Trial Part 54

November 6

Ryland recalls a few witnesses, to "refresh" the details in the jurors' mind. Then she calls herself. She takes the stand and Beecher questions her.

"I don't know what I can really ask you that hasn't already been covered…but how about this. Why did you call your father so unusually late that night?"

"I was exhausted from work…and school….I came home, sat down on the couch…and fell asleep. Guess I woke up and realized I hadn't called yet…and did. Figured that he would be out of his mind with worry. Probably should have considered looking at the clock first."

Toby smiles, "What about this wig?"

Ryland laughs, "It's a lot easier than dying my hair. I have quite a few of them. I was in a brunette phase. But I grew out of it quickly…..probably threw it out…"

"Probably?"

"A lot has happened since then….kinda hard to remember some things so minor."

"Sure. And this thing about colored contacts we keep hearing so much about?"

"I do wear contacts. I would be completely blind without them. But colored, no. why would I want to hide my eyes?"

"Why indeed. Thank you."

Beecher sits down and offers the floor to Casey.

She stands and walks right up tot the stand and leans in, "I know why….a very nice cover."

"Cover? Miss Novak…even my driver's license says my eyes are blue. It's easy to read…unless of course you can't read…"

"And this wig you can't you have tossed it after you killed Carrie Bowersock?"

"No…because I killed no one Miss Novak."

"Well then, why didn't you kill her?"

"Because murder is illegal….and I'm not a violent person."

"Really? Because you were convicted…excuse me admitted, plead out to the assault charges. You assaulted your own sister for no reason except she was more popular than you…..or do you remember that?" Casey leans in even closer.

Ryland grins, "Don't try to intimidate me. It won't work. And plus, I have nothing to hide. Yes…I assaulted my sister. Yes….I was on probation. Yes…I had to do community service. Yes…I'm sorry. But I never killed anyone."

"Not even considered it?"

"Objection," Beecher stands, "She's badgering."

Ryland smiles and looks at Petrovsky, "And asked and answered, I could argue that part."

"Not necessary. I agree with you both. Move on Miss Novak."

"One last thing. How did you feel when you found Carrie?"

"I couldn't believe it….I just couldn't imagine who would do this to her," Ryland pauses, and then begins to cry, "She was the sweetest girl. I was lucky to have known her…," Ryland looks right at Casey, "I loved her like she was my sister."

Casey looks back, expressionless, "Nothing further."

Ryland is excused from the stand. She goes back to her table. Beecher offers her a tissue and she wipes the tears from her cheeks. She stands, "The Defense rests Your Honor."

"Very well. Closing arguments will be heard tomorrow at nine a.m. We're adjourned until then."

Court is dismissed and everyone is filing out. Ryland and Toby walk over to Casey, "Well, that was fun," Beecher says with a smile.

"It's not over yet," Casey says as she shuts her briefcase.

"You're right. All I've got to say to you is that you'd better have one hell of a summation….all my mock cases victories have been won on the strength of my closing statement. I can wrap this up more beautiful than a Christmas present," Ryland comments, with just a hint of pride.

The three walk out. Casey stops when she meets with Stabler and Benson. "Well sweetheart…this isn't pretend. This is real. You're going to be convicted by a jury of your peers. And a murder conviction at that."

"I don't think so"

"You sure, I think even your sister could vote guilty for you."

Ryland laughs, "You think? Gosh Casey, maybe you should be the one riding the retard racer to work everyday."

"Well juries still aren't really big on letting murders go free," Olivia says.

"Jurors are still people," Beecher says.

Stabler looks at him, "Just because you got away with one doesn't mean that she could."

"Elliot, I'm hurt," Beecher says, as he reaches out to stroke Elliot's arm.

"Not yet…but you will be if you try that again."

"Boys, boys. You can play later," Ryland says, as she steps between them, "Toby….behave."

"You can always take twenty five to life with a chance of parole in fifty years," Casey says.

"You're awfully sure of yourself."

"Well, like Olivia said….not really big on letting a killer walk the streets. Even if they are just people."

"Really?" Ryland turns to Elliot and takes his hands in hers, "Could you vote guilty…and send a girl just like your daughter to prison for the rest of her life?"

"Just on the evidence that's been presented…." He looks at Casey, " I would have a hard time. There's a few too many "maybes" and not enough definite things. They would have to be more clear."

A sly grin creeps onto her face, "That's what I needed to hear. Come on Toby, let's get out of here."

Beecher offers his arm to Ryland, which she accepts. "Yes, Elliot. Thank you….hey, you think after this is over….we could get together….go out…find us someone to spend these long, cold nights with…."

"Screw you."

"Not tonight, but I'll take a rain check."

Ryland and Toby laugh as they walk off.

"You know, I'm really beginning to hate that bastard," Elliot says.