*This chapter has a lot of criminal justice lingo, which is one of the reasons why it took so long. I tried to be as accurate as I could but I am a nurse, not a lawyer so please be nice. I also made some executive choices for the sake of the plot. Please Enjoy this extra long chapter!*
"How are you feeling?" Quinn asked when Santana walked out of her room dressed in a black pantsuit with a matching blazer and a white undershirt. Her entire look was very subtle with nude undertones, her hair was blown out and pushed back so it would stay out of her face. She never wanted to look too overdone when she went to court, this was about the veterans that lost their lives, it wasn't about her. Santana placed some files in her briefcase while she talked, "I'm ready. I have been preparing this case for months, there is no way the jury is going to feed into this insanity defense." San explained.
"They won't because you are going to convince them that he is a lying pack of shit" Quinn replied with a smile. "Thanks, Q, that makes me feel good" Santana admitted. "Well hopefully this makes you feel even better," Quinn said. She walked into the kitchen and came out with a large bouquet of red roses. Santana's face read exactly what she felt, complete and utter surprise. "Where did these come from?" She asked leaning over and smelling one of the roses when Quinn placed the vase on the table. "Do you really need to ask that?" Quinn asked with a chuckle. Santana picked up the small card that read "Baker's Flower Shop" on the front. She flipped over the paper.
"Tana,
Good luck today! I know you are going to absolutely kill it like you always do. The victims are lucky to have you on their side. I am so proud of you no matter what happens today. I will be thinking of you constantly, I love you, baby."
-B
Santana smiled and placed the card back on the table. "He is so good," she said. "Yeah, he is" Quinn laughed agreeing. "What time do opening arguments start?" Quinn asked as she pulled her own blazer on. "Courtroom doors open at 8 am and arguments start promptly at 8:30" Santana explained. "I am sorry I can't go to opening arguments but I'll be there for the afternoon when the asshole gets on the stand," she said. "Quinn, you've been to so many of my cases, you don't need to come to this one. I won't be upset" San explained. "Well, I would be upset. This is the trial of the season. I want to be there to support you" Quinn said hugging her best friend. "Thanks, Q," Santana said hugging her back even tighter.
"Ready to lose Lopez?" Damon asked when he came out of nowhere. Sugar blatantly rolled her eyes and didn't even look at him, she didn't want to give him the time of day. "Really Damon, already starting to act like a child?" Santana said without batting an eyelash. "You're just deflecting. You are nervous, just admit it. Already shaking in your boots" He said gloating. "Do you hear my heels shaking?" Santana asked Sugar. Sugar shook her head and looked down at Santana's shoes, "looks pretty steady to me" she said with a little laugh. "Listen here Damon," Santana said keeping her head high and turning to face him head-on. "You and I both know that he went out of his way to target veterans. This man is not insane, he is just mad he couldn't live up to daddy's expectations. You are just excited to take home a fat check and an even fatter one that Westwood is going to write if you win. News flash, the jury isn't stupid. They are going to hear from all the experts and then he is going to crack on the stand. Just wait and see" Santana spat at him.
He was a good lawyer but at the end of the day, Damon Johnson was a lawyer for the money. You could tell by the gold Rolex on his wrist. He didn't care if it meant a murderer got loose, because he got more money every time he won. That is why all the mobsters in New York keep him on speed dial with a fat checkbook in their back pocket. This is no different. Right when this case started catching fire, Santana knew he was going to be the defense attorney since the Westwood family was worth more than 20 million dollars.
The good thing is that Santana has gone against him more times than she can count. Especially since she is always chosen as the attorney for high-profile cases. High-profile cases can afford high-profile defense attorneys thus their rivalry began and has continued all these years later. She knew that Damon always tried to be suave and persuasive toward the jury. He tends to try and make the scientific evidence seem far-fetched and tries and play up his client. Santana knew that Damon was going to try and make Christopher Westwood look like the victim but she was not going to let that happen. When she heard that Damon was going to let Mr. Westwood take the stand, she was ecstatic. This was her chance to poke his buttons and get him to flip. Once the jury saw that, there is no way to erase it from their memory.
Damon looked absolutely pissed, "Good luck, you're going to need it" he growled at her before walking away. "I know he was very helpful that day we had to bring you to the hospital but I hate him" Sugar growled. "Trust me so do I" San replied. A sound from behind Santana drew Sugar's eyes. "The doors just opened" Sugar pointed out. "Are you ready for this?" Santana asked. "Ready as I'll ever be" Sugar admitted. The two girls were about to walk into the courthouse when something caught her eye.
She saw a man dressed impeccably in a formal military getup. Santana knew exactly who he was. It was Christoper Westwood's father the 5-star General Lawerence Westwood. But the man standing on the other side was the real person to catch her eye. The new normal was Brett crutching along the sidewalk. He has made tremendous strides physically. His burns are healing well since he has been putting on his creams every night and constantly wearing his compression sleeves. The doctor gave him permission to start moving without crutches although he still needs to wear a knee brace which luckily he is following. Santana wasn't too sure how he was doing mentally because he refused to talk about it. At least he was moving in a healing direction, right? She almost missed him since he wasn't using the crutches anymore. Santana knew those blue eyes anywhere.
She didn't think he was coming. In fact, Santana didn't really want him to be at the trial. Not because she didn't want him to watch her work, she would love for him to see her in her element. But Santana didn't want him to be triggered. He saw those pictures before and was instantly brought back to the war. What was he going to be like seeing those pictures blown up and more brutal than before? Especially after everything he just went through. That scared Santana to death.
Santana quickly told Sugar to go in and start setting up while she made a beeline over to Brett. "Brett?" she said drawing both men's attention to her. Brett immediately smiles when he saw her while the General kept a blank face. "Ada Lopez, How are you?" Lawrence asked. "I am okay, how are you Sir?" she asked. "I have been better, I would have liked to spend my day somewhere else but here we are," he said obviously pissed off. " Trust me, I don't want to be doing this either but I need to" she replied. The General nodded respectfully before turning over to Brett. "It was very nice meeting you Master Seargent, maybe when all this is over we could get together for a drink," he said extending his hand. Brett shook the Generals hand, "we will see, thank you sir" Brett replied respectfully but Santana could see the uncomfortable look on her boyfriend's face, something was up. The General nodded at her one more time before walking away leaving the couple alone.
"What are you doing here?" Santana asked. "I wanted to see your work, is that okay?" Brett asked wearily. Santana forced herself to put a smile on her face, "of course, it is, I just didn't realize you were coming. I just don't want anything to trigger you, you know?" She admitted. She wanted to be honest with him so that eventually, he would feel comfortable and be honest with her about his progress. Brett tucked one of the strands of hair behind her ear, "I will be okay, I talked about this with Dr. Michaels. He gave me some strategies to keep my mind at bay so please don't worry about me" he explained. Santana was happy that he is taking some coping strategies from his doctors and putting them to use. "I loved the flowers, by the way, thank you" Santana admitted. "Ginny tried to give them to me for free" Brett laughed. "You better have paid her" Santana threatened. "Of course I did. I would not give you free flowers and also I would never allow Ginny to give me free flowers even if I have to hide money in her till" Brett laughed. "Good, I have to stop by and tell her how much I love them," San said. "She was going to come but I thought that the pictures might have given her a heart attack," Brett said with a giggle. "Oh god, that would be a disaster," Santana said laughing.
She looked around to make sure no one was near her, "So what was the General saying to you earlier?" San asked, needing to know what the defendant's father was saying. "Don't worry about it beautiful, we can talk about it after the trial" he said with a megawatts smile. "But" Santana tried to say but he cut her off. "No butts, you need to keep your head in the game. I promise that I will tell you everything another time" He said nicely. Santana took a deep breath, he was right. Those Veterans were counting on her and Lawerence Westwood was not going to stop her.
"Will you walk me in?" Santana asked. Brett nodded, "I wouldn't want to do anything else" he replied. "Actually there are a few things that I would rather do" Brett added with a cheeky grin. Santana couldn't help but laugh, "I would rather do that too," she said. He leaned over and whispered in her ear, "When you win this, I am going to eat you out like it is my last meal and then made love to you nice and slow." he said. Santana could feel herself blushing, "I can't wait" she whispered back.
Brett kissed her forehead in a gentle way. "But in all seriousness. I love you, Santana, you've already done so much by giving those veterans their names back and bringing this to trial. I am so proud of you" He said. Santana could have cried at that very moment but that wouldn't have looked very badass. "Thank you I needed to hear that and thank you for supporting me. I love you too" Santana smiled up at him. She always longed for someone to say they were proud of her, especially her parents. But standing here now, hearing the man she loves, say that meant more than he would ever know."Now let's go, Sugar keeps giving me digs from the inside the courtroom with just her eyes" he said laughing and making Santana laugh. Brett wanted to wrap his arms around his girlfriend but this was her job, he couldn't be too handsy and he knew that.
They walked in together, Brett couldn't believe just how easily Santana commanded a room. On one side of the room sat military personnel that was clearly on Westwood's side. The other side had a few family members that were related to the victims but it was mostly PD personnel and news outlets. Brett knew where he was sitting, it wasn't even a discussion. Santana gave Brett's hand a squeeze before walking through the brown gates that separate the crowd and the court proceedings. Brett took a seat in the first row right behind him. Santana placed her briefcase on the prosecution table, "Let's do this Sugar" she said giving her assistant a sly smile.
Brett sat on the bench outside of the courthouse. They just broke for lunch so he decided to wait outside for Quinn since he knew she was joining him for the second half of the day. He needed to get out of that room, in there he felt completely smothered, he just needed some air. "Hey, brother!" Quinn said walking over to him. "Hey," he said forcing a smile but Quinn saw right through it. "What's up with you?" she asked sitting down next to him. "It's just a lot in there, that's all" he explained. "Who testified so far?" Quinn asked. "They did their opening arguments. Then Santana called the medical examiner. There were just a lot of details and pictures that brought me back over there" he pointed out. "Do you want to leave? I know Santana won't mind if we skip it" she asked in all seriousness. Brett quickly shook his head. "No, I want to hear what this bastard has to say and I want to watch Santana bury him" he admitted.
Quinn was kind of taken back at how blunt he was but I guess if someone was murdering people she saw as sisters, she would feel the same way. "Okay but if we need to leave just let me know," She said rubbing his back. "Thanks, Quinny," he said smiling. "So how's our girl doing?" Quinn asked. "Such a badass. Like I knew she was confident but in there she is such a powerhouse. It's actually pretty awesome to see" Brett admitted. Quinn laughed, "I've seen her a few times in the courtroom and I know exactly what you mean. It makes complete sense why she went into criminal law. It was like she was made to argue with people" Quinn pointed out.
The two were interrupted when a man walked up to them. "Excuse me," he said getting both of their attention. "General Westwood" Brett said standing up to show respect toward his higher-up. Quinn didn't really know what was going on but she knew that Westwood was the last name of the defendant, so this man must be related to him. That's when Quinn remembered that Christopher Westwood's father was someone high up in the military, this had to have been his father. But what she didn't know was how General Westwood knew Brett because if she remember correctly, the General was in the Army while Brett was in the Marines.
"I spoke with General Kennedy not too long ago, he had some interesting things to say about you" Mr. Westwood explained. "I mean no disrespect sir, but I do not need to hear about anything that man has to say about me. The situation regarding Kennedy and I is between us and the other marine personnel" Brett explained trying to be respectful. "I can get you out of it," General Westwood said without missing a beat. Both Brett and Quinn were taken aback. "You see, I have a lot of connections of course. I can get you out of trouble. All you need to do is to get the prosecution to drop the charges against my son. Which should be easy since you are dating the prosecuting attorney." General Westwood said.
Quinn couldn't believe that this man was basically threatening Brett in front of her. Brett took a deep breath to try and steady the anger he is feeling. "What your son did is despicable, he deserves to be punished. I don't care what I am going through, I will deal with that myself. I don't need you and I sure as hell will not say anything to the prosecution team. Lastly, If you even mention my girlfriend again you will be in a lot of trouble" Brett said throwing respect out the window and squeezing his hand into a fist. Anything to keep him from punching this guy in the face.
"I spoke to some people at the office of defense, you know it's your word against a renowned General. You need someone of higher rank on your side to get you off. You realize that right?" General Westwood asked, raising his eyebrows. "I would rather go to jail than live with the fact I had a part in letting your son go free. In fact, maybe your son and I will be cellmates?" Brett said with a smirk. General Westwood pursed his lips together and slowly shook his head, taking in everything that Brett had just said. "I look forward to your trial next. I will be right in the front row when they sentence you to life for your war crimes" he said before walking away abruptly.
"What the hell was that about?" Quinn asked after picking up her jaw from the floor. Brett groaned and leaned back against the backrest. "That's Christopher Westwood's father, General Lawrence Westwood" he explained. "I put that together but how the hell does he know you?" She asked again. "I don't know him. He came up to me before the trial and introduced himself. He told me that he heard about my troubles and was interested in helping me. But now I understand that he wanted something in return" Brett admitted. "That fucking asshole, wait until Santana hears about this, she is going to" Quinn started to say but was cut off quickly by Brett.
"Nothing she is going to do nothing because Santana is not going to hear about any of this until after the trial. She needs to stay focused. This whole thing is not about me" Brett explained.
"If she hears about this then she might be able to get him in trouble" Quinn argued but Brett shook his head. "And if the judge doesn't do anything then we are just going to distract her. Tana doesn't need that and she also doesn't need to be thinking about my problem with Kennedy, it would just be too much" Brett explained. Quinn knew what he meant especially since she is a lawyer herself. The worst thing is having your mind be somewhere else other than the case in front of you. "Ok, Ok you're right. What even is happening with Kennedy? Are you really going to be tried" Quinn asked extremely nervous about what he was going to do. Brett groaned loudly, "I have a meeting next week with the secretary of defense and some lawyers, so Aaron and I are going to meet with them together, I don't think it will lead to a trial but I have no idea" he admitted.
"That's great! Hopefully, we can get this all behind us and be done with all of this shit" Quinn said with a chuckle. Brett couldn't help but smile at the sound of his sister's laugh. "I think it's easier said than done but I am trying to stay optimistic" He admitted. "Good, that's the only thing you can do. Kennedy is an asshole and they will see it too" Quinn said. "I hope so" Brett declared before looking at his phone to see the time. "I think we need to head back in there, lunch is almost over" He added.
They both walked into the courtroom and see Santana standing there talking to Mercedes. "Hey girl, I didn't realize you were coming," Quinn said when she appeared next to them. "My meeting ended up getting canceled so I came over. Hey Brett!" Mercedes smiled. "Hey Cedes, how are you?" he asked after giving her a hug. "Pretty good since I get to watch my favorite lawyer rip this man to shreds," Mercedes said laughing. "Hey" Quinn yelled making everyone else join in on the laughter. "So is he going on the stand first? How does this work?" Brett asked his girlfriend.
"So his lawyer is going to question him first and then I get to" San explained. "Do you have a plan?" Quinn asked. "Of course but you have to wait until we get in there, don't want the defense to hear my plan" San explained. "Good luck Tana, although you don't need it" Brett said smiling at his girlfriend after hearing the doors to the courtroom open. "Thank you, I'll see you guys after," Santana said before walking away to meet Sugar. "You guys ready to go in?" Quinn asked. They both nodded and walked in taking a seat behind Santana's table in the front row.
Quinn elbowed Brett and pointed over to the other side. Lawrence Westwood was sitting there also in the front row except he was situated behind his son. The man was shooting daggers at Brett. "Who is that and why does he look like he wants to kill you?" Mercedes asked also noticing the glaring. "It's the murderer's father who is very high up in the military and knows me" Brett whispered back. "Oh that's awkward" Mercedes pointed out. "Beyond awkward" He whispered back before turning his attention back to the court proceedings that were about to start.
"The defense calls Chrisptoper Westwood to the stand," Damon announced. Christopher stood from the table and made his way toward the bench. Brett saw him glare at Santana as he walked past her table, he didn't think this way going to go over well. Once Christopher appreciate his seat, the bailiff stood there holding the heavy book in his hand. "Please raise your right hand," he said. Mr. Westwood placed his left hand on the book and raised his right. "Do you swear or affirm, under penalty of perjury, that the testimony you're about to give is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?" the bailiff asked. Christopher nodded, "I do," he said. "You may now take a seat," he said taking a step out of the way and allowing the accused to sit.
Damon Johnson stood up and commanded the court, all eyes were now on him. "Christopher, how are you doing today?" he said, showcasing his magnetic smile. "I've been better," Mr. Westwood said with a chuckle which also made some of the jurors laugh. Santana couldn't help but roll her eyes, she knew this was how Damon was going to play this. "Now, why did you join the army?" the lawyer asked. "I come from a very long line of military personnel, my father is a 5-star General so as his only son the future was already picked out for me" He explained. "So you could say you felt pressure from a young age?" Damon asked. "Objection, leading," Santana said sternly. "Sustained, don't put words in your client's mouth Mr. Johnson," Judge Choi said siding with Santana.
Sugar lightly bumped Santana's arm, basically telling her 'good one' without speaking. "Could you tell the jurors how that made you feel growing up?" Damon asked rewording his question. "I always had this constant pressure weighing me down. No matter what I did, it would never be enough unless I followed in his footsteps. My father made that very clear" Christopher answered. "Did you want to go into the armed forces?" Damon asked. "No, I never wanted to but like I said it was expected. So I joined the marines right after I graduated from Westpoint" He replied. "I thought your father was in the army?" Damon asked. Christopher nodded, "he is so as my first little act of defiance was joining the Marines. I knew that if I joined the army I would see way too many people that knew my father. I wanted to be in an environment where I might be able to just skate by without being noticed." Christopher explained to which Damon nodded. "Now the prosecution is going to bring up the fact that you dropped out of the military. So let's face this head-on, Why were you let go?" Damon asked.
Christopher shrugged, "I just wasn't a natural and in war, you need people to be naturally good." he explained. "When you got home, how was life different for you?" Mr. Johnson asked. Christopher's face showed obvious sadness, "my father treated me completely differently," he said adding a sniffle as if he was going to cry. Santana couldn't help but roll her eyes. She should have known that he was going to play the daddy issues card. "Would you please elaborate?" Damon asked. "My father stopped talking to me. Then I had to move back into my childhood home because I had no money to fall back on. The only reason I was even allowed back was because of my mother. My father started verbally abusing me every chance he got. Especially when he invited higher-ups over. I was going crazy" Christopher admitted. Brett looked over at the General. He was sitting there with no expression on his face, nodding slightly. This was all part of a plan, and Brett was sure that the General had some input in concocting it.
"What do you think your father's opinion of you was?" Mr. Johnson asked. "Objection, Your Honor, that question calls for speculation!" Santana said. "Sustained, reword your question, Mr. Johnson," Judge Choi said. "What was going on in your mind during this time?" He asked. "I was distraught. I am an only child who always longed for my father's acceptance. The very thing he wanted me to achieve in, threw me away like I was nothing. I was just so angry" Christopher explained. Santana couldn't help but smile because that right there told her everything she needed to know. Her plan was going to work flawlessly and she knew it.
"How did you did you meet the victims?" Damon asked. "I befriended them on the streets" he answered. "Your family is worth millions, How did you meet them on the street?" Damon asked perplexed. "My father would kick me out in front of his friends. I wasn't allowed home for the night. So I spent time wandering the city and meeting the homeless population" Christopher explained. "What made you attack your first victim?" Damon asked. The silence in the room was deafening. The entire room could see the anger building on his face. "I told him my story and he started mocking me. Saying that the military only drops you if you are a nitwit since they are desperate for soldiers. I was so mad. He sounded just like my father and in that moment that is all I saw, it was like my father was in front of me" Christopher explained with intensity and sharpness. "Is that why you killed him?" Damon asked. "Yes, In my mind I killed my father," Christopher said. There was a slight gasp in the courtroom.
"Why did these men remind you of your father?" Damon asked point blank. "They all made fun of me just like he did. I had no control over it. Once they reminded me of my father I saw nothing else. Then when I came too, I would be somewhere across the city by myself, like I was running away from what I did" He explained. "What did you do with the bodies?" Mr. Johnson asked. "I only know what I saw on the news prior to being detained, which completely broke my heart. But I have no recollection of what happened after my mind went blank" Christopher admitted. "What did the psychiatrist say about that?" Damon asked. "He said it was battered child syndrome," Christopher said before Santana even had a chance to react.
She stood up quickly with her hands planted on the table, "Your Honor objection! Complete hearsay and opinion. If you are going to bring up a phycological disorder it needs to come from the psychologist, not the defendant. For all, we know this is completely made up!" Santana argued. "Mr. Johnson was seen by multiple specialists" Damon pointed out. "Then call them as an expert witness. If you want to discuss a diagnosis, we need to be hearing it from a professional, not the defendant." Santana said back. Brett smirked, god was she turning him on right now? "I would have to agree with Ms. Lopez. Your objection is sustained and the jury will disregard" Judge Choi ruled.
Santana sat down and breathed just a small sigh of relief. Winning the objection was a point for her but they all knew that juries don't disregard easily, even if the Judge is telling them to. Damon knew that and Santana had no doubt in her mind that it was completely planned. "Now Mr. Westwood, would we be here today if it wasn't for your father?" Damon asked. Christopher shook his head, "Absolutely not. You can ask anyone, everything was great until my father disowned me. After that, I had no control over my actions" He explained. "Thank you, Christopher, for the defense rest," Damon said taking a seat back at his table. "ADA Lopez, would you like to cross-examine?" Judge Choi asked. "Yes, your honor," Santana said getting up and commanding the floor, it was her turn to shine.
Everyone was focused, listening to the way her heels clicked on the tile as she walked to the main floor. "Mr. Westwood," Santana said. He cut her off, "you can call me Christopher," he said with a smile. Santana nodded slowly, "thank you. Now Mr. Westwood as I was saying. How did you get out of the military again?" she asked. "Objection asked and answered during my questioning," Damon said. "I am going somewhere with this your honor" Santana pleaded. Judge Choi eyed both of them before speaking, "Objection, overruled the defendant will answer" he ruled. "I was not made for military life, that's it. So I left" Christopher answered. "That's it, do you want to elaborate?" Santana asked. Christopher shook his head, "no need to elaborate, it just wasn't for me" he said.
"I would like to turn everyone's attention to evidence #121," Santana said picking up the remote control and turning on the rolling TV. A video began to play before Santana paused it. "Do you recognize the opening credits of this video?" she asked. "No I don't" Christopher answered. "Let's see if you recognize it?" San said before pressing play. The video began to play again and showcased on the screen was a soldier dressed in an army uniform standing in the center of a field with another soldier. Surrounding them both were a few other soldiers who seemed to be taking notes.
Video
"Now everyone, listen up and pay close attention, this is a very important lesson that you will be tested on later and must be able to demonstrate," The head soldier said. All the students Surrounding them nodded and held their notebooks close. "We are going to be learning a very important skill. This move is used specifically in taking an opponent down but still being able to use their knowledge to your benefit. For example, if you are torturing a terrorist in a setting where your presence or location may be found out, you would use this move to keep them quiet." he explained. The head teacher walked behind the other soldier who was standing in the middle of the field with him. He started acting out his action as he spoke. "You want to come up behind the enemy and position your thumbs right below the chin on the anterior portion of the neck. You push through with the tip of your thumbs and roll over each other. This move crushes the vocal cords. After you do this, you would do a typical takedown and hold your prisoner hostage as long as you want. This is very helpful when you are in enemy territory because the victim cannot make a sound even if they try. But you can still torture them for information and allow them to write their answers. Then dispose of them as you see fit" The teacher explained. The video then showed the marine seal before turning off.
Brett couldn't help but turn away from the video. Nice to know they have been showing the same video for so many years he thought since it was the same one he saw at basic training camp too. Quinn saw the way her brother turned away. She reached over and placed her hand on his. Brett grasped her hand and gave it a squeeze, trying to tell her that he was going to be okay.
"Now I would like to turn your attention to this piece of paper, Evidence #120. Can you tell the jury what this is?" Santana asked handing a copy to the judge and to the defendant. "It is a list of names" Christopher answered. "What is highlighted?" she asked. "My name is highlighted and so is the date December 5th," he said. "Yes, now I would like you to read this also. Evidence #122." She said handing the paper again to Christopher and Judge. "Highlighted is the same date, December 5th and a bullet point with the words training video" Christopher read. "Now you just read the itinerary for a class at the Parris Island, South Carolina basic training camp. So you saw this video because it was clearly shown on December 5th and you signed into the class, isn't that right?" Santana asked. The anger showed all over his face, "I didn't remember" he said. "You didn't remember or you lied?" Santana asked. "Objection! Badgering" Damon announced. Judge Choi gave a stern look toward Santana, "Be careful ADA Lopez or I am going to have to side with the defense. Objection Overruled." He said, not siding with Damon but opening warning Santana that he may have to if she continues.
This is exactly what Santana was hoping for. She wanted to show the jury that he was a liar, she can check that off her list and continue on. Now she just needed him to show the jury how he really was. "Do you remember learning about this move now that I refreshed your memory?" Santana asked. "Yes I remember now" he replied. "How did you do in this class?" Santana asked. "Objection, relevance?" Damon announced. "Your honor, this has to do with the reason he is no longer in the military which the defense has already brought up" Santana argued. "She's right, you opened that door, Mr. Johnson. Objection overruled, ADA Lopez you may continue" Judge Choi ruled.
"I did average, I think I got a B or something" Christopher answered. Santana couldn't help but look perplexed, she really wanted to play it up for the jury. "I think you need to be refreshed again, I would like to draw attention to Evidence #71. Mr. Westwood, please read the top of the paper" Santana asked. "Are you kidding me?" He asked looking back at her. "Mr. Johnson, she asked you to read the top of the paper." Judge Choi ordered. "But you don't understand," Christopher said but the judge cut him off. "If you do not read the top, we will have to treat you as a hostile witness or find you in contempt. Please read the top of the paper" The judge warned. Christopher Westwood groaned "Christopher Lawrence Westwood: Basic Training Fail" he read. "You told the Jury that you dropped out but you failed, didn't you?" she asked. "Obviously" He replied, looking extremely pissed off as he slammed the paper down in front of him. Even though Santana couldn't see his hands if she had to guess they were clenched into fists.
"Why did you fail out?" Santana asked. Christopher Westwood just stared at her with hypothetical steam coming out of his ears. "Please read the next highlighted section for the jury if you don't remember," Santana said placing her hands on her hips. He took a deep breath and began reading, "Christopher Westwood failed to perform and understand multiple moves and techniques that are instrumental in a marine's understanding and participation. We feel as though Mr. Westwood would be more of a liability than an asset to the United States Marine Corps" Mr. Westwood said. "So you were dropped from basic training because you couldn't master the move that we just saw on the video is that right?" Santana asked. "Yes," He replied finally not lying.
"And as we know from the medical examiner's testimony from earlier, each of the victims was murdered with a snap of the neck. But their vocal cords were also damaged. You murdered them to practice doing this move, didn't you?" Santana asked. "I told you already, I don't remember!" Christopher said raising his voice just a bit. "You seem to not remember a lot, let me again refresh your memory. You murdered this man by snapping his neck (holding a picture of the murdered gentleman up for everyone to see), he was the first victim that you practiced on. You failed to crush his vocal cords so you just had to try again didn't you?" Santana asked. "I don't remember," Christopher said again. "Here's your second victim," Santana said holding up another victim's face to show the jury and to refresh the defendant's memory. "You partially crushed his vocal cords before snapping his neck, didn't you" Santana announced.
"Stop!" Christopher said. "I guess practice makes perfect because finally when you reached your 5th victim you crushed his vocal cords successfully, didn't you" she announced showcasing a picture of crushed cords from the autopsy photos. "It looks like I really showed those assholes who failed me at basic training!" Christopher yelled. "Order!" Judge Choi said looking over at the defendant, "control your anger" he commanded. Brett looked over at the defense table, Damon Johnson was sweating and attempting to try and signal to his client to shut up. "You went out to murder these men on purpose. You just told us that you 'showed those assholes' by practicing over and over. This is not about your father." Santana said. "Objection, where's the question?" Damon asked. "Objection sustained, ask a Question Ms. Lopez" Judge Choi ruled.
"Did you murder these men as practice?" Santana asked. "Subconsciously maybe, but like I said I don't remember," he said, his eyes just screaming sociopath. "You don't sound like someone who is mortified by your actions. You wanted these men dead didn't you?" Santana asked. Christopher said nothing as he stared back at the attorney. "You went out looking for revenge, didn't you? What better way to show your father than to master the skill that got you kicked out." Santana asked. "Objection, badgering" Damon yelled just as Christopher stood up and slammed his hands on the stand in front of him before the judge could rule. "How would you feel if your father practically disowned you because you didn't want to follow the family legacy?" Christopher yelled. "Sit down" Judge Choi commanded.
"I showed him, and all those teachers just how good of a soldier they missed out on!" He yelled. "Stop talking!" Damon yelled trying to get control of his client. "They were just homeless veterans no one even claimed them! Who cares if they were used as practice?" Christopher argued. "Order!" Judge Choi yelled hitting his gavel. Santana stayed silent letting the defendant dig his own hole deeper. "You're just pissed off because your little boyfriend could have been one of my victims, isn't that right Ms. Lopez" He yelled smirking. "He's a marine, I should have killed him too. Maybe I saw him in the city and just didn't have the opportunity. Does that scare you, Ms. Lopez?" Christopher asked, he just looks like a serial killer. Santana stepped back, this man knew too much about her, and in fact, that did scare her. Brett wanted nothing more than to wipe that fucking smirk off his face.
" Mr. Johnson control your client" Judge Choi ordered. "Stop talking right now Christopher" Damon yelled stepping out from around the table. Christopher finally stopped talking, he just wanted to give it to Santana. He knew more about her than she thought.
"No more questions," Santana said walking back behind her table but not taking a seat. "You may step down, one more outburst and you will be escorted back to the holding cell," Judge Choi said to the defendant. Christopher stood up and started to walk toward his seat. He looked over at her standing there in her expensive suit with that smug look on her face. Mr. Westwood couldn't just leave it there, his anger was just too high."You fucking bitch, I should crush your vocal cords" Christopher yelled as he lunged at Santana.
Brett did not even flinch. He sprung up and grabbed Santana by the back of her blazer and pulled her back toward him. He jumped over the barricade immediately and threw himself in front of her. Brett didn't give a shit if he got in trouble, at that moment the only thing he saw was someone charging at his girlfriend; he just reacted as anyone would do. The court officers also sprang into action and grabbed the defendant by the waist. The jury and the courtroom gasped and the gossip started churning. "Order, Order in my courtroom. Remove the jury and control of the defendant now!" Judge Choi yelled. "This is him isn't it, I should have killed you when I had the chance!" Christopher yelled staring at Brett as the officers pulled him away. Brett didn't say anything, he didn't want to make things worse than it already was. But he did keep his body in front of Santana who was gripping the back of his button-down.
One of the other court officers filed the jury out of the room. They all had their eyes on the scene in front of them as they were ushered into the back room, there was no way they could disregard everything they saw. The court officers tried to pull Christopher back but he managed to slip out of their embrace and lunge forward again. Brett gently pushed Santana backward into Sugar's arms who held her close and away from the chaos. "Brett" she yelled as Christopher tried to punch Brett. But her soldier just dodged it, "GET CONTROL OF YOUR CLIENT MR. JOHNSON" Judge Choi yelled hitting his gavel.
Brett grasped Christopher's shirt and shoved him back right into the arms of the court officers. They were able to grab him and hold him still as more officers came running into the room. Santana broke Sugar's hold and reached out to pull her boyfriend back so he didn't get hurt but he wouldn't budge. Brett wasn't going anywhere until Christopher Westwood was out of his sight. He wouldn't let any threatening person near Santana or Sugar, not while he was there. "You are going to be the next person to die when I am out!" Christopher yelled as the handcuffs were slapped on his wrist. Brett continued to stand his ground while the defendant was being pulled away. "You are dead and your little girlfriend will watch me when I kill you!" He yelled one final time as Christopher Westwood finally was hauled out the side door by the guards.
Once that menace was gone, Brett turned around to face Santana. "Are you okay? Did he touch you?" he asked stepping closer. Santana was shaking, "no, no he didn't touch me," she said. Brett needed to feel her, he reached out and grasped her hands. "You're okay Tana, he's gone, you're okay," Brett said squeezing her hands before letting go. "Order, in my courtroom. Everyone sit down now!" Judge Choi ordered. Brett pull out one of the chairs for Sugar, "are you okay?" he asked. Sugar nodded, "yes, thank you," she said giving him a little smile. Brett then pulled out the other chair, "Take a deep breath Tana, it's okay" he said. Brett smiled at his girlfriend trying his best to calm her down. Santana reached out and grabbed his hand. She didn't want him to leave, she just wanted him to hold her. He squeezed her hand, "I need to go back to my seat. I will be right behind you, I am not going anywhere." Brett said softly. He gave her hand one final squeeze before turning down the judge, "I am very sorry your honor. I couldn't just sit there and watch. I was worried he was going to hurt these women" Brett explained.
Judge Choi nodded, "I completely understand. Thank you for your quick thinking. If you could please take a seat and maybe go through the gate this time," he said with a little chuckle. Brett nodded, "Absolutely Sir, again I am sorry," he said. Brett turned and smiled at his girlfriend before walking through the gate and taking a seat. "Are you okay?" Quinn whispered. "Totally fine, I dodged him" he explained. Quinn slapped his leg, "don't scare me again" she threatened. Brett laughed, "wouldn't dare" he whispered then turned his attention toward the court proceedings.
"Mr. Johnson, Ms. Lopez my chambers at once" Judge Choi ordered banging his gavel before exiting the room. "Do you want me to come?" Sugar asked. Santana shook her head, "no you stay here and take a break. I'll be back." she said as she stood up. "I'll be back," Santana said to Brett before she walked away.
Both she and Damon walked down the hall together. "You did that on purpose" Damon accused. "I didn't do anything, he should the jury his true colors all by himself," Santana said before walking into the Judge's chambers. Damon shut the door and they both stood in front of his desk. "What the hell was that?" Judge Choi asked looking over and Damon first. "I am sorry your honor I didn't know he was going to react like that but ADA Lopez pushed him over the edge" Mr. Johnson exclaimed. The judge looked over at Santana to see what she had to say. "I questioned the defendant, the way he reacted was all him," she said.
Damon rolled his eyes, "you knew exactly what you were doing Santana" he said accusing her. "It's not my fault that you didn't prep your client well enough, you should have taught him not to crack under the pressure" she fought back. "Crack under the pressure? You were badgering him! I request a mistrial" Damon asked. Santana scoffed, "how was I badgering him? He lunged at me after I stopped my questioning. What just happened does not qualify for a mistrial, your client did that all on his own. He made himself look like a fool, not me" Santana argued.
"Okay, okay, Order! This is still my chambers and I have heard enough" Judge Choi said taking command of the room yet again. Both the lawyers stopped and stood silently. "When will you two stop bickering?" he asked completely fed up but not expecting an answer. "I will stop once she stops badgering in the courtroom" Damon argued like a child. Santana however did not say a peep, she wasn't going to continue to argue when the Judge clearly told them to shut their mouths. "I said quiet" Judge Choi said again. "Mr. Johnson, if you can't control the defendant then you should have never put him on the stand. ADA Lopez has every right to question him. Was she tethering on the edge? Absolutely but she backed off when I ordered her to. Your client was the one who dug his grave deeper in front of the jury. Also, you snuck in that battered child syndrome in there. I knew exactly what you both if you were doing and because I think both of you had a turn in tainting the jury your request for a mistrial is denied. We have one more witness, can you two behave enough to finish this today?" Judge Choi asked. Both lawyers nodded their heads. "Excellent, now we will resume in 10 minutes. You guys are dismissed." Judge Choi ordered. They both left the chambers and walked silently back to the courtroom.
Santana walked directly over to her table while Damon went to go and calm his client down. "Are you okay? What happened? What's going to happen now?" Sugar asked in rapid-fire question mode. Santana placed her hands on Sugar's arms to calm her assistant down. "Breathe" Santana ordered. Sugar took a deep breath and let it out. "Good. Yes, I am fine. We got into it while we were in Judge Choi's chambers. Damon asked for a mistrial and the Judge denied it. So we are going to continue on, so sit down and get ready for the next witness" Santana said. Sugar nodded and immediately got to doing what she was told. Santana locked eyes with Brett and immediately went over to him. "Are you okay? Please tell me you didn't hurt your knee" Santana asked. "I am fine, it didn't even hurt. How are you doing?" Brett asked. "A little shaken up" she admitted. "What do you need me to do?" Brett asked. Santana stepped closer so only he could hear her. "Can you come over tonight, what he said really freaked me out and I really don't think I can be away from you" Santana said honestly. This serial killer threatened to kill her boyfriend in open court, there was no way she was going to be away from him tonight. "Of course, and I'll let you wear my shirt" Brett smiled making her smile. "Now get back to being a badass," he said with a chuckle. Santana wished she could kiss him but she'll do that later. She squeezed his hand and turned back just as the Jury and the Judge came back in.
Damon and Christopher walked back in and immediately over to the defense table to take a seat. "Now I have already spoken to the Jury and they will disregard what they saw. ADA Lopez and Mr. Johnson I have already warned you in my chambers you best follow that warning" Judge Choi said, both lawyers nodded and muttered, "Yes, your honor". The Judge turned his gaze toward Christopher Westwood, "As for you Sir, One more outburst and I mean one and you will be escorted out. We will continue this trial without you so do not test me. Do you understand me?" he asked. When Christopher didn't say anything, Damon elbowed his arm bringing him out of a trance,, "ahh umm yes sir…..I mean your Honor" he said to which the Judge rolled his eyes.
"Let's move on to the last witness, ADA Lopez?" Judge Choi said handing it off to Santana. She called Major Travis Simmons to the stand. He walked up to the witness chair, took his oath, and sat down. "Major Travis Simmons, please tell the court what your job is?" Santana asked when she took the floor. "I am a major in the United States Marine Corps. I currently work at the Parris Island basic training camp," he answered. "What do you do at the camp?" She asked. "I work with the recruits doing their physical training," Travis explained. "Do you know the defendant, Christopher Westwood?" Santana asked. Travis nodded, "yes I do, he was in my class" he replied.
"Was that the class that taught the recruits about the move we saw in the video?" Santana asked. Travis nodded. "Sorry Major, I need your verbal answer also" She exclaimed. "Oh sorry, Yes Ms. Lopez, I was one of the teachers who were tasked with teaching that specific move" he explained. "Can you explain to the jury how Mr. Westwood performed in your class?" San asked. "He did not do well. In fact when we were doing the hands-on portion. A dummy was passed around. Christopher was unable to demonstrate the move correctly no matter how many times he practiced" Travis admitted. "I even held additional extra courses with a few people. Everyone was eventually able to get the move down correctly except for Mr. Westwood" he added.
"What was Mr. Westwood's demeanor like?" Santana asked. "Objection! Opinion" Damon argued. "Opinion would be if the witness stated he was crazy or mean. That is an opinion. All I am asking is how the defendant was acting during this time" Santana explained. "Major Simmons, you may not use adjectives. Just describe what you saw. Objection overruled. You may answer the question now Major" Judge Choi ruled. "Every time he attempted to perform the move, I appear more and more hostile and sloppy. When we were in our extra classes, Mr. Westwood was screaming at me" Major Simmons said. "What did he say?" San asked. "He said that he needed to pass this class or he would fail out of basic training" Travis answered. "Why would he have failed out?" Santana asked. "He failed too many potions of basic training. I was on a community that discusses if people fail out of basic training. Mr. Westwood was on the edge for a while. He would have been let go a lot earlier if it wasn't for his father. We really tried to give this guy the benefit of the doubt but it really came down to safety. Christopher Westwood would be dangerous in war" Travis explained.
"Were there any signs of mental health issues?" Santana asked. "Objection! Opinion. This is not an expert witness, only a mental health professional would know the sign" Damon explained. "I have to agree, Objection sustained. Find a new question Ms. Lopez" Judge Choi ruled. "Are you surprised to have heard what Mr. Westwood is accused of?" Santana asked. Travis shook his head, "absolutely not. In all honestly he scared me and I am not at all shocked by this news." he answered. "Thank you, Major, no more questions," Santana said sitting down. Damon stood up, "no questions your honor," he said before sitting down. "You may step down. Does the prosecution rest?" Judge Choi asked. "Yes, your honor" Santana answered. "Does the prosecution rest?" he asked. Damon nodded, "yes your honor," he said. "Both the prosecution and the defense have now rested their cases. The attorneys will now present their final arguments. Please remember, what the attorneys say is NOT evidence. However, do listen closely. They are intended to aid you in understanding the case. Prosecution, you may begin." Judge Choi said.
Santana stood in the center of the room and began to deliver her closing argument.
" Airman First Class Francis McDonald, First Lieutenant Arthur Holt, Staff Sergeant Louis Bell, Ensign Krish Patel, and Lieutenant Commander Ronald Jones. We have been saying 'the victims' the entire time but they have names. And Stories, stories that include surviving our county so you and I can go to bed safely at night. These men lost their lives at the hands of the accused, Mr. Christopher Westwood. Who has no phycologist diagnosis was PTSD, Anxiety, or battered child syndrome. If he did, you bet that the defense would have called them to the stand. The only thing Mr. Westwood has in his back pocket is that he is scared of his father. Scared that he was a disappointment and was unable to uphold his family name. That is not an excuse for murder. Christopher Westwood let the anger and resentment toward his father out of these Veterans (Pointing to the pictures of the veterans). Attempting to crush their vocal cords which resulted in snapping their necks. Then when he murdered Lieutenant Commander Ronald Jones, he successfully crushed his vocal cords. Then finished him off by stabbing him 13 times in the chest and face. Christopher Westwood was not crazy when he killed these men. He was getting revenge and in his own words he 'showed those assholes'. Those assholes being his father and the teachers who failed him out of Basic Training. If you find the defendant Not Guilty by reason of instantly, you are saying that every child who didn't make mommy and daddy happy, can murder someone. If you want to get justice for these Veterans who were so carelessly murdered and tossed aside in the Hudson River then I urge you to find the defendant Guilty. Thank you" Santana said before walking back to her seat.
The defense stood up and delivered their closing arguments. Damon explained that Christopher Westwood did in fact commit these murders but he is not to blame. The only reason he killed the veterans is because they had reminded him of his father who abused him. Santana watched the jurors as Damon spoke, there was no way they were falling for this made-up story and she made sure of it.
"In just a moment, the bailiff will take you to the jury room to consider your verdict. One of the first things you will want to do is to select a foreperson that will preside over your deliberations the way that a chairperson does at a meeting. It will be the foreperson's duty to sign the verdict form when you have agreed on a verdict. Whatever verdict you render must be unanimous. That is each and every person must agree on the same verdict. The Bailiff will now escort you to the deliberation room." Judge Choi explained. "All rise," the bailiff said. Everyone stood and the bailiff lead the jury out of the room.
The Jury deliberated for 12 hours before they came to an agreement
Once the jury took their seats, the rest of the courtroom also took their seats. Brett, Quinn, Mercedes and Even Puck were all sitting in the front row behind Santana's bench. "Have you reached a verdict?" Judge Choi asked. The Jury Foreperson stood up, "we have your honor" she said. "What say you?" the Judge asked. "We the Jury, in the case of the State of New York vs. Christopher Westwood find the defendant guilty of 5 counts of first-degree murder" The Foreperson read. There was chatter and gasps throughout the courtroom. "Thank you, Jury, for your service today. The defendant is remanded without bail until sentencing. Court is now adjourned" Judge Choi ordered, hitting his gavel one last time.
Santana sprung up and hugged Sugar tight, "you killed it boss" Sugar whispered. "So did you, I couldn't have done it without you so thank you," Santana said with a big smile. Then she turned back to her friends who all congratulated her. Brett wrapped his arms around her waist and picked her up off the floor making her squeal. "I am so proud of you," He said making everyone aw. "So what do you say San, want to go Celebrate?" Quinn asked. "Maybe we can celebrate another time? I think I just want to go home with Brett." Santana admitted. "Oh she wants to celebrate in a different way, I see you, Lopez. I guess you're sleeping at my apartment Q" Puck said laughing. Everyone else also started laughing but Santana didn't care, there was no embarrassment on her end.
"You are the sexiest and most badass lawyer I have ever met," Brett said wrapping his arms around her waist and hoisting her up over his good shoulder. "Hey" Santana yelled out giggling. Brett marched down the hall and into her room, dropping her heels somewhere along the way and unzipping the back of her skirt. He tossed her onto her bed. Brett pulled his clothes on and was left in just his boxers as he crawled toward her. "I have never been more turned on right now. The way you command that courtroom" He said. Brett caressed the back of her calf and slowly moved his hands up her legs. Once he came to her skirt he grabbed it and pulled on it. Santana bridged up and let Brett pull the skirt off her body. "I want to hear you, Tana, just like in that courtroom. Be loud for me baby" Brett said kissing up her thighs.
"Brett" Santana moaned when he got close to her center. Brett lifted his head and pulled at her shirt, "off" he said. Santana immediately pulled it up and over her head, tossing it away. "I object to that too," Brett said smirking and pointing to her bra. Santana couldn't help but laugh and tossed her bra away, "Objection Sustained" she said biting her lip. "God you are gorgeous" he mumbled as he dropped to his stomach. Brett opened her legs wide, grabbed her thong, and just ripped it off. "Fuck" San mumbled, she was so turned on.
"I skipped lunch for this baby," he said kissing the inside of her thigh. "Congratulations Tana you may have won today but right now I feel liked the winner," he said kissing the inside of her other thigh. "B please" Santana begged. She opened her legs wider, bending one of her legs over his back. Brett reached up and intertwined one of their hands. "Anything for you ADA Lopez" Brett whispered before he dove in.
He started right at the top and circled her clit with his tongue. He could hear her breath picking up. Brett swiped his tongue down her perfect pussy until he felt the tip just swipe inside. Churning it around and around the hole until he just plunged in. Santana dropped his hand and clenched the sheets around her. Brett placed the pad of his thumb on her clit and rubbed hard and fast. His other hand slid up her tight body, caressing the swell of her breast. Using his fingers to slowly rub her areola, contrasting the movement of his other thumb on her clit. Brett wanted her nipple to slowly grow under his touch and that is exactly what it did. Once her perfect nipple was standing at attention he pinched in ever so slightly. All while continuing to pump in his tongue and out of her tight hole. Brett could feel her start to pulsate around him. "B…B….ughhh" Santana moaned loudly. He kept his rhythm, knowing her body and the sounds she was making, Santana was so so close.
Brett removed his tongue and replaced it with his long muscular fingers. He wrapped his lips around her clit and lightly sucked like it was a lollipop. "Ummm" Santana moaned, biting her lip. Brett needed to watch her. This was the person he loved, the person who kicked ass in that courtroom today. She put a serial killer behind bars that killed his brothers, and he was going to make her fall apart in pure lust. Brett increased in sucking when he felt her pulsating muscles start to spasm. Moving his hand that was playing with her nipple, down to her taut abdomen. He could feel her abs clenching under his touch, she was so freaking close. Santana whimpered, wanting to fall over the edge so badly but she was just teetering there. Brett knew he had to do something more to push her.
Brett kept his eyes on her. Her bonze body was glistening with sweat, her eyes clenched shut. One hand was grasping at the sheet while the other slid through his luscious hair, holding him close. Brett flipped his hand palm side up, when he pulled his finger out he decided to replace it with two of his long fingers in. Brett felt all the positive reactions from her body. Her grasps and abs were tighter and her jaw dropped open. Now was his chance, she was right there. Brett kept his eye trained on her as he sucked hard and curled his fingers just perfectly. Her vaginal muscels spasumed. Santana yelled out. "BRETT" She moaned like music to Brett's ears. He watched as her back arched pushing her gorgeous breasts in the air. Brett kept the momentum until her spasms started to settle. Once her back settled back on the mattress, her abs stopped clenching and her pussy was just a dull vibration, he knew he worked her through her wonderful orgasm.
Brett pulled his fingers out. Santana watched those ocean-blue eyes as he slid his fingers in his mouth, wrapping his fingers around making sure to suck them clean. Brett placed a delicate kiss on her clit and moved slowly up her body. He kissed and licked her caramel skin, tasting the salt of her sweat that was covering her body. He made sure to stop at her breast and spend ample time on his favorite asset before moving on. Brett pushed his face into her neck sucking just a bit, "God I love you" he mumbled. "I can tell" she managed to get out while trying to get control of her breathing. He pulled back from her neck to look into her eyes. "I am so proud of you Santana, you were amazing today and it was an honor to watch to watch you in action," he said. Brett ran his hand up her body. Santana thought he was going to grab her breast but to her surprise, he stopped. Brett rubbed the pad of his thumb along the skin just below her breast along the words of her tattoo. "You are enough Tana" he whispered making her heart skip a beat. Right now she felt wanted. "I want to feel you, baby, stretch me, make love to me" Santana begged, wrapping her legs around his waist and pulling him as close as possible. "All night Tana, all night" he whispered before crashing his lips against hers.
*Ahhhhh! I hope everyone liked this chapter, we will go back to Brett next chapter. Please comment and let me know what you thought about seeing Santana in action! Happy Holidays and stay safe!*
