Part 28

Friday morning Caitlin took a deep breath as she walked into the courthouse where she was met with not only Cecile, but her mother and all her friends.

"Dr. Wells gave Cisco and me the day off to be here for you." Said Alex before Caitlin could ask.

Barry just opened his arms and Caitlin went to him letting him hold her.

"I can't believe all of you are here." Said Caitlin

"Where else would we be?" asked Oliver

"Ollie's right Caitlin. We wouldn't let you do this alone." Said Sara

"Thanks guys."

"You can do this sweetheart. None of us are going to abandon you ever. I know I still have a lot to make up for. But I am going to be here for you from now on." Said Carla

"Thanks mom."

Caitlin hugged her mother while Cecile and everyone but Barry headed into the courtroom. Barry and Carla stayed outside of the courtroom with Caitlin waiting for her to be called in. After a few minutes a court officer opened the door and nodded at Caitlin. Caitlin walked in with Barry and her mom following. Barry and Carla took seats with the group there to support Caitlin. Caitlin walked to the front of the courtroom holding her head high trying to appear much more confident then she was feeling.

"Do you swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth?" asked the court officer

"Yes I do." Said Caitlin

"Please state your name and occupation for the record." Said Cecile

"Dr. Caitlin Snow. C-A-I-T-L-I-N S-N-O-W. I am the head of the bioengineering department of STAR labs, in Central City." Said Caitlin

"Dr. Snow, have you met the defendant?" asked Cecile

"Yes, he is a former employee of STAR labs."

"Did you ever work on any projects with him?"

"No. I believe he was in either the engineering or chemistry departments."

"But you have spoken to him is that correct?"

"Yes ma'am. He would repeatedly ask me out on a date. I turned him down every time."

"How long did this go on?"

"Nearly two years."

"Why wait so long to report it to your boss?"

"I don't know. I thought maybe I was being to subtle."

"But you finally did report it?"

"Yes. Mr. Zolomon was then called into Dr. Wells office."

"When did he attack you in the cafeteria?"

"The day after I filed the report. After he had been called into Dr. Wells office, I believe. He was fired for attacking me."

"Prosecution exhibit 6 photos taken of Dr. Snows arms showing hand shaped bruises on her arms. Exhibit 7 the police report reporting the attack, and exhibit 8 the restraining order issued based on the attack."

Copies of the evidence were passed to the jury who looked it over.

"Dr. Snow, what can you tell us about what happened on May 17th of this year?" asked Cecile

Caitlin closed her eyes fighting back against the memories of that day. She opened them and looked out at the audience her eyes met the warm green eyes of her best Friend and boyfriend. He gave her a smile and mouthed "You can do this." Taking a deep breath Caitlin spoke.

"I was attacked in the parking lot of STAR labs as I left for the day." Said Caitlin

"Do you see the person that attacked you in the courtroom today?" asked Cecile

"Yes. The defendant Hunter Zolomon."

"When you say Mr. Zolomon attacked you what do you mean?"

"He beat and raped me."

"I remind the court that already submitted into evidence are photos and the medical report of Dr. Snow's injuries." Said Cecile

Cecile, looked over her notes before turning to the defense.

"No further questions." Said Cecile

"Miss Snow isn't it true you never actually told my client that you didn't want to go out with him? Only that you always seemed to have other plans for when he asked you out?" asked Dent

"Your honor will you please remind Mr. Dent to address the witness by her proper title of doctor. She holds two PhDs as well as a doctorate in numerology." Said Cecile

"Mr. Dent, you are to address the witness properly as doctor." Said the judge.

"Yes your honor. Answer the question doctor." Said Dent coldly

"I said no in what I thought was the most polite ways. Most guys seemed to get the idea by the way I would say it. How was I to know that Mr. Zolomon was too dense to understand."

"Isn't true you like to play hard to get? That you never told my client you didn't want to date him because you like men chasing you?"

"No. I just have a certain type of man that I like."

"Aren't you the type of girl that likes one night stands and rough sex?"

"No. I don't believe in sex unless you truly love someone."

Dent couldn't believe that he couldn't rattle the woman on the stand. He had no choice but give up his questioning.

"No further questions." Said Dent

Caitlin stepped down and headed right out of the courtroom. Her friends followed quietly behind. Caitlin headed right into the ladies room more shaken than she had let on. The girls followed behind leaving the guys waiting in the hall. Caitlin was gripping the sink tightly shaking when Laurel gently placed her hand on her arm.

"You did really well Caitlin. Better than some of the women I questioned in simular cases." Said Laurel

"Really Laurel?" asked Caitlin

"Yeah. You didn't let that slimeball Dent see you rattled." Said Kara

"Thanks for being here all of you." Said Caitlin

"Of course we came. We would never let you do this alone." Said Thea

"She's right. We all care about you. So do they guys waiting outside. You may not of noticed but I think that Ollie wants to beat the crap out of that defense lawyer." Said Sara

"Speaking of guys. There is a certain CSI out there that I know just wants to wrap his arms around you." Said Alex

Caitlin grabbed some paper towel and dampened in in the sink and used it to wipe the tears from her face. She then walked out with the girls and right into Barry's waiting arms. He kissed the top of her head and held her.