Sorry, this one took a little longer guys, I had to re-write part of this as I wasn't happy with it, but it's finished now. This is the second half of the trial. Let me know what you think!
Chapter 17
"Guilty,"
That one word changed many people's lives in a split second. A spread of relief washed over all Beca's, Chloe's, Aubrey's, Alex's and Chloe's parents' faces, they all seem to visibly relax and they all let out the breath they all seemed to be holding. A few seconds ago it felt like the weight of the universe was on all their shoulders waiting for the words that would change everything, but now. Now it felt like someone had just pushed it off, shattered it to pieces and it was the best feeling in the world.
Chloe was feeling a mix of emotions right now, her mind had turned blank when the jury foreman had stepped forward, she only realised what had been said when she felt Aubrey turn in her seat and shoot her a wide smile, that's when everything seemed to come back to her in a sort of rush. Like when a wave hits the sand, and it's at that moment when the water breaks and splashes down and separates out, it's sort of how she felt, like everything crashed down, and separated into different thoughts and she didn't like it, she liked to be sure of what she was feeling. Liked to know what was going on in her head, and right now she was feeling the complete opposite.
The judge called for silence while the length of Tom's sentence would be determined. Beca looked around the courtroom and saw two people who seemed to be crying, she assumed that they were Tom's parents, and a man who looked a lot like Tom but maybe a bit older, she was guessing he was Tom's older brother. He seemed angry, his jaw was clenched and his eyes were focused forward, almost glaring over at Chloe assumed that they were Tom's parents. She did sympathise with them however, it must be hard knowing that the son they brought up had turned out the way he did. She couldn't ever imagine having to go through that experience as a parent, so she did feel bad for them.
But her opinion on Tom would never change he was a pathetic piece of shit that the world needed to get rid of, and she was glad he would suffer in, she just had to wait and find out how long his first sentence would be. She still had to go through her trial, which she guessed would be a lot more heated giving her somewhat explosive attitude to people like him, even when she was in High School she never put up with idiots like him, the ones who thought they could say or do whatever they wanted and never be punished.
Based on how he had acted in Chloe's case, she could imagine how he would be during her's, he wouldn't admit anything.
Aubrey had already informed her that her case would be fairly complex as each of them were pressing charges against one another, Tom trying to press assault from when Beca hit him while he was hurting Chloe and her pressing for trespassing on private property. So Aubrey had explained that it would be two separate cases but it would all be dealt with at the same time rather than on different days. But she knew she would more likely, be there for a long time. Lots of things would be said, that's for sure, she wouldn't stand for any nonsense, she wanted to be out of there as soon as possible and if Tom decided he wanted to play games, it won't be a pretty site.
They had substantial evidence against Tom including a statement from both Jesse, Chloe and James along CCTV footage. Aubrey had assured her that the judge and jury would be stupid if they let Tom off on this, the proof was way too strong and in Beca's favour for it to be seen any other way. She just had to hope, that the judge was in his right state of mind.
Tom sentence was about to be announced by the Judge, there was a lot of tension in the courtroom, everyone was holding the breath and you could hear a pin drop. Alex was holding tightly onto his Mum's hand, praying that the man who had ruined his little sister's life would be put behind bars for a long time.
"Tom James Hunt, you will be sentenced to 5 years imprisonment, is ordered you be eligible to apply for parole after serving 4 years, the Jury is thanked and excused. Court adjourned."
Beca looked back over to Tom's family and saw the lady crying and the husband comforting her. The brother looked angry more than everything, she didn't really see much emotion on his face, no tears, nothing. She put her focus back on Chloe's parents, they both looked relieved and emotional.
Mandy had tears in her eyes, she was so happy for her daughter, for being strong throughout this entire process. She was glad that the man that had caused her daughter so much pain over the years would be where he belonged, behind bars. She looked around for the girl who had looked out for Chloe these past few weeks, but she couldn't find her. She was grateful that her daughter had someone looking out for her, someone who cared enough about her. Her and her husband tried to talk to Chloe at least once a week, but because they lived in Florida, it was hard for them to truly know what was going on in Chloe's life, even as a child she would never like to let people know if something was upsetting her, she never wanted to a burden.
Everyone in the court began filing out of the courtroom, but Mandy was still looking for Beca. She wanted to thank her for everything she'd done for Chloe, it was rare to find anyone like that, someone who was willing to be there even when no one else was, she was glad Chloe had her. She had a feeling that maybe there was something else going on, call it Mother's intuition, but either way she was happy that Beca was putting a smile on Chloe's face. She saw it when they'd been staying, Beca would always try and make Chloe laugh even if it was at her own expense. And when Beca had phoned Chloe in the car earlier she saw the way Chloe's face lit up, she knew she'd have to have a talk with her daughter before she left, but right now she wanted to go and be with Chloe and hold her tight, like when she was a little girl. She would always be her little girl no matter how old she was.
Everyone had made their way out of the courtroom and were waiting for Chloe to come out with Aubrey. Many spotted Beca standing away from the general crowd of people, so she decided to take this time to go and thank her.
Beca saw Chloe's Mum approaching her and wondered what she wanted, "Hi, Mrs Beale, can I help you?"
"Please call me Mandy," Chloe's mum said kindly.
"Okay, well Mandy, what can I do for you?"
"I just wanted to thank you for all you've done for Chloe. She wears her heart on her sleeve and people take advantage of that, so I am really happy that she met you. You've been nothing but nice to her ever since you two met. Not many would have done what you've done for her these past weeks and from a Mother, that means a lot to me. Chloe never really opens up about anything that bothers her, and I know that if you hadn't of found her when you did, we wouldn't be here today and that all goes down to you, and I will forever be grateful for that," Mandy said, she moved in to give Beca a hug which she flinched to at first, but then reciprocated it. Mandy's hugs were like Chloe's, they made her feel safe and warm. She had never really liked any physical contact but since meeting Chloe she had become used to it and she could see the Beale family were all the same, no boundaries, and for once she didn't mind that.
"Chloe's special. She never deserved to be treated like that, no one ever deserves to be treated like that. But, I'm glad I met your daughter Mandy. She different, she's an incredible worker and I wouldn't want anyone else working for me. And, it's the least I could do, with letting her stay with me. She's been great company, I loved every minute and she is always welcome," Beca said sincerely. Mandy noticed the spark behind the young producer's eyes when she spoke about Chloe, and she was pretty sure that there were some deeper feelings between the two.
The two were greeted by Chloe who came bouncing over to them, a huge smile on her face. Alex and Andrew walked behind her, both with smiles just as wide as Chloe's. It was only then when all four of them were stood in front of her that she realised how similar they all were, both Chloe and Alex got their ocean blue eyes from the Mother and the ginger hair from their Father. Mandy had blonde hair, which was equally as beautiful. But Chloe and her mother shared a similar complexion and Alex with his Dad.
Chloe went over to Beca and pulled her into a hug, Beca fell into her embrace and held on tightly, she heard Chloe whisper in her ear, "Thank you, for everything," it sent chills through her entire body and she felt like her eyes were already rolling back, she had no idea how such a simple action got her into this sort of state, there was something about the ginger, in everything she did or said it entranced Beca to the point where she didn't even feel like herself anymore, but it wasn't like she was complaining.
The two finally pulled apart, Alex had a confused look on his face, which Beca just chose to ignore knowing that they had probably hugged a lot longer than normal friends/work colleagues would. The brunette spotted Aubrey talking to someone that she didn't know, someone from the court she assumed, so she politely excused herself and went over to talk to her about her trial, she had tried to avoid talking about it as she was quite nervous, she figured the less she thought about it the less nervous she'd be. But she knew she needed to speak to Aubrey, so she thought now would be a good time. The lawyer wrapped up her conversation when she saw Beca standing awkwardly to the side.
"Mitchell," She said as she walked over to stand in front of the short brunette.
"Posen," she countered.
"What can I do for you?"
"I was wondering what was going to happen in my trial?" Beca asked shifting her feet nervously, she never really got nervous overall she was a pretty confident person, well when it came to music, and this wasn't music so right now she was a bit of a mess.
"Well," Aubrey began switching into lawyer mode, which was her more or less all the time anyway, "The judge will review both of the cases. We will start with your claim, with him trespassing onto your property without any proper authorisation, that will be reviewed by the jury, the verdict will be given and then we will move onto Tom's allegation that you attacked him, but we have CCTV and witnesses, speaking of where is Mr Swanson? He should be here by now,"
"Okay, this should be a long afternoon then, and his name's Jesse, and I'll ring him now," Beca said pulling her phone out, she pressed Jesse's contact and waited for him to pick up, it rang a few times before he picked up.
"Hey, Jesse,"
"Hey Boss, I am just pulling in now, I should be about 5 mins, giving I make it through all the crowds,"
"They are still there?!" Beca exclaimed.
"Yeah, the whole place is packed, it was a nightmare getting down here, all their vans are parked all over the place, why when did you get here?"
"I've been here for about 4 hours, I thought they would have left by now,"
"You know what they are like, when you are in town, they won't leave until you do,"
"Yeah I know, we are at the back end by, the way, go up the stairs and then turn left," Beca instructed.
"Okay Boss, I'll be there soon,"
"Okay, thanks again Jesse, see you in a bit," Beca hung up the phone.
"He is just coming up now, he shouldn't be long," Beca informed Aubrey, she nodded in response.
A few minutes later, Jesse arrived with Stacie in tow. She looked out of breath and her cheeks were flushed.
"Look who I found," Jesse said pointing to Stacie when he found Beca.
"Stacie, where have you been?" Beca asked when she saw her.
"Sorry, one of the girls at work was really ill, and I had to cover, her replacement only just got in, I practically ran from the car, and then I saw Jesse," Stacie explained.
"Don't worry about it Stace, we are about to go in now anyway, Chloe's trail went really well he got 5 years," Beca explained.
"Oh, that's great," Stacie went over to Chloe who had joined the groups and gave her a hug.
"And if he gets pressed with trespassing the time will increase so that's what we are going for right Posen?" Beca said.
"Yeah, so I'm hoping for both wins and to prove his case against Beca wrong as well," Aubrey said looking over at the clock on the wall, she wanted to be there at least 5 minutes early, to give her enough time to prepare and so everything could go to schedule. "We better get going, we should be allowed in soon," Aubrey announced. Chloe stepped forward and gave Beca a tight hug.
"Good luck," she whispered in her ear. Beca thanked her and pulled away, not wanting to make Aubrey late, as she knew she'd never hear the end of it.
"See you guys after," Beca said as she walked off with Aubrey.
10 minutes later everyone was seated. Chloe was now sitting with her family, just as nervous as Beca was a few hours ago, her hands were clasped tightly in her lap, her mum rested her hand on her thigh getting her to relax. Mandy knew Chloe was nervous, she was nervous, she just hoped everything turned out okay.
The Bailiff stood, "All rise." Everyone stood, until the judge was seated, "Department one of the Superior Court is now in session. Judge Mark Baker presiding. Please be seated,"
The Judge spoke, "Good afternoon, ladies and gentleman. Calling the case of Beca Mitchell versus Tom Hunt. Are both sides ready?"
"Ready your honour,"
"Ready your honour,"
"Will the clerk please swear in the jury?" The Judge asked.
The clerk stood up," Will the jury please stand and raise your right hand? Do you each swear you will fairly try the case before this court, and that will return a true verdict according to the evidence and the instructions of the court, so help you, God? Please say, "I do"," A chorus of I dos were voiced. "You may be seated,"
Aubrey stood up and began explaining why Beca had brought Tom to the court, and she then went on to explain the evidence that she was bringing to the court, meanwhile Beca's nerves had skyrocketed, her hands had become clammy and her senses were on high alert it was like she could hear every single noise that was in the courtroom, every individual breath that each person took, the tapping of someone's shoe, and the consistent click of Aubrey's heels as she paced the court.
A digital screen was presented and a clip began to play, everyone's attention was on the video that was playing. It was the label's CCTV of the lobby, it zoomed in on Tom handing over Chloe's badge. Luckily, Beca had invested in top-notch security and the audio of their conversation could be heard, and everyone could hear Tom lying to James about the badge. There would be no point, Tom, even trying to defend himself, it was pointless, it was clear he was guilty.
"This is Bullshit!" Tom shouted. "You guys actually believe this, it's a setup, that's not me!" Tom claimed. He was now standing up, flailing his arms around, once again guards were called to restrain him. "You can't send me down for this, I'm telling you that's not me," Beca looked over at him a disbelieving look on her face, seriously, did this guy honestly think they'd believe that? It was there in black and white, it was him! She didn't think it was possible for her to hate someone so much.
"Are you denying that that was you, Mr Hunt?" The Judge asked.
"Of course I am, it's bullshit!"
"Language, Mr Hunt!"
Tom's lawyer looked increasingly panicked, his forehead was sweating and his cheeks were flushed. His hands were tapping against the table rapidly, he looked like he was trying to figure something out. He lent over to Tom and whispered in his ear, but what Tom did next was completely unexpected. He started shouting very loudly, and he began trying to fight his lawyer but the guards were already there and they tried to restrain him.
"Are you fucking kidding me, what kind of lawyer are you?! I paid you big money to get me out of this shit! Now, don't you dare tell me, that's my only solution. This is pathetic!" He began trying to get out of the guards holds, the lawyer looked terrified, he was on the floor, his face pale. Beca did feel sorry for him, he was just trying to do his job, but he should have known what he signed up for.
Once Tom had calmed down from his little outburst, he looked like he was contemplating something. She guessed it must have been whatever, the lawyer mentioned, he whispered back of to him, but she couldn't make out what he was saying, but judging on Tom's he didn't look very happy about what he was about to do. The lawyer stood up and walked over to the Judge, they exchanged a quick conversation before he sat back down. Aubrey looked confused, she wasn't really sure what he'd said to the judge, the court was always unpredictable, but she was about to find out.
The judge hit his gavel and called for silence. Everyone waited in nervous anticipation, wondering what was going on.
"Tom James Hunt has pleaded guilty and has chosen to withdraw from the battle against Beca Mitchell. His sentence will be a year in prison with eligibility to apply for parole after 10 months service," He hit his gavel again and ended the first part of the trial, they were given a 5 minutes break before the second half of the trial would begin.
Everyone cleared out of the courtroom, Beca meeting everyone where they all met Chloe before. She was happy with the result and figured Tom couldn't think of any way to lie his way out, so decided he might as well give in, he was already serving jail time anyway.
As Beca was about to walk over to everyone, Tom's brother caught her eye, he was storming towards her jaw clenched and fists curled. She stood her ground folding her arms, she wouldn't be intimidated by him, but as he got closer to her a few people noticed. Jesse and Alex were making there way to the front of the crowd by Tom's brother was there already and did something Beca wasn't prepared for. He grabbed her by the scruff of her neck and lifted her in the air, backing her up against the wall. She didn't want to hit him knowing it wouldn't be the best thing to do, so she kept her cool and tried to pry his hands off.
But his grip was tight, by this point Jesse and Alex were moving as fast as they could but because the crowd had increased around them and no one making any effort to help her they were struggling to push their way through, go figure, she's in a place of law and no-one is doing anything to help her!
Tom's brother snarled at her, his hands pushing her harder against the wall, she winced as the pain began to kick in, but behind his shoulder she saw Alex who'd managed to get through, but just as he was about to grab ahold of Tom's brother, he threw her down against the floor. Alex pushed the guy up against the wall and restrained him so he couldn't do anyone any damage. Jesse returned with Police officers who had been doing who know what while all this had been happening, but before anything could happen, she heard him say, "This is all your fault. You'll pay for ruining my brother's life, I'd watch yourself, Mitchell," they were his last words before police took him away.
Beca was about to stand up again, being too afraid after what Tom's brother had said to do it any sooner, but was met with a very concerned Chloe, who was panicking, she knelt down beside her and took a look at the damage. As soon as Chloe's hand came into contact with the side of her face, she muttered some incorrigible words, she hadn't noticed how much it'd hurt until the pressure of Chloe's hand had rested on it.
"Sorry, sorry," Chloe apologised, still looking over at Beca's face. She had a bruised cheekbone and a cut lip. That should be interesting to explain to the press. Chloe's mother suddenly appeared with her husband bearing a wet cloth to clear up some of the blood from her lip, which Beca thanked her for, and Chloe held gingerly against the cut, making sure not to hurt her.
Beca had been put up against the wall while Chloe sat with her, guessing it was better than laying on the floor, which was where she was moments ago. Alex had luckily informed her that she'd been fine and wouldn't need any stitches, just to be careful and to ice it. Perks of knowing a Doctor.
Beca had no clue where Stacie had gone or Aubrey but, her question was answered when she saw blonde and raven coloured hair walking through the now fizzled out crowd. But as soon as Aubrey saw what happened her hand flew to her mouth causing Stacie to look and wonder what 's happened but when she saw Beca sitting there her action mirrored the blondes. They both rushed over.
"I leave you for 5 minutes Mitchell, and this is what happened?"
"Oh yeah, because I was just begging to be thrown against the floor by a fully grown man. But I'm fine though, thanks for asking," Beca said with her signature eye roll making both Stacie and Chloe laugh knowing even in times like these she'd still be her sarcastic self. Aubrey however just shot her glare, which Beca happily returned.
"We can postpone the trial if you want?" Aubrey asked, she didn't want Beca to have to go on the stand if she wasn't feeling up to it, she needed her to be at her best.
"No, I'm fine. Just give a few minutes and I'll go in," Beca said, she wanted this to all be over and she knew that if she held it off any longer she'd only get more and more nervous and by this point she was so fed up with Tom's whole family that she was ready to put him behind bars and clear her name.
"Becs are you sure? You don't have to do it if you don't feel ready," Chloe said still concerned for the brunette.
"Yeah, Beca, I agree Chloe you shouldn't do it if you don't feel right," Stacie chipped in.
"Guys, I'm fine, it takes a lot more than this to scare Beca Mitchell away," Beca said trying to ease the concerns that both Chloe and Stacie had.
"Okay," both Chloe and Stacie said still not a hundred per cent happy with the producer's decision but went along with it anyway knowing Beca was stubborn and wouldn't change her mind.
Aubrey took Beca back into the courtroom and Chloe and Stacie went back over to meet Jesse and Chloe's family before they themselves went back in for the second half.
30 minutes later the trial was in full swing there had been multiple shouting matches between Tom and Beca, all of which Aubrey had threatened Beca that she'd break her precious laptop if she continued, and knowing Aubrey should would so Beca kept her mouth shut and refrained from shouting the hell out of the ignorant bastard who was sitting about 10 feet across from her.
Not much progress had been made which was the consequence of all the shouting but Jesse was about to take the stand as a Witness, and defend Beca. He was nervous for sure but he put them aside as he knew he'd have to be on his best for any questions that may come his way.
"Jesse Swanson to take the stand please," the Judge called.
Jesse made his way over and was given encouraging looks from both Beca and Aubrey. Tom's lawyer, who was surprisingly still here after the first trial, stood and began asking his question.
"Jesse, you work for Miss. Mitchell is that correct?"
"Yes, I score films and create the soundtracks on behalf of the label," Jesse answered confidently.
"Would you ever say Miss Mitchell was an angry person?"
"No, definitely not, sure she's stern when it comes to business, but as a whole she rarely ever
gets angry."
"Do you think Miss. Mitchell has a temper?"
"Don't we all, though? We've all had times when we've got angry," Jesse said. He remembered Aubrey saying if at any point he could answer a question with a question he should do it, Tom's lawyer clearly wasn't the best she'd ever seen so it would definitely throw him.
"Umm, right. Moving on, would you ever say Miss. Mitchell would have it in her to hit someone in anger?"
"No," he stated. This guy was really bad at asking questions, he just kept asking things that ended up working in Beca's favour, not that he was complaining.
CCTV was shown again but the jury was asked to look at the fight from the perspective of the fight. Everyone watched anxiously, Beca felt confident that it would go in her favour but she couldn't predict what the jury would decide. She saw the jury making notes and her nerves returned, but she looked back at Chloe who was smiling at her and gave her an encouraging thumbs up, she felt at ease again. The power of a smile and simple gesture.
The judge sent the Jury to go and decide, and everyone else was dismissed. Beca's hands were tapping against any surface she could find, the table, her thigh, the walls, she just needed something to take her mind off everything.
Once they made their way out to the main area where they all would meet up, Beca walked towards the back to get some time to herself and think about a few things. She suddenly realised that if she did get charged she'd have to put someone in charge of the label. Her thoughts were interrupted when a pair of shoes caused her to look up, her eyes met ocean blue and Chloe was standing there, kind eyes staring back at her.
Beca tapped the seat next to her and gestured for Chloe to sit down next to her, her fingers were entwining with each other as Beca's mind still raced with thoughts.
"Hey Chlo?," she said after a while, "If I do end up getting charged, I want you, Jesse and Aubrey to look after the label for me," Beca said still not meeting the redhead's gaze.
"What?" Was all Chloe said.
"You can handle it I know you can, Jesse knows the ropes of being a producer, Aubrey can handle everything legal and I know you can handle the press and the whole business side of it, I need people I can trust. Lots of people work at the label and I need to know it will be looked after," Beca said finally looking up to meet Chloe's shocked expression.
Chloe took a minute to register what the brunette had said before she answered, "Of course I'll do it Becs. But, I'm confident that we 'll walk out of here winners, okay? So you don't have anything to worry about," Chloe said confidently. Beca was about to respond when Aubrey came rushing over.
"Beca, the Jury has reached a verdict, hurry up," Aubrey called. Beca was up like a shot quickly followed by Chloe as they made their way to the courtroom. Everyone was waiting anxiously for the Jury to walk back in. Beca had blocked everything out and all she focused on was the door, which the 12 people who could potentially change her life would walk through any minute now, and just on cue the door opened. Beca's breath hitched, as they all filed in. The Judge walked in seconds later.
"Will the Jury Foreperson please stand? Has the jury reached a unanimous verdict?"
"Yes."
"What is your verdict?"
"The jury finds the defendant, not guilty."
"Bullshit," Tom shouted. This time, however, he was handcuffed and dragged out of the courtroom. God, does this guy ever just shut up?
"Court dismissed," The judge called.
Chatter immediately filled the courtroom, yet Beca was still in a daze, she was so nervous that she would have been charged, that now her mind was blank. She was happy that she won, happy that Tom wouldn't be able to hurt anyone else and happy that the label was still in her hands. But she had full faith that Chloe would have done well regardless.
She was brought back into the world when she felt a pair of arms wrap around her from behind, she didn't know who it was until the familiar lock of red hair caught her eye. She stood up from her seat and returned Chloe's hug tightly, she'd never really been one to engage in physical contact but it was something about the redhead that made Beca want to never let go.
However, they eventually did and they were all ushered outside. They all crowded round and Beca was given her fair share of congratulations but there were two people she needed to thank, she saw the other brunette talking to Stacie so she went over to them.
"Hey Jesse, I just wanted to say thank you, you really helped me out today. You really are a good friend and I probably don't say it enough. But thank you, really," Beca said with a smile.
"Hey, no problem Boss. I did what anyone would have done, but I am happy to be of service," Jesse said. They exchanged small talk for a while before Beca went over to thank one last person. She approached nervously, not wanting to awake the beast.
"Hey Aubrey, can I speak to you for a second?" Beca asked.
"Sure Hobbit, what can I do for you?" Beca mentally cringed at the name but continued anyway.
"I just wanted to say thank you, for all of this. I couldn't have asked for anyone better than you to get the job done,"
"Well thank you that was nice of you to say, and it was my pleasure, just try not to get into any more trouble. I don't want to be down here again with you Mitchell," Aubrey warned.
"I make no promises Posen," Beca said with a smirk before turning back to everyone else.
"Congrats Beca," Chloe said moving into hug Beca again.
"Thanks, Chlo," Beca replied. Chloe had never felt safer in anyone arms before, they stayed there for what felt like ages before a cough broke them apart. It was Chloe's mum, who shot them a smile before walking off, and it was only then they realised everyone else had cleared out.
"Oh..Um..We...Should..Get going," Beca managed to stumble out still slightly embarrassed that Chloe's Mum may or may not have noticed that Beca was enjoying the hug way more than a Boss and Employee should have.
"Sure," Chloe replied. She grabbed Beca's hand and they walked out of the Court together. Like nothing could get in their way.
Hope you enjoyed!