co-written by RatedrKjErIcHo

Amanda knocked on the door to John's place a few hours later and walked in when she heard him say it was open. She walked in further and found him standing in the kitchen at the stove.

"Something smells really good."

"I hope so. I don't really go all out like this for a someone." He said turning to her. "But I think you're worth it."

She smiled and kissed him. "So, what are you making?"

"Bacon wrapped sirloins with mixed vegetables and potatoes."

"That sounds wonderful."

"I'm glad." He handed her a glass of wine. "So, how was work?"

"Interesting." She replied.

"That's it?"

"I want to tell you but with Wade threatening to file that injunction, I don't want to taint your case. I hope you understand."

He nodded. "I do. And I appreciate you doing all if this for me."

"Well you deserve to know the truth. For yourself and your mom. Even if you and I didn't start dating, I would still help you find out the truth. It's the right thing to do." She smiled at him.

He smiled at her and leaned in and kissed her. "You really are one of kind."

"I would hope so." She smiled. "So, how long before dinner is ready?"

"It's ready." He took the food out of the oven and turned it off.

"Good." She said getting up and walking over to him and kissed him. "Then let's put dinner on hold." He smiled and took her hand and led her to his bedroom.

Leah sat in her office looking over the petition that Wade filed. He was indeed trying to get the case thrown out based on an inappropriate relationship between John and Amanda. But Leah had the tape recording and she would use it.

"I figured you wouldn't take a break. So I brought you dinner." Adam said from the doorway. She smiled and took her glasses off before she walked over to him and kissed him. "Trouble with the case?"

"Just a kink that needs to be worked out."

"Can it be worked out?" He asked her. "If you can't or don't want to talk about it, that's okay."

"I think it can be worked out. I have a counter strategy. Wade is a tough lawyer."

Adam laughed. "Yeah I know that. But you have an impressive win streak against him. So, I know you can beat him with this."

Leah smiled. "And that's why I married you."

"Good to know." He smiled and kissed her. "Now, let's eat. You have to keep your strength up." She smiled and they sat down on the sofa in the office and started to eat.

Monday morning arrived quickly and Leah was waiting for John to come. She had prepared all weekend to be ready for whatever Wade did. If he brought up John and Amanda's relationship and tried to get the case thrown out, she would bring out the tape of him propositioning Amanda. She just hoped she didn't have to use it.

"Are we ready?" She heard behind her. She turned to see John standing there.

"We're ready." She replied and they headed into the court room. She saw Wade and the Lauranitits' already there. She and John took their seats at the other table and waited for the judge.

"Please rise." The bailiff said. "The honorable Jerry Lawler presiding."

"Be seated." Jerry said to them. "I understand the body was exhumed and a second autopsy was done."

"Yes your honor." Leah said standing up. "Dr. Rollins and her staff did the autopsy."

"Great. Dr. Rollins, please take the stand."

Amanda walked to the witness stand and sat down. "Dr. Rollins, what was your findings?"

"My staff and I did the autopsy and used the first autopsy notes and pictures to compare. The reports didn't match up."

"How do you mean they didn't match up?"

"The bruises on Joey from the photos looked like he was dragged down the stairs, not that he fell down them. Then there were numerous fractures of the ribs. Some had healed so they were old. However on the report, Dr. Heyman says there was no signs of previous breaks or anything. Joey's medical records show that he was treated for bruises and broken bones all through his short life. But Dr. Heyman's report doesn't say anything about that. Even a rookie ME would know that."

"So there is sufficient evidence of continued abuse?"

"Objection your honor, the statement is speculative."

"Dr. Rollins, is that your speculation?"

"No. It is based on the evidence. I am merely following that."

"Objection overruled but statement stays on record." The judge said. "Dr. Rollins, please answer the question."

"I believe there is sufficient evidence of continued abuse. I feel the death of Joey Lauranitits was caused by abuse."

"Nothing further." Leah said sitting down.

"Mr. Barrett, your witness."

"Thank you, your honor." Wade said standing up. "Dr. Rollins, could it be that Dr. Heyman made a mistake in his repot?"

"It's possible." She replied.

"How could he be mistaken?"

"If he wasn't focused on the autopsy."

"Do you think that because Dr. Heyman was performing the autopsy on his nephew, could have compromised his report?"

"It might have." She replied.

"Nothing further." He said sitting down.

"Dr. Rollins, you found evidence of abuse right?" Leah said to her.

"Yes, I did."

"And you're not related to Lauranitits are you?"

"No."

"So you have nothing to gain from lying about the results or speculating do you?"

"No."

"Nothing further." Leah said sitting down.

"You may step down." The judge said. "I'm ready to make my ruling. I find sufficient evidence to charge the Lauranitits' with abuse of a child and murder."

"Your honor, I request a recess and a conference in your chambers." Wade said standing up.

"What about?"

"Something that will change your mind."

"Fine. We will take a short break. Mrs. Copeland, Mr. Barrett, in my chambers please." He said getting up.

Leah and Wade followed him into the chambers. Leah had an idea what Wade was going to do and she would then have to bring out the tape.

"What's this sidebar all about?"

"Your honor, I have come across some information I feel you know." Wade said to him.

"And what might this information be?" The judge asked.

"I feel this case is compromised."

"How so?"

"By the current relationship between Dr. Rollins and Mr. Cena."

"Did this relationship start before or after this case began?"

"After your honor and I think if Mr. Barrett wants to throw stones, he shouldn't live in a glass house. I have proof that Mr. Barrett tried to blackmail Dr. Rollins into ignoring the relationship in exchange for sex."

"That's crazy." Wade replied. "I would never do anything like that."

"I would like to see this proof." The judge said to her.

She pressed play and the voices filled the room. The three of them listened as Wade propositioned Amanda. The judge looked at Wade. Wade couldn't believe that Amanda had taped their conversation. He knew there was no way he would get out of this.

"Mr. Barrett, do you deny that is you on the tape propositioning Dr. Rollins?"

"No your honor."

"Request for case dismissed denied. And Mr. Barrett, I suggest you recluse yourself from this case. The fact that you propositioned another lawyer will be investigated. I'm ordering this investigation to continue into the alleged abuse."

Wade nodded and followed Leah out. The judge told his findings to the court and it was adjourned. The cops would investigate the death and the family of the Lauranitits'. The truth had to be found.

Please Review!