Short chapter, sorry!

a/n we really aren't sorry at all, because we have the story at damn near completion, thanks to Deanna, Cindy and Jo Ann pushing this bitch forward, I do however get my own version of 'payback' in the form of jomo's 'punishment 'and the fact there isn't anyone really reading this at all. Geez, I never knew there were that many cupcake lovers on the board. Snort. Hugs, Margaret fowler.

The Defenses Turn

'Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, so help you God?' The bailiff asked Dr. Osborne, Vinnie was taking a chance and called the only person allowed to talk to Joe about what he did that night. If he knew, what he was doing was right or wrong in his own mind.

'I do' was the reply, and sat down to face Vinnie. 'Is it true that you were able to talk with my client Mr. Morelli while he has been incarcerated?'

'Yes' Dr Osborne said, 'numerous times in fact.'

'Could you please tell the court how you found Mr. Morelli and what your findings were?" Vinnie asked, actually dreading the answer, he needed to hear he was insane at the time he raped Stephanie, but since Joe was getting up there and telling his own version, Vinnie would just let the 'chips fall where they may'.

Joe sat straight up in his seat, he willed the words out of the man's mouth and he needed to hear he wasn't crazy. Otherwise how would the Judge show him mercy, for taking what was his in the first place and that was Stephanie Plum?

'The accused was lucid and coherent at all times, in fact he boasted of what he had done to the victim. The only fault I found was his sheer arrogance about the victim 'belonging to him', other than that, Joe Morelli knew exactly what he was doing on the night in question. He knew he attacked and violated her, knew he wrote all that he did on the walls of men's rooms and he knew he was taking his evidence with him to San Diego, when he reported to the Navy the next day.' The Doctor explained in clear tones to the rapt crowd listening to every word.

'Joe Morelli knows he was raised better than his father was, he did give credit to his mother and brother for trying to help him, to make him a better man, but for once he didn't listen and did not stop to think of his victim, he only thought of himself that night. He fully knows right from wrong.' Dr. Osborne concluded.

'No further questions' said Vinnie.

'No questions at this time,' said Melissa. 'Prosecution reserves the right to recall this witness at any time'.

'So noted' said Judge Sharpton.

Angie felt relief in hearing that Joe acknowledged that her and Anthony had tried their best for him; how to be a better man than their father taught and showed them in his own terrible behavior. Frank was grateful; as well for the doctor saying that Joe knew right from wrong, he didn't want Angie to suffer anymore with her son's behavior.

Stephanie was holding onto Angie's other hand; to lend her the support they both needed for up next was Joe Morelli.

'Court in recess, thirty minutes' Judge Sharpton announced.

Melissa hurried over to Angie's and Stephanie's little family, huddled in two rows now, Carlos and Lester were there, providing comfort and the security Stephanie needed at this time.

'Follow me' she said in a quiet voice.

Everyone trooped behind her, Carlos letting his fingers graze Stephanie's hand in walking beside her, he actually wanted to pick her up and cuddle her, but not in court, not where everyone was watching, especially Joe Morelli.

Joe's eyes never left Stephanie's retreating figure. That is until the door closed behind them and only then did he straighten his tie and finger comb his hair, he had been waiting for this moment; for him to get up on the stand and tell the 'real truth' of what had happened that night.

Would he be shown mercy if he acted sorry? That was the million-dollar question.

Melissa found a conference room; Carlos had Woody and Hal stand guard, just as they had been doing all through the trial. Protecting their friend Stephanie.

Once everyone was seated, Melissa looked around, settled on Stephanie and Angie holding hands and told them. 'I only have two questions of Joe, and I wanted to prepare you for whatever comes out of my mouth. I am a pretty good read of people up on the stand and the best way to get Joe to talk is to ask him why? Why did he attack and rape you. Let him hang himself in front of the Judge, the more he talks the bigger his hole gets. He is going to be found guilty, but the more arrogant he is up there, the longer his sentence will be. Is that all right with you ladies? This is your chance to tell me what you want to hear, do you need more closure Stephanie? This is all about you and your rights here, no one else matters.'

Stephanie felt Angie squeeze her hand and say softly to her, 'do what you want and reclaim your life, honey it's all about you. I love you like you are my own daughter, I am so proud of you and the way you are coming back to being yourself, we have both been through it all, but now is your chance; do what you want.'

Stephanie looked around at everyone in the room, feeling the love. She knew there would be good and bad days for her ahead, but she knew that having the love of everyone here would get her through them, keeping her soul intact and in the healing process.

Her eyes went to Carlos and held there. She was thinking about how he had supported her through all this hell. How loving he was towards her, talking about the house he wanted to build for them. Deciding to start building the house for when the time was right, they would live there.

They had bought one of the lots from Frank that he had bought, when a hell she found herself in had started.

Stephanie didn't know it yet, but Carlos had planned to ask Frank for his daughters had in marriage, as soon as the trial was over. He knew they would have to take their time. They were on Stephanie's schedule after all. He wasn't going to pressure her. Frank wouldn't allow that anyways. They had decided that all the houses in the area would be gated and monitored by Rangeman.

She looked at Melissa finally and said, 'whatever Joe says, I want him to admit to the rape and his planning of this. I know you can get this out of him, that's all I want, to say he knew what he was doing. I know Angie, she loves Joe still, that's her baby boy, but I also know that she raised him better. Look at how Anthony and his own family are, all American. Whatever happens happens in there. Let the chips fall where they may.'

Feeling Carlos bend over to whisper in her ear softly, 'I am so proud of you babe, you never cease to amaze me with your strength.' And seeing the slight nod, gave her temple a small kiss. Always asking permission first and it was always granted.

A loving couple indeed.