it.

"So, you see. There was no possible way Miss. Halliwell was drugged before she left her home. She was drugged when she was at that dinner with Mr. Dean. Now, did he do it?! Or is Miss. Halliwell lying?" Mr. Montgomery asked not expecting an answer.

"There's something interesting about rape and sexual assault. It happens behind closed doors, in the dark where no one can see or hear. It's secluded. So, Mr. Dean and Miss. Halliwell were in the limo in the parking lot. Remember that they left way before the party was over. How many people could've heard Miss. Halliwell's screams if there were any? Think about it...I rest my case," Mr. Montgomery said sitting down.

Again, silence filled the room. Everyone seemed to be moved by the speech Mr. Montgomery had given. It opened their eyes to something new and different.

"I would like to go over the details myself for the next few days, and the jury will make their verdict next court session. Court is adjourn," Judge Donnalbain banged her gravel.

One difficult day down, a couple more to go. Phoebe stood up thanking her lawyer, and looking back at Cole who was making his way to her.

"Thank you, Ethan," Cole said shaking his hand. "I'm just doing my job. I will contact you as soon as I know the court date," Ethan said leaving them.

"Hey, baby," Cole said embracing her. Jason passed by them, and glared into Phoebe's eyes. Phoebe held Cole tighter around her as he walked away. "Are you okay?" Cole asked. "I hate the way he looks at me," Phoebe said. "It'll be okay, baby. You did a great job today," Cole stated knowing how grueling it must have been for her. "I just want to go home," Phoebe stated like a frighten child. "Let's go," Cole said guiding her outside to their car.

The silence between them was enough comfort for Phoebe. She just needed someone to be there to care for her and love her. No one does that better than Cole.

To Be Continued...

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