Revenge chapter 23

The day of the trial was utterly grey, clouds formed in the skies. An ideal morning to start such a gruesome thing as a lawsuit, so it seemed. The building where the court was seated, was not in much better shape. It seemed like the brick building had been planted there for only one reason, to be in the way of traffic. It was low, without much windows and designed to be close to the prison ,so that the prisoners could be taken over on foot and out of sight of all of the curious attendees and the journalists.

Because Spike had given a full confession on his arrival in the police office at his arrest, his lawyer could do nothing else than to plead guilty, but he refused to do so for both murders. In fact, he was planning on pleading not guilty to the murder of Riley because there had been enough evidence to prove that this was entirely Angels doing.

On the first day of the trial, where the opening statements of the lawyers would be noted, Spike came into the courtroom, flanked by guards, and sat down next to his lawyer. The court in session, it didn't take long before the question was asked how the defence would plead.

"Not guilty, your Honour."

The whole room went silent, Spike was absolutely baffled. Never had they discussed about actually trying to get a sentence which would be any less than life.

"What are you talking about?" He whispered urgently towards Smith.

"Relax, Mr. Carrington, I know what I'm doing."

"It doesn't sound like it."

The judge watched the interaction between the two of them and sighed.

"Would you like a few minutes, mr. Smith, or can we proceed?"

"Of course, you Honour."

Spike seemed to have no say in this which made him highly irritated with the man. His aunt and uncle had sought him out and even paid for him. Right after the event came in the news, they had looked him up, scolded him for his stupidity and then offered their help. He had told them part of the story, but they didn't care much about what had been his share in it. He was more their son than of his own mother and they would support him no matter what. Not much had gotten through that day, but at this he cried like a small child. He had accepted their offer because they wouldn't have it any other way. Now he was beginning to regret it.

The day dragged on, nothing too exciting, but the newspapers had the scoop they had been waiting for.

The next morning Joyce fetched the paper from the carpet at the frond door and walked to the kitchen, where Buffy sat with her cup of coffee.

"Honey, I'm worried about this…" Joyce began, but her daughter did not want to listen and just held her hand out for the paper.

"He's pleading not guilty."

She beamed, Mr. Smith was doing everything according to plan. He had done a lot more research than Spike knew, because of Buffys testimony. He had warned her that he couldn't plead him free, but that he could make a considerable effort to make the years in prison as low as possible.

"Do whatever you can, sir." Had been her only answer.

Together, they had been through everything, Buffy wasn't going to let Spike fall for something he had done for the both of them. No, it hadn't been the right choice, but… at that moment none of the normal rules had counted.

"Buffy." Her mother tried again after a while.

"Mum no, not again. Whatever you think about Spike, it isn't true. It's thanks to him I'm still here."

"But you can't handle that pressure, Buffy. Willow had to practically catch you when you did practice it with the lawyer."

"That was different."

"Different? How?"

"Because I kow now that it's real. I can do this, mum, don't be worried, please!"

"The only thing I can do, is support you, I guess."

Buffy got up and hugged her mother.

"I'll be alright. The doctor said that I am capable enough to handle this. If you don't believe me, believe them."

Her mother grumbled something incoherently, but let it be and hugged her daughter back. He young woman had been through so much lately, Joyce wondered. The nervous breakdown was only normal, nobody would be able to cope with such extreme circumstances.

"I don't like you very much at the moment."

"Mr. Carrington… Spike… I have evidence enough in favour of you that you did not kill the first victim. Of Angel, that we both know, but perhaps we can turn that into self defence."

"How? You told me it couldn't."

"I've found new ways."

"How, Mr. Smith?"

Spike was getting agitated. His lawyer was holding something back.