XXI. Can I Get A Witness
Can I Get A Witness is the property of Marvin Gaye.
Ah ah listen to everybody (body)
Especially you girls (girl)
It's not right to be left alone
When the one you love is never home
I loved to hard my friends sometime say
But I believe, I believe
That a woman should be loved that way
But it hurts me so inside
To see you treat me so unkind
Somebody, somewhere tell her it ain't fair
Can I get a witness (can I get a witness)
I want a witness (can I get a witness)
I want a witness (can I get a witness)
Somebody (can I get a witness)
Is it right to be treated so bad
When you give it everything you had
If I talks in my sleep
'Cuz I haven't seen my baby all week
Now you chicks you all agree
This ain't the way it's supposed to be
Let me hear you
Let me hear you say, "yeah yeah"
Up early in the morning
Well they're all in my mind
Just to find her out all night
Well I've been crying
But I believe
A women's a man's best friend
I'm gonna stick by her
'Till the very end
Well she caused me so much misery
I forget how it's supposed to be
Somebody, somewhere
Tell her it ain't fair
Can I get a witness
Can I get a witness (can I get a witness)
I want a witness (can I get a witness)
Witness, witness (can I get a witness)
Witness, witness (can i get a witness)
Everybody knows, especially you girls
That a love can be sad
But half a loves is twice as bad
Now you chicks you all agree
That ain't the way love's supposed to be
Let me hear ya
Let me hear you say "yeah yeah"
I want a witness (can I get a witness)
I want a witness (can I get a witness)
Yeah I want a witness (I want a witness)
Somebody (can I get a witness)
Is it right to be treated so bad
When you give it everything you had
If I talk, in my sleep
'Cuz i haven't seen my baby all week
Yeah she caused me so much misery
That ain't the way it's supposed to be
Let me hear
Let me hear you say "yeah yeah"
I want a witness (can I get a witness)
I want a witness (can I get a witness)
I want be (can I get a witness)
I want a witness (can I get a witness)
Witness, witness
I want a witness
Sean blows warm air into his hands, even though it's close to seventy degrees at night. He can already feel the coldness of the air conditioner when he touches the doorknob to his house. A different type of cold settles in his stomach. He'd never not called Emma before. It was common for him to phone her about two times a day, just to let her know he'd be home late or just to check up on her. That was him. Mr. Reliable. He took out the trash regularly, fixed the pipes, cleaned the rain gutters, whatever needed doing. When he had time, he'd do woodwork projects for extra cash, extra cash that is headed towards a beach house they both wanted. It was Emma's idea, but Sean came around. It would be nice to have a house on the beach where they got married. The beach, nothing like Wasaga, was pristine and gorgeous, just like Emma. But could it ever really be home? He barely felt comfortable in Millington, and Emma seemed to be picking up on that more and more, asking him why he kept leaving all the time to go this place and that, why he couldn't take some time off and get to know the people here? Things in Toronto were different, he wanted to tell her. A good kind of different.
Unlocking the door, someone switches on the living room light. As his eyes adjust, he immediately sees Emma, wearing a silk nightshirt under a silk, teal robe. She sits on a chair, her legs folded under her. The light nicely frames her blonde hair, but does nothing to hide the frown etched on her face, nor the tears falling down her cheeks.
"You didn't call," says Emma, crying softly. "You always call."
Sean sighs. The couple days with Ellie wore him out in every way– physically, spiritually, emotionally. The loss of their child and the fact that they almost kissed spun around and around in his brain, and he didn't find any more relief as he drove home. He didn't even try to come up with anything to say, hoping that she'd be asleep, hoping that she'd be mad and just decide to talk to him the next morning. That would've bided him some time to think.
"Em," says Sean, going to her and trying to touch her arm.
Emma pulls back, and Sean nods, takes his hand away.
"I should've called," says Sean. "I'm sorry."
Emma dries her eye with her silk sleeve.
"Did they fix Ellie's car yet?" she asks pointedly. "I suppose you took her wherever she needed to go and conveniently forgot that your wife would've wondered where you were. My mistake for caring."
Sean's face reddens. He looks down, allows Emma to continue.
"Sean, I don't mean to be a shrew, but don't you get why this makes me uncomfortable? I mean, we've been through so much and I think I've been an okay wife..."
"You have, Em! You're amazing," interrupts Sean, holding her face in her hands.
He's surprised Emma lets him touch her. She cries more intensely, stares into her lap.
"I wouldn't have said my vows if I didn't mean them, and I thought you felt the same..."
"I do, Emma! I do!"
"I do?" says Emma, laughing nervously. "That's what you said our wedding day, and it didn't make much difference. Not if you're running off with some other girl."
"It's not just some other girl," says Sean. "She's...she's..."
"She's what?" demands Emma.
"Something," whispers Sean.
Emma takes Sean's hands from her face, stands.
"Figure out what she is. I'm going to stay with my parents for a few weeks, okay?" says Emma, making her way to the bedroom.
Sean stares behind her, unable to move, unable to think. This was all happening so fast. Emma stalls for a bit, turns around.
"I love you, Sean," she says. "I've loved you forever. There's never been anyone else, nobody from the past. I can accept your past, sure, but if it's not your past, if it's still going on, then I deserve to know. You owe me that."
She ducks into the bedroom, and the sound of hangers moving to the side and a zipper gliding down on a suitcase is more depressing than he is prepared for.
II.
All the stone steps are littered with people. Police hover by the sides, while crowds thrust signs into the air, yelling at TV cameras and reports wandering around. Paige pops a stick of gum into her mouth, watches the excitement. Spinner had to work that day so he couldn't come. She thinks she recognizes a lone, blonde reporter walking down the steps as she talks to the camera. She listens in.
"Hello, Toronto! This is Heather Sinclair, reporting from the steps of the Dwyer Courthouse, where today, one of the most compelling court cases in recent history will take place. I've left the radio station, and am coming to you live, filling in for Crystal Hodge. Two weeks ago, news broke that rock musician Craig Manning was romantically involved with local TV anchor, Ashley Kerwin, who is married to Jimmy Brooks, coach of Degrassi Community School's Lady Panthers. Starting today, the fate of the child of Brooks and Kerwin will be under intense scrutiny as Brooks seeks full custody of their daughter. For the past three weeks, the noted attorney Carla Arrow and novice Liberty Van Zandt have surely worked out strategies for their clients. Though Van Zandt is a relatively new attorney, she's won two very difficult cases in the last couple years, both of which involved child custody. Still, is that enough to overcome Arrow, who has never lost a case in her twenty-five year career? Though Craig Manning is quite famous, another well-known and influential person involved in this situation is Jimmy's father, Trenton Brooks, owner of several, successful businesses and a mainstay in Toronto's political circles. The presence of celebrity, the intrigue, the power struggles that are sure to come...stay with us for up to the minute information."
Paige rolls her eyes, walks to the left where a male reporter is talking to two teenage girls, flashing buttons on their jackets.
"And what do these buttons say?" says the reporter, sticking the microphone in front of one of the girls.
"CrAsh. We combined Craig and Ashley's names. We support them and we can't wait for Craig's next album!" exclaims the girl.
"It was my idea," says the other girl. "Craig, we love you! We're calling ourselves the Dust Bunnies in support of your Dust girl. I came up with that, too. There's a thousand of us so far."
"Impressive," says the reporter.
"Gag," mutters Paige, massaging her back and glancing down at her bump, which is quite apparent in her black dress.
"My sentiments exactly," says a voice to her right.
Ellie stands by her side, looking disgustedly at the crowd.
"What are you doing here?" asks Paige. "I figure this would be the last place you'd be."
Ellie pulls out a piece of paper, starts to read. "Dear Ms. Eleanor Nash, your presence has been requested..."
"Oh, you got that too," says Paige. "It's really nice to come home and read a document that says, hey, come on down and testify in a case between your two close friends."
"In my case, it would be two former close friends," says Ellie, tucking the paper back into her purse. "Jimmy and I..not that close either."
"Sorry."
"Whatev. I am so not ready for this. Feel like bum rushing the vending machines and eating artificial junk with me?"
Paige nods. "Baby prefers Twinkies."
The two of them enter the courthouse, pleased that the madness outside hasn't transferred to the inside. They locate a vending machine, and Paige puts in two quarters and a dime, presses a button. The machine releases a packet of Twinkies, and Paige retrieves it. She opens it, scarfs it hungrily.
"Wow," says Ellie, chuckling. "Your kid's definitely getting fed."
"I eat healthy stuff too," defends Paige. "Vegetables, carbs, milk. In fact, Spin insists on it. He got all these little books so he can cook all these nice, pregnancy meals."
"Awww," says Ellie.
"It's sweet, every now and again, I need something fattening, greasy, or just plain bad for me."
"Are you still nervous?"
Nervous didn't even begin to describe it. Spinner had sat her down the night before, talked about the sonogram that was coming up, signed them up for Lamaze classes they could take at a nearby gym, asked her to take another look at their bank papers. It was just too much in a week. Worse was the nausea, the gas, the frustration that was bottling up in her. Thanks a lot, kid, she wanted to say. Thanks a lot for coming too soon.
"Hello, hon? Yeah! I don't want a fat little head coming out of down there. I don't want to be hyped up on drugs during delivery, crazy like I was that semi-formal when Maneater Santos broke my leg. And I don't want to have scraggly, sweaty hair while I push and everyone waits for this little miracle."
Ellie shakes her head. "You have no idea how grateful you should be. Are you that self-absorbed?"
"You're not the one having this baby, Ellie. And why should I listen to you? You've never been pregnant. You have no idea what I'm going through, what any mother is going through!" exclaims Paige, her voice carrying across the empty hallway.
Ellie gives Paige a hurt look, which makes Paige gulp. She starts to leave, but comes back after a few steps, getting in Paige's face.
"I can never have kids," whispers Ellie. "I can never have kids and you're carrying around a baby, feeling sorry for yourself. You have Spinner, you have your mom. Ashley, as many negative feelings as I have towards her, could lose her kid. I lost a child that I didn't know I had, and I've spent years trying...trying to get over it. If I can try to keep going, then you should be able to. Simple as that. Grow up."
Ellie walks down the hall, as Paige sinks into a chair in the hall, staring at a clock. In ten minutes, the case would begin, with Ashley fighting to hold onto something they had in common– mother hood. Ellie couldn't fight; it was taken from her, and that had to be unplanned. This is all unplanned. She knew it would be ugly, that it would get heated. Why draw it out in her mind? Why fight it within herself?
III.
Craig steers a foreign car into the lot near the courthouse, with Ashley gazing through the tinted windows. It was Craig's idea, believing that the paparazzi would chase his car there, seeking some photos before the actual proceedings. He pulls into a spot near the middle, and Ashley grabs her purse. She peeks outside one last time, and sees the huge crowd. It almost seemed like a movie, that this isn't her life. Getting out of the car, Craig immediately takes her hand, throws a shy smile her way. Ashley smiles back, though it's slight. They advance to the courthouse, hearing a myriad of screams, bulbs flashing, microphones thrust in their faces.
"This is crazy," whispers Ashley to Craig.
"Maybe something in the water," says Craig, bustling past a reporter, Ashley in tow.
They believe they're home-free, but before entering the door, a photographer snaps their picture, blinding Ashley.
"Excuse you," says Craig, putting an arm around Ashley and brushing past the photographer, who curses Craig under his breath.
"That'll be a good shot, I'm sure," says Ashley, blinking, her eyes getting back to normal.
"Are you okay?" asks Craig.
"Yeah, just need a drink," says Ashley, pointing to what she thinks is a water fountain.
"You want to drink from a fire extinguisher?" laughs Craig.
"Oh!" says Ashley, finally realizing her mistake. "You can go on in.'
Craig strokes her neck with his hands, kisses her. "I want to drink your lips," he says, smiling.
Ashley giggles. "You say the dorkiest stuff sometimes."
"But you love it."
"This much is true," says Ashley, giving him a quick peck. "Now go."
Craig groans, lets her go, and walks into the courtroom. Ashley stoops down over the water fountain, but is interrupted by a tap on the shoulder. She faces a blonde woman, wearing a press tag, grinning happily.
"Hi Ashley. Remember me?" she says.
Ashley thinks back for a bit, but is able to remember her name. "Heather? Heather Sinclair?"
"Aww, you remember me. Nice. Listen. I was wondering if I could land an exclusive interview with you. Have you always had a thing for Craig? I know you did in high school, but on that day you exchanged vows with Jimmy, did your heart belong to another? The public deserves to know."
"Heather, I don't really want to...," begins Ashley.
"Word has it that a camping trip spiced things up. Was this the only time you two were together or is part of a series of secret romantic getaways?" inquires Heather.
Ashley felt like digging into her purse right at that moment and popping a pill. Luckily, she didn't have to. Paige bumps Heather with her hip, then stands beside Ashley.
"Leave my friend alone," says Paige.
"Hmph, Paige Michalchuck.Why am I not surprised? Tell me, Paige, how does it feel to be the wife of a man who owns a second-rate restaurant while I'm the most popular DJ in the Toronto area? All those days of witty comebacks aimed towards me finally came back to bite you in the rear. So how's about you go be a good housewife, with an unsuccessful business on her hands, and let me do my job?" says Heather, smirking the entire time.
"How's about I ram that microphone up your fake nose, which trust me, even your faithful listeners can tell is faux by that wheezy voice of yours?" snaps Paige.
"You're so jealous," says Heather.
"Yeah, I'm so jealous I don't need Botox at twenty-seven or have saggy implants. Get a clue, Heather, and leave before I kick your lipo-sunctioned butt, and that'll be more that your rich Daddy has to pay for."
Ashley is grateful that Heather looks fearful at that threat. Heather retreats, mumbling to herself.
"Thank you," breathes Ashley.
"No problem," says Paige. "How are you holding up?"
"I'm scared. Liberty says they'll probably call me to the stand first," says Ashley. "Thanks for being a witness."
"Happy to do it," says Paige. "Jimmy's so out of line. Can't believe he's sticking with this. Just be strong, hon. I know you've got it in you."
The two girls go into the courtroom. Liberty is seated on the right side, with Craig in the row behind, talking to Kate. The sight pleases her. Craig and Kate had been talking, though Kate hadn't given her approval of their relationship, and she guesses it's mainly Kate checking up on her. Ashley also finds Ellie, sitting awkwardly between two women, cracking her knuckles, staring straight ahead. She stops looking at her, sits by Liberty at the table.
"This is going to be some day," says Liberty. "Just keep your cool. Know they'll go for the jugular."
Ashley swallows a lump in her throat. She pours herself some water, her hands shaking. She sees that Craig notices and he rubs her back. Just then, they hear a rumble of voices, and turn to see Jimmy wheeling up front, dressed in a black suit and tie, escorted by his parents and Carla Arrow, looking very professional in a tailored, dark blue suit. They go to the table opposite them, and Ashley tries to catch Jimmy's eye, but he won't look over at her.
A side door opens, and the bailiff stands in front of it.
"Presenting the honorable Judge Martha Winton," shouts the bailiff.
"She's a good judge," whispers Liberty to Ashley. "Very fair."
Judge Winton appears, a solemn-faced woman with medium-length hair and stately glasses, comes out and takes her seat, hovering above them all. Twelve men and women sit in the jury box, and Ashley also tries to catch their eye, but all face the judge. She taps the surface with her gavel.
"I call to order the case of Brooks vs. Kerwin," she says loudly. "Because of the circumstances surrounding this case, the well-known individuals involved, I ask that everyone in this room observe strict privacy, particularly because this case is centered around a minor. Mr. Brooks, you seek sole custody of one Leslie Elizabeth Brooks?"
"Yes, your honor," says Jimmy with a surety in his voice that chills Ashley's bones.
"And a divorce from Ms. Ashley Renee Kerwin?" asks Judge Winton.
"Yes, your honor," replies Jimmy, though Ashley thinks his voice is less confident with that answer.
"Very well," says Judge Winton. "Miss Arrow, you can begin with your opening statement."
Carla stands, walks to the jury. "Thank you, your honor. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, today is about one matter and one matter only, the well-being of a five-year old girl. Which environment would best nurture her? Is it with Jimmy Brooks? A faithful, hard-working father or a mother who chooses to leave her husband after a momentous weekend? Leslie deserves a model parent, who isn't easily influenced by flights of whimsy, financially provides for her, and supports her goal to be a pro golf player. All of these attributes can be found in Jimmy Brooks, a well-respected member of the Degrassi community. I ask you, ladies and gentlemen, what could be a more perfect home for a bright, driven child? Ashley Kerwin makes impetuous, harmful decisions that will, with no doubt, damage the psyche of her daughter. Likewise, the man she has chosen to leave her husband for, the potential stepfather of the child, is just as impetuous, as I will prove in my argument. Additionally, their relationship, both past and present, is unpredictable, unstable, rootless, not at all suited for an impressionable child. I will make this quite clear. Thank you."
Ashley's insides start to burn, stomach churns. Impetuous? That wasn't her at all. So she couldn't control her heart? How could she when she was in love? Carla made her sound like a total airhead. And she didn't know Craig, or anything about their relationship. Ashley clasps her sweaty hands together.
"Ms. Van Zandt," says Judge Winton, taking notes as she speaks.
Liberty rises from her seat, looks at the jury.
"Thank you, your honor. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, as Miss Arrow said, this surely comes down to what is best for Leslie Brooks. However, what I will argue, is that separating a child from the mother she's known for five years, has loved for five years, is detrimental to the mental well-being of the child. Ashley Kerwin, no matter her indiscretions, has always provided for, cared for, done what's best for Leslie. Does a mother's love count for nothing, or should we focus on hearsay and revenge? Miss Kerwin pulls in a considerable amount of income, all of which goes to Leslie's school, a performing arts academy that Leslie enjoys. What my opponent fails to realize is that Leslie also has a profound love and talent for music. Performing has given her a boost of confidence, allowed her to express herself like never before, and it was done over the course of the weekend under question, with the help of not only Miss Kerwin, but her partner, Craig Manning. Thus, it was a beneficial environment. In fact, Mr. Manning's presence was not put into question by the child until Mr. Brooks filed for divorce. We seek joint custody in order for the child to keep seeing both of the parents she grew up with, which I will argue is the most rewarding environment for her. Thank you."
Liberty takes her seat, and Judge Winton finishes taking notes. Ashley smiles at Liberty, then at Craig, who smiles back.
"Councillor," says Judge Winton, nodding at Carla. "You may call your first witness."
"I call Ashley Kerwin to the stand, your honor," says Carla.
Ashley takes a deep breath, walks to the stand, her pumps going against the floor the only sound. The bailiff holds the Bible, and she's sworn in, glancing quickly at Craig. He mouths "I love you" and her nerves settle a bit.
"Good afternoon, Miss Kerwin," says Carla.
"Afternoon," responds Ashley.
"Can you tell us what happened the weekend of June twenty-fifth please, in exact detail?" says Carla.
"Um, I went to a camp sponsored by Leslie's school. We did activities, stuff like swimming and crafts. Then, we came home," answers Ashley.
"Miss Kerwin, you're going to have to be a little more forthcoming than that. Truth is Mr. Manning was on this trip, without the knowledge of your husband. You chose to hide it from him."
"Yes...yes, Craig was there, and no, I didn't tell him.."
"Interesting. That makes it less innocent, doesn't it? Clearly deceiving your husband. What else are we to deduce, Miss Kerwin, but that you slept with Mr. Manning over this alleged weekend, and wanted to hide it?"
"Objection, your honor!" cries Liberty. "That's clearly speculation."
"Fine, I'll be blunt and ask if I may, your honor?" says Carla.
"Proceed," says Judge Winton.
"Did you sleep with Craig Manning while you were on this trip, Miss Kerwin?"
"No," says Ashley, strongly.
"So there was no sexual contact? No touching, groping, kissing?"
"There was...umm, some touching, kissing."
"Above the belt, below the belt?" questions Carla.
"Above the belt. Some of our clothing...some of it was off," says Ashley.
She peers over at Jimmy, who covers his mouth, looks as if he's ready to vomit.
"Miss Kerwin, you expect this jury to believe that your clothing was off, and you just stopped in the process? Are you and Mr. Manning sexually active now?"
"We cared about Jimmy and Ellie!" exclaims Ashley.
"Eleanor Nash, Craig's former girlfriend?" asks Carla.
"Yes, we stopped because we cared about them. We couldn't do it. I'm not that kind of person."
Carla smirks. "So you've always been faithful, Miss Kerwin?"
Ashley rubs her temple. What did Liberty say? They'd go for the jugular.
"My notes show that's not the case at all, Miss Kerwin," says Carla, looking intensely at Ashley. "In fact, you're far from the model of faithfulness, starting from an early age, aren't you? You irresponsibly took ecstasy, cheated on Mr. Brooks. Then, you left Craig, your supposed paramour, for England and cheated on him with someone there. Normally, I wouldn't bring up adolescent behavior, but it seems to be a pattern with you. Perhaps it's in your nature."
"Objection, your honor!" cries Liberty. "Badgering the witness."
"Your honor, to get to the heart of the question, the stability of an environment for Leslie, we must weigh all the factors. I'm simply questioning the ethics of Miss Kerwin," says Carla.
"I'll allow it, but proceed with caution," says Judge Winton.
"Have you ever been faithful to one man, Miss Kerwin?" asks Carla.
"Yes, for five years," says Ashley, giving Jimmy a strong look.
Jimmy bites his lip, looks back at her, nervously.
"And then it stopped, as per usual," says Carla. "Why did you marry Jimmy Brooks?"
Ashley avoids Carla's cold gaze, tears falling fast to her chin.
"Miss Kerwin, I asked you a question," says Carla.
"I married him...because I thought it would give him some strength. I wanted him to be happy. I always wanted you to be happy, Jimmy."
She stares at Jimmy, wiping her tears. She can tell Jimmy's near tears as well, trying his best to hold them in.
"But you weren't in love with him," says Carla.
"No," says Ashley. "I wasn't."
"More deceit, ladies and gentlemen," says Carla, turning to the jury. "Doesn't it say love, honor, and obey in the vows of marriage? Well, based on Miss Kerwin's actions, it seems she's lied about loving Mr. Brooks, and she certainly didn't honor him over this camping trip. Is this a good example for a child?"
Ashley notices that a few members of the jury are looking skeptically at her. One shakes her head.
"Your witness, Ms. Van Zandt," says Carla, heading back to her table.
Liberty stands. "Your honor, if possible, I'd like to cross-examine Ms. Kerwin at another time, and bring up another witness."
"Yes," says Judge Winton. "Ms. Kerwin, you'll be questioned another day. Please take your seat."
Ashley gets up, walks slowly to her chair, and collapses in her chair, cries silently. Liberty pats her on the shoulder, then heads to the floor.
"I'd like to call Paige Mason to the stand," says Liberty.
Through blurry eyes, Ashley watches Paige advance to the stand, be sworn in, and sit down. Paige puts a hand over her belly, stares at Ashley sympathetically.
"Good afternoon, Miss Mason," says Liberty.
"Liberty," says Paige. "Oops, sorry. Miss Van Zandt."
"Miss Mason, how would you describe Ms. Kerwin as a mother?" asks Liberty.
Paige grins, a genuine grin that touches Ashley's heart.
"She's an amazing mother. And not to step out of turn, but I think all the wrong questions have been asked by Miss Arrow. What about the fact that Ashley stays in Leslie's room when she has nightmares, or that she's the one that knows Leslie only likes peanut butter, not peanut butter and jelly? Leslie trusts her. I've seen them together. I'm like Leslie's second mom. I'm actually about to be a mom. If I can be half as good as Ash, I mean Ms. Kerwin, than that's pretty awesome. I mean, good. And you can't stop how you feel about someone. You can't do it, Jimmy."
Jimmy glances at Paige, then looks down.
"Don't fault her for following her heart," says Paige. "Fault her for maybe marrying you under false pretenses. Fault her for giving in. But don't fault her for loving someone."
Liberty smiles happily at Paige. "Thanks, Miss Mason. Your witness, Miss Arrow."
Carla evaluates Paige with her eyes, then stands.
"Miss Mason, I'm fairly sure that you were at this weekend getaway, were you not?" asks Carla.
"Yes, I was, for the first two days," answers Paige.
"Why were you there? To keep a watch on Ashley?" says Carla.
"I was helping a friend," says Paige, icily. "You know what I mean? Or do you have friends?"
Carla coughs, frowns at her. "So you have no knowledge of what happened between Ms. Kerwin and Mr. Manning?"
"Apparently, I know as much as your notepad," replies Paige, shooting her an evil look.
"Very well. Thank you," says Carla, sitting back down.
Ashley grins to herself. Paige was a tough nut to crack. She didn't technically lie, but she gracefully avoided the question. She looks at Craig, who nods approvingly at Paige. The jury also looks warmly at Ashley, making Ashley's heart lighter.
"Thank you, Miss Mason," says Judge Winton.
Paige steps down, flashes Ashley a quick smile, and takes a seat in the back.
Suddenly, a loud blast like a siren fills the room, the doors to the courtroom open, and a man in a police uniform jogs briskly to the judge's podium.
"Your honor, there's been a security breach. It's strongly advised that we all leave the courtroom. I'll escort you out," says the officer.
"We're in the middle of an important case...," begins Judge Winton.
"Your honor, it could be anything, and during these fragile times, it is best to be cautious. Please halt the proceedings, and continue tomorrow."
Judge Winton sighs. "Very well. The proceedings will commence promptly at nine tomorrow morning. Court adjourned, but I would like to see both councillors."
She bangs her gavel, and everyone rises, as she walks with the officer down the aisle, Liberty and Carla grabbing their briefcases, trailing behind her. Paige comes up, hugs Ashley, says her good-byes. Ashley looks over everyone's heads, finds Jimmy. He's talking to Ellie, Mr. Brooks in between them. Walking out, her and Craig stand in the hall for a few minutes, before being approached by Liberty, a huge grin plastered on her face.
"We just went over some things. I really think Paige's testimony helped us. One of my better moves, if I must say. So rest easier, guys. With Craig's testimony tomorrow, we could sway the jury. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Thanks, Liberty," says Ashley.
"Hey, we're fighting the good fight," says Liberty. "Have a good night."
Liberty exits the room. Craig beams at Ashley.
"What?" says Ashley, smiling.
"Let's go somewhere," says Craig.
"Um...okay, where do you want to go?"
"Now that, I can't tell you."
Craig turns her around, making her face the other way.
"You know the drill," he says, dangling a blindfold in front of her face.
"What...what are you doing?" stammers Ashley.
"Just getting a little more sophisticated. Covered your eyes last time. This time, blindfold."
Ashley remembers the hotel room, smiles in anticipation. The roses. The A & C heart. The pants on the lamp. So romantic, such a long time ago, so perfect. But what was he planning now? He ties the blindfold firmly on, starts to lead her to the exit.
"What about the cameras? They'll think you're kidnapping me or something," laughs Ashley.
"Nope, they had to leave because of the security breach, which I think Heather caused incidently. She's finally good for something. Anyway, let's get going."
"You're not going to give me a hint?" says Ashley, as the breeze from outside hits her body.
"Just trust me."
"Just one hint?"
" You're going to love it as much as we love each other, okay?" says Craig, hugging her from behind.
"I don't think that's possible."