Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters of The OC. They all belong to Josh Schwartz.
A/N: Sequel to "A Bitter Pill": Bob Stankey, head of the group home Ryan stayed at for six months, is ready to stand trial for second-degree murder due to depraved indifference in the death of a teenage boy in his care. Ryan is set to take the stand and testify against Stankey, facing the man who abused him.
This story takes place three months after "A Bitter Pill" ends. Ryan and Luke are friends and attending the public school while Seth is attending Harbor. I'm taking some "liberties" with the time and understand that it would be more like a year or longer for any trial to begin. But, I didn't want to fast forward an entire year so, in this story, the legal justice system works at lightning speed. :-)
Because this is a sequel, I'm bridging together people and events that happened in "A Bitter Pill" with this story. I understand that it's probably been awhile since people have read "A Bitter Pill". Or maybe some people haven't read it. ;-) I'll do my best to explain scenarios and give background to characters that I'm using now that were in my last story.
I'm a huge fan of the original TV series "Law and Order". This story is my version of it, although I wrote the courtroom segment first. Sandy will be assisting Sheriff Hicks with the investigation to find out what happened to Ryan. Basically, Sandy will be coming to Ryan's rescue. :-)
Thank you for all the feedback and support. I really appreciate it! :-)
Chapter Six
Kirsten paces back and forth outside her husband's home office; her arms folded firmly against her ribs. As soon as they got home, Sandy made a beeline to his office to make, in his words, crucial phone calls. She was given the task of explaining to Seth what happened in court this morning and why his best friend is sitting in jail with a perjury charge hanging over his head.
The office door opens and immediately Kirsten stops pacing.
"Sandy, what is it?"
Sandy runs his hand through his thick, dark hair and sighs. "I found out who was appointed Ryan's public defender," Sandy says.
"Who?" Kirsten asks nervously.
"George O'Reilly," Sandy replies.
"Wasn't he originally assigned Ryan's case?" Kirsten asks. "When he was first arrested with Trey for trying to steal a car?"
"Yes," Sandy solemnly answers.
"I don't understand," Kirsten says. "Is there a problem with Mr. O'Reilly handling Ryan's case?"
"Oh, where do I begin," Sandy says, sighing heavily. "Ever since George suffered his heart attack, he's been coasting. He's a mere handful of years away from retirement. The man is just going through the motions. Ryan doesn't need this."
"What are you saying, Sandy?"
"What I'm saying is that any defense attorney who gives a damn will try everything in his power to get Ryan's written confession thrown out," Sandy explains. "Starting with filing motions, anything to delay a plea hearing."
"So this George O'Reilly... he's not going to do that?"
"George will look at this case and see a kid who's admitted to committing perjury and will petition the court to give Ryan a term of two years in juvie with no prison time."
"But, Ryan didn't lie to the grand jury," Kirsten say. "He lied today and we know he must have had a good reason."
"Well, depending upon the judge and his mood, Ryan could face up to five years," Sandy says.
"We can't let Ryan go back to juvie or to prison," Kirsten says as she wraps her arms around her distraught husband and offers him a comforting hug. "What about your friend from college? Do you think he can help Ryan?"
"I called and left a message," Sandy says, returning his wife's warm embrace. "He's probably in court right now. Hopefully he'll get back to me soon."
Sandy kisses Kirsten on her cheek then scowls when he hears the doorbell ring. The last thing he's in the mood for is visitors, especially a certain nosy next-door neighbor.
"I'll get it," Kirsten says, sensing her husband's agitation.
"If it's Julie Cooper, you are to immediately slam the door in her face!" Sandy orders.
"What if it's my father?" Kirsten asks as she makes her way to the foyer.
"Slam it harder!"
Kirsten opens the front door. She looks up and sees Ray Hicks standing on the stoop, now dressed in his uniform and holding a large, plastic bag.
"Sheriff Hicks, please come in," Kirsten says, stepping aside.
"Is Ryan alright?" Sandy asks, joining his wife. "Did something happen?"
"Ryan's fine," Ray replies, stepping into the foyer. "He was sleeping when I left. My deputy is keeping a close eye on him."
"I don't think Ryan's gotten a decent night's sleep in days, maybe even weeks," Kirsten says.
"I wanted to bring over his belongings," Ray says, handing the bag over to the parents. "Were you able to talk to your son about Ryan's injuries?"
"Seth didn't know anything," Kirsten says. "He didn't even know he was injured."
"None of us knew," Sandy states. "He hid it from us."
"There's one other thing," Ray continues, disappointed he didn't get any leads on why the boy has so many scrapes on his arms and a gash on his knee. "Ryan wanted to call his brother..."
"Trey? Really?" Sandy asks, a little surprised.
"Are the brothers close?" Ray asks. "Ryan did talk to him, but the call only lasted a few minutes."
"I believe they were once close, but their relationship is strained right now," Sandy replies. "We visited Trey back in the Spring. Their conversation became... how shall I put it... a bit tense."
"So you have no idea why Ryan would want to talk to his brother," Ray states, wanting to clarify.
"Trey knows the trial is this week but I can't imagine Ryan wanting to tell his brother about what has just transpired," Sandy says. "It would only upset Trey and make him worry."
"The boy is certainly an enigma," Ray says, scratching the top of his head.
The doorbell rings. Sandy scowls again. "I'll get it." Sandy opens the front door, ready to tell whoever it is that they are not welcome.
"Hi, Mr. C.," Luke says with a smile. "I noticed the cars out in front. Is Ryan home?"
"Luke," Sandy says, greeting the eager teenager. "Come in."
Luke enters the crowded foyer and immediately notices Sheriff Hicks.
"Luke, it's good to see you," Ray says with a heartwarming smile. "You're staying out of trouble, I take it?"
"Yes sir," Luke replies. "No trouble here, sir."
"And I was informed that you've completed your community service."
"Yes sir," Luke replies again. "The beach is litter-free... totally pristine, sir. Why you could eat your lobster tails from the Crab Shack right off the sand..."
"Relax, Luke," Ray says with a reassuring smile as he places his hand upon the teenager's shoulder. This is what he wants to see. A success story. A youngster who made a bad decision... a horrible mistake... and has learned from it. A teenager who has turned his life around, for the better. "I'm happy to see you've made positive changes. And what I've heard, you're good friends with Ryan now."
"Yeah, we are," Luke says. "Speaking of Ryan, is he home? I've got his assignments from the classes he missed today."
"Ryan isn't here," Sandy says, taking the school folder from Luke.
"Uh... I don't understand..."
"Luke, Ryan was arrested," Sandy says, trying to figure out a good way to explain the situation. He concludes that there is none. "He lied on the witness stand..."
Luke lets out a boisterous laugh, then immediately stops when he sees no one is laughing with him.
"You're serious," Luke states.
"Yes, I am," Sandy replies.
"But, I don't understand," Luke says. "Ryan doesn't lie... or... well, if he does lie, he sucks at it."
"Luke, you were with Ryan yesterday, correct?" Ray Hicks asks, taking his notebook and pen out of his pocket. "You have classes together?"
"Yeah, we have three periods together," Luke answers. "History, P.E. and lunch."
"Did you notice anything different about him? His behavior?" Ray asks, jotting down the information. "How was he at lunch?"
"Quiet, but that's not unusual," Luke replies. "He did tell me that he was looking forward to the trial being over and that Stankey creep going to prison for what he did to that kid."
"Tyler," Ray says. He always makes sure a victim has a name so the person can be remembered.
"Yeah, Tyler," Luke acknowledges. "Ryan said that Tyler told him Stankey withheld his medication for depression, or something like that. I got the impression that Ryan was really kicking himself for not reporting that douchebag after the kid confided in him..."
"It seems clear something happened to Ryan yesterday," Sandy says. "One minute he's intent on putting Stankey behind bars and the next..."
"The boy is changing his testimony, claiming Tyler never confided in him," Ray says, completing Sandy's point.
Sandy runs his hand over his face and shakes his head. "Luke, do you have any idea how Ryan got his injuries?"
"You mean the cuts on his arms and knee?" Luke asks, wanting to clarify.
"Did Ryan get injured during soccer practice?" Kirsten asks.
"Well, we collided during a practice drill which is why Coach Plitz excused Ryan from practice until the trial is over," Luke explains. "But we play on grass. Ryan didn't get hurt during practice. He told me he tripped in the parking lot."
"What happened in the parking lot?" Ray asks.
"I don't know," Luke replies earnestly while shrugging his shoulders. "I got to my truck and saw Ryan... he was pale, a little shaky... looked like he was gonna be sick."
"What else?" Ray prods as he diligently jots down all the information.
"I noticed his arms were really scraped up and his knee was bleeding," Luke explains. "I asked him what happened and he said he tripped over the curb."
"And you didn't believe him?" Ray asks.
"Seriously? The guy's the most athletic person I know. Tripping over the curb?"
"It could happen," Ray states.
"I suppose, but when I pressed the matter, he got really defensive," Luke says. "He practically bit my head off. Told me to drop it. So, I did."
"Do you recall around what time it was?" Ray asks.
"Um... probably quarter-to-five... ish," Luke replies.
"Did you notice anything? Was there anyone else around?"
"The parking lot was almost empty," Luke says. "It was nice out yesterday. Most kids cut out early and went down to the pier to hang out."
"What about teachers?"
"The faculty parking lot is on the other side of the school. They park in the west lot, students park in the east lot."
Ray lets out a sigh. He needs more information but seems to keep hitting a brick wall.
"There was one thing, though," Luke says. "But it's probably not important."
"Why don't you let me be the judge of that," Ray says.
"When I left the building and stepped outside, I heard a car peeling away," Luke explains. "I figured it was some kids driving fast out of the parking lot, you know, since it was so empty."
"Interesting," Ray says, writing down the information. "Anything else?"
"Mmmm... sorry, I really can't think of anything," Luke says, slightly discouraged. He was hoping he could help. He really wanted to help.
"You've been a big help," Ray says.
"I have?"
"Yes, you've given me information that I can act on."
"I have?" Luke reiterates, hoping he doesn't sound like a broken record.
"Yes, I now know what I need to do next," Ray states. "Where I need to go."
"Wherever you're going, I'm coming with," Sandy states.
"Very well, Mr. Cohen," Ray says as he opens the front door and begins to make his way back to his squad car. "We're going to Corona Del Mar high school to view their security footage. Something happened to Ryan yesterday. Something occurred after school and the boy is scared."
"He's too scared to talk?" Sandy asks as he follows the sheriff to his car.
Ray Hicks stops and looks directly at Sandy. "That boy is so scared that he felt he had to lie today in court. He's so scared that he's willing to set a man free, a man who abused him, and go back to juvie."
Sandy gets into the squad car and shuts the passenger-side door.
"Then we need to get to Corona Del Mar," Sandy states as the sheriff starts up the car. "We need to find out why Ryan had to lie in court."
I need to find out why the boy is so scared...