Disclaimer not mine

Bail?

Alesha straightened the collar of her black gown as she thought about facing Julian and Beth Barker in court. She knew Kate and Jake wouldn't be there and in a way she was relieved. There was nothing to be gained by having either of them there, she shook her head slightly as the door to the women's gown room opened.

"Alesha?"

"Bea. I didn't know you were going to be here."

"I wasn't going to. Look." The Irish woman tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she spoke. "I know James wants this girl to be denied bail. I know it's more personal because she's one of you but he may not be as objective as he might be."

"Are you saying James is not being professional?"

"No." Bea sighed. "Of course not. It's just Julian is a nasty piece of work. He will fight you and James every step of the way. Twist it until it almost seems as if Kate bashed herself over her head."

"I think James can deal with Julian."

"I hope so Alesha I really do." Alesha took a deep breath and nodded before walking out of the gown room leaving Bea behind.

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"You do know you don't have to be here today?" James stated as Ronnie nodded.

"Yeah. I know but this is our Kate."

"Police are not required to be here." George stated. Ronnie took his glasses off and placed them in his pocket.

"I know, George. But look. There is something about this kid. I believe she has hit Kate and I know the Drug Squad have enough on her to throw away the key but her own sister? Either she really hates Kate, she was desperate or someone put her up to it." Ronnie explained as the door to the court opened. The court officer called the names before returning to the court. James clutched his files in one hand before walking into the court with George and Alesha, leaving Ronnie to hope the young woman didn't get bail, for her own sake.

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"Hello." Jake walked into the small hospital room as Kate looked up. Her dressing had been changed and he was relieved to see her looking more awake than she had in a long time.

"Morning." Kate smiled. "If that is coffee I will love you forever." She nodded towards one of the paper cups in his hands.

"It's tea."

"Oh." Kate smirked slightly. "I guess it just wasn't meant to be."

"Guess not." Jake smiled back as he handed her the cup. "How are you?"

"Ok, considering I was out of it for so long and I have a hole in my head. Have you heard from the court? It's Beth's bail hearing today. Ronnie told me."

"Ah."

"C'mon." Her speech slurred slightly as she stared at him. "Beth is my sister."

"I know." Jake sipped his tea. "She did this. We have enough evidence to prosecute and the Drug's Squad are pushing for a conviction too."

"She was supposed to be clean." Kate closed her eyes. Jake covered her hand with his own. "You know? I really thought she would be this time."

"Beth is an addict." Jake spoke quietly. "She'll only clean up her act when she wants to. Not because any of us want her to."

"I know that." Kate snapped. Jake pulled his hand away. Kate instantly regretted snapping.

"She was going to leave you for dead. You know that. She walked out of your flat not knowing if you were still breathing and worse still she didn't care. I don't care if she was nice when you were kids, if she stood up to your parents when you were kids. She tried to kill you. That. I. Can't. Forgive."

"Jake." Kate's eyes filled with tears as he moved nearer to her. Seconds later he held her as she cried, tea long forgotten on the bedside table.

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"It is the belief of the Crown that Miss Barker will abscond once she leaves here should bail be granted. It is also believed that not only will a risk be posed to the victim of this assault, the defendant's younger sister but also to the general public." James stated. The Judge raised an eyebrow.

"And what do the defense think on this matter?" The Judge asked. Ronnie narrowed his eyes as he lsitened to the Judge from his position at the back of the court. He was glad he had left Matt to look after baby Cameron. He jumped slightly as Natalie slipped into the seat next to him. Her raised eyebrows as he glanced at her. Smiling slightly he nodded as Julian launched into his monolgue as to how Beth could be trusted and would be found innocent. Minutes later the Judge halted proceedings.

"Thank you both. I have considered both arguments." James and Alesha glanced at each other. "Elizabeth Barker, you are to be remanded in custody until the trial date, which is to be set on the 16th of next month. Thank you." He stood up and left the court as Beth screamed one expletive after another. James smiled as Julian shook his head.

"Well, James. I hope you are pleased."

"I am." James nodded. "Just this once, I can say I am." He watched as the defence lawyer marched away from him. He had a feeling the court case was going to be alot more difficult, especially if Kate refused to give evidence.

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A/N Maybe one or two chapters left x Sorry for delay, Christmas, Uni, work and real life has been a bit hectic!