A/N: We don't own the characters, just playing with them. YES, we know Vinnie shouldn't be defending Morelli, but hey, we had to get the 'weasel' in the story somehow. Thanks to C & J for reading along, giving suggestions and giving us support. Thanks to Margaret for ALL the research she has done. I have enjoyed adding my 2 cents worth. At the beginning of this story, Margaret asked me kindly (well as kindly as Margaret can ask) (love ya) If I would help her out. Sure I said, just remember what I told you before, I haven't written anything since 1976. So thanks Margaret for the vote of confidence you have had in me! Hope you have enjoyed this story as much as we have had writing it.

Deanna

Defenses turn: VINNIE

'Clearly your Honor, my client has admitted on the stand what he had done that night, he took and defiled the victim. While the crime, a heinous offense. I am asking that the court show some mercy on him at this time. His military career is over; he has no job skills whatsoever. He just graduated from high school himself. I am asking for probation at this time. Intensive therapy as well. Thank you for this consideration.' And with that, Vinnie Plum sat down. His summation lasting less than five minutes.

Morelli hissed at him, 'get your ass up there and make it sound better, damnit do you hear me? What kind of a closing statement is that?'

Vinnie looked at him and retorted, 'the best you will ever get.' Ignoring the rest of the tirade coming from Morelli's mouth.

Melissa thought Vinnie did very well. After all, look whom he was representing. However, she had done better and would do so again.

She shot to her feet, pacing back and forth. She laid it all out there for the last time.

'Mr. Morelli knew exactly what he was doing, he planned it all. Stalking the victim Stephanie, all the while telling his girlfriend who did testify. Excuse me, 'FORMER' girlfriend that he knew her work schedule and his obsession with Stephanie grew to the point where she broke off their relationship. Stephanie will never be completely safe from Mr. Morelli unless he is locked away and for quite a few years at that. The state is asking for the maximum sentence of 25 years to life.

His mother and brother raised the accused after his father died; he chose a different life than his brother. His brother is sober, has a job and family. He might not be the richest man in Trenton, but he has it all, the American dream, that Joseph Morelli threw away the night he sexually raped and molested this young woman.

He deserves what he gets, not one year less than the twenty five I am asking for.'

Melissa then stood behind Stephanie Plum, her hands resting on her shoulders lightly meeting Judge Sharpton's eyes, never wavering in her stare. He knew what was coming, this was a Melissa Dorrier trademark and he heard, 'PLEASE YOUR HONOR, help me, help Stephanie by giving her and her family the justice they so deserve. We cannot give back her innocence, but we can make a difference by letting her feel safe for the first time since her nightmare began.'

"IF NOT US, THEN WHO?"

"IF NOT NOW, THEN WHEN?"

'LET THE TIME the accused gets, be a healing time for this little girl. She deserves better, if not now then, when would be a better time? This is the right place at the right time, by us. The court demands the justice that we can give her.'

'Thank you your honor.'

And sat down at her table.

Silence permeated the room. The tick tock of the clock was all that was heard. Judge Sharpton looked out over the courtroom. Frankly, he had made up his mind when he read the reports in New York City. Having had it handed to him and Melissa by Juniak. Everything was a perfect match. Perfect evidence for a case, if ever there was one. Fingernail scrapings held his skin; blood from his scratched face was on her neck, where it had dripped down. His handprints were on her wrists, arms, and torso. The can of spray paint he used all over Trenton, proclaiming his 'cupcake' to be his and then to have Morelli confess on the witness stand was like the JAIL CELL DOOR HITTING HIM ON THE WAY INTO HIS NEW HOME.

Should he let Morelli sweat?

No.

He had heard all he needed to hear.

'Court will recess for a short break. I will have you notified when I have reached my decision, both counsel's need to meet in my chambers, escort the prisoner back to a holding cell.'

Morelli had hope, a holding cell was one-step closer to freedom, actually it was being decided where he should be sent. To tell the truth.

Stephanie was a young woman on the edge of her seat. Seeing Melissa give her a wide grin and a wink calmed her down immensely. She had a thought not to wander far off this time, it was important to her to stay in the courthouse.

Rangeman surrounded them from the reporters trying to get close. Too bad cameras still weren't allowed in the courtroom. Otherwise, they would see in the papers, Carlos Manoso holding his woman in his arms. Rocking her back and forth. Wiping the tears that were softly falling. Hearing humming from his chest, she was soothed without words. His heartbeat and melody coming from him was relaxing her as only he could.

Stephanie started thinking again, what if she can't be what Carlos needs. They had long talks on their walks, regarding many subjects. Those that would be important to them. Intimacy was one. To her, it was the biggest, Carlos just kept saying, when the time is right, she would know.

They had shared a few more kisses, since that first one. They had gotten quite hot a couple of times, Stephanie pulled back each and every time.

She wasn't quite sure if it was to test him or if she just wasn't ready. Every time she had said 'STOP', Carlos stopped. (There was quite a few cold showers taken by Carlos, but he never complained.)

She loved him more and more each day and thanked God for sending him to her, each night.

Ella knew therapy was already scheduled for in the morning, tonight would be a time of celebrating. Either way it was family time, which was what mattered.

Hopefully they would have more than one reason to celebrate. Joe Juniak had proposed to Ella. They were just waiting for the trial to end, to announce it.

Finally, it was up to Judge Sharpton, and he never disappointed…..

'Counselor, I am sentencing your man out there to a TIME THAT WILL NOT BE OVERTURNED BY ANY COURT OF APPEALS. I know you want a mental evaluation done on him and you can have one done. WHILE HE IS INCARCERATED AT THE TRENTON PRISON, right down the road.' Judge Sharpton told Vinnie.

'While he should get life in prison in my viewpoint for the damage he has done to the victim emotionally and physically, scarring her in ways unknown to man. I cannot do that. His sentence will be handed down out there though. Do you have anything to say?' Judge Sharpton looked at Vinnie, peering up over his glasses, sitting behind his desk.

Not giving away just how much time Morelli would be getting, just time that won't be over turned at all for being too harsh. He had read the statues of limitations (rather this author did) and knew what he could and couldn't do…shame really.

'Not a thing your Honor,' Vinnie said.

Looking at Melissa, he gave a nod and said to her 'well done, Melissa, well done indeed. Stephanie is fortunate you are her attorney and her friend, everyone knows just how special that bond is between you and her family and I applaud you for your perseverance in all this pressure we have been under.'

She just cheeky grinned and gave him a wink, shook Vinnie's hand and told him, 'you did the best you could with the mess you had, thank you for seeing justice was done for your cousin.'

The buzzer had sounded in the holding cell area. Morelli was escorted back in, still handcuffed since his testimony had ended. He had tried in vain to see 'cupcake' but it seemed like Tank anticipated each move and blocked his view every time.

Angie froze in place, this time it was Stephanie holding her hand and rubbing her thumb over her knuckles, she knew what this meant for her stepmother. Vindication, perhaps. Everyone wanted Joseph to pay, but at what cost for his mother, even though he was a monster, that was still her little boy. Angie gripped her hand back, letting her know she was perfectly fine with whatever would happen.

Ella had asked Angie what would she have done differently in her and Anthony raising him after her husband died, Angie told her 'not a thing' and Ella helped her see that she had to forgive herself and let go of it all. Now Angie Plum was ready to hear about her youngest son.

Whatever the results would be from the Judge, everyone planned a big family barbeque in Frank's back yard. Joe Juniak would be there with Ella. Melissa and the Judge had been invited, although not voiced. Just silently questioned to come, in true ESP fashion from Lester to Melissa, to the Judge. All had accepted.

The door from the Judges' chambers opened. 'All rise' said the bailiff. Judge Sharpton's crowded courtroom did just that. And were seated when told so. 'Will the defendant please rise,' Judge Sharpton said.

This was it for Morelli. He would get the vindication he deserved or so he thought.

'Joseph Morelli, I hereby…..'

A/n cruel bitches aren't we? Omg, I just have to hit the button for tomorrow's installment….decisions decisions.

Love Margaret.