This chapter will start the trial, but it won't be the only chapter on it.
The trial began with opening statements, Bueno's lawyer, John, pleading not guilty by reason of insanity. It was a plea that Hal and Kyle disagree with given the context of Kyle's attack. Hal knew the guy was in control of what he did. He planted the drug and took advantage of Kyle. Hal was certain that after hearing people's testimony, the judge would thing the same. The charges brought to the table were stalking, attempted drugging, and the drugging and rape of an individual. All appropriate charges in Hal's mind.
The first witness called up was the girl from the news. Her name was Jan and apparently, she was the first of several suspicious individuals. Her line of questioning involved what she recalled happening that night. David, the other lawyer, was too the point with his questions and wasn't too aggressive. John, on the other hand, was less kind with his approach. He tried to detour her story, in an attempt to minimize the incident. Thankfully, she didn't, though the lawyers approach did shake her up.
The next person brought up was the male bartender that Hal met. His testimony wasn't the best, given how little attentive he was to the situation. With him being busy on the nights in question, the bartender wasn't able to keep track of everything to his regretful dismay.
Sherry followed. Hal had confidence in her. She clearly wanted to help and Hal was thankful that she kept a keen eye out after their conversation. Sherry shared her tale without hesitation, answering the questions given to her. When questioned about sources, she didn't give out specific names, but did mention that it was brought to her attention enough times for her to keep an eye out.
However, the fact that she didn't caused some suspicion. Specifically for John, who was ready to question it. He approached the stand for a cross examination.
"I can't help but find your testimony a little shaky." John admitted. "That's not to say that nothing happened, but the fact that you won't name anyone troubles me. Why won't you name anyone?"
"I don't think it's my place to say." Sherry admitted. "At least not at this time. Not to mention, I know of them are here, so I do not see a point to."
"But it does make you seem a little suspicious. If you ask me, it sounds like you are making up sources so my client can be put away."
Sherry was offended by the statement.
"I would never lie about something about this. I have my reasons for keeping some of it anonymous."
"No further questions."
John went back to his seat and the judge released Sherry from the stand. David stood up, ready to speak. He looked.
"I have one last person I'd like to call to the stand." David stated.
"Who might that be?" The judge asked.
"The victim involved with the charge of drugging and rape." David turned to the seats behind him. "I call Kyle Rayner to the stand."
The crowd looked around the courtroom, looking for the individual in question. Hal sank, horrified that Kyle was going to be called to the stand so soon. He didn't even have the chance to prepare Kyle for what he could be asked.
Kyle was terrified of the call. He dreaded the fact that he at some point, but he wasn't expecting to up that day. A hand gripped his, and Kyle knew it was Hal attempt to keep him calm.
Bruce turned towards them eyeing Kyle's panic and Hal's distress. Even he seemed puzzled by the decision.
"Did you know this?" Hal frantically whispered.
"No." Bruce denied. "From what Gordon told me they were considering bringing him up tomorrow, after they dealt with the other charges."
Hal nudged Kyle, grabbing the younger man's attention. There was no avoiding this any longer.
"You have to go up." Hal accepted.
"I don't want to." Kyle complained.
"I know, but you have to. Just keep your eyes on me." Hals grip tightened slightly. "You can do this."
Kyle whined, but forced himself to go. As he stood up, everyone stared at him. Kyle slowly made his way to the stand, uncomfortable by the attention. He sank into the seat, disheartened by the fact he was in front of all these people. Kyle didn't want to look at Bueno, who seemed confused and intrigued by his presence. Instead, Kyle kept his sight on Hal and David. He went through the process, vowing to tell the truth, and nothing but.
"I'm sorry that I had to call you up here today." David apologized, approaching the witness stand. "I know you mustn't like this whole ordeal and want this over with. However, the biggest victim in all of this is you. You were drugged and assaulted with little to no memory of it happening. I can't even begin to imagine what that feels like. As much as I know it hurts, could you share what you recall from that night?"
Kyle gasped. He didn't' want to share it, embarrassed by the mere request to share it. Kyle looked at Hal, who gave him a comforted nodded, trying to let him know that it was okay.
"I was with friends." Kyle began. "I'm a busy guy with my artwork and my security job in Central City, so it's a treat for me to meet up with some friends out here and go to the bar when I can. That's what we were doing. I stepped aside while my friends played a round of pool, planning on challenging the winner. I moved away from my drink for one second to help break up a fight and when I got back to it and took a sip, I didn't feel good." Kyle gulped. "I tried to get a little fresh air, thinking that I needed it. But instead of returning to the bar, I was lead down an alleyway. I blacked out to the sound of someone saying Bueno and when I woke up I was told that I had been raped." Kyle's breath hitched subconsciously looking towards Bueno, who had the sickest look of satisfaction on his. "I'm sorry. I can't do this."
"It's okay." David comforted. "Can we continue this another day your Honor? I would like this witness to come back once he's ready. He clearly wasn't expecting to come up today and I don't think he's mentally prepared for it."
"Very well." The judge agreed, understanding the sentiment. "Court is in recess until tomorrow. It will resume tomorrow at noon."
With a smack of the gavel the courtroom started to evacuate, Bueno being escorted out first. Kyle immediately left the podium and bolted towards Hal, who wrapped his arms around Kyle. Kyle was shaking, whispering apologies for not being strong enough to continue.
"It's okay." Hal whispered. "I'm proud of you for taking the first step. Tomorrow's a new day."
"I'm sorry." Bruce apologized, resting a hand on Kyle's back.
"Can we go? Please?" Kyle requested. "I don't want to be here until I have to."
"Of course." Hal accepted, before turning his attention to Bruce. "Can we stop by? Your house is the safest place for him right now and you'll probably have the tools to help prepare him for tomorrow."
"Of course." Bruce agreed. "Anything to help him through this."
As much as I would have liked to have him go through this in one chapter. I have a plan for Kyle's will and strength coming back and it will have to do with something else.