Trial Part 54

November 7

The courtroom is full. Carrie Bowersock's aunt is sitting with Elliot and Olivia. Ryland's parents and Reese are also present. As are several members of the press. Ryland and Beecher are having a quiet conversation, as Casey stares. They wave at her right before Judge Petrovsky enters. Everyone stands and remains standing as the jury files in. Everyone is asked to be seated. Only Casey, Ryland and Beecher remain standing.

Petrovsky speaks, "Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a verdict?"

"We have Your Honor," the foreman, who is a short blonde woman, says.

"Very good. How do you find?"

Casey, Ryland and Beecher all exchange looks.

"On the sole count of the indictment, rape in the first degree….we find the defendant….not guilty."

Ryland and Beecher smile.

"On the sole count of the indictment, manslaughter in the first degree…we find the defendant…."

Casey closes her eyes.

"…..Not guilty."

Casey drops her head. Carrie's aunt beings to cry hysterically; Olivia tries to comfort her. The press is buzzing….Ryland's mother breathes a sigh of relief. Elliot, along with Ryan Somerset, stare in disbelief at Ryland.

Reese stands up, "Ryland…you won!"

"Order! Order," Petrovsky demands, "Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, the court thanks you for your service. Court is adjourned."

Ryland hugs Beecher. "I really did it! I won!"

Casey is gathering up her things. Olivia escorts Carrie's aunt out. Elliot walks up to Casey, "You did the best you could Casey. I'm sorry we couldn't have done more."

"You did your best. That's all I could ever ask."

Toby and Ryland walk over to her. Toby smiles, "I'll say. Ryland has a very promising future. And looks like your best just wasn't good enough."

"She only has a future because she was acquitted," Casey says.

"Just another victory for the wrongly accused," Ryland says with a smile, "So, Casey Novak….how does it feel to have your ass kicked by a first year law student?"

Casey just glares in response.

"Hey, sorry. Just trying to prepare you for the press….which reminds me, Toby. How's my hair?"

"Perfect…and definitely better than hers."

They laugh and start to leave. Elliot shouts to Ryland, "You know….pride is one of the deadly sins."

Ryland walks back over to Elliot, "Then confession is my next stop," Ryland kisses him on the cheek, "Peace be with you, Elliot."

"And with you," he says as an automatic response, as Ryland and Beecher leave the courtroom.

"Well, that was nice of you," Casey says sarcastically.

"She needs peace. She's guilty….I know it, you know it….," he sees Ryan Somerset come back in, "I think even he knows it."

"They let her walk! It's all my fault…I blew it. I told them I didn't know….God, I'm so sorry."

"You can't beat yourself up. The jury; unpredictable," Elliot says, as the three leave the courtroom.