The court recess was over quicker than Bianca had expected. She had a moment to tell everyone her adventures in the storm and talk to Kendall, who was still waiting outside the court room, about Erica's return to Pine Valley hospital. Opal gave her a hug and wished them all luck, then she left with AJ to collect Miranda from school. Reggie gave his cousin a pat on the back and told her she was amazing. Jackson appeared briefly to shake her hand and tell she had done everything right. Then finally she found a moment for a proper reunion with Marissa before everyone began to make their way back in for the summing up.

Marissa put a hand on Bianca's arm as she led her to the bench she shared with Krystal.

"You don't need to worry." said Marissa, "The defence has no case at all. There is no way JR is going to get away with this!"

Bianca smiled in reply, although she noticed the hesitation in Marissa's eyes. It was clear she was saying those words as much to convince herself as Bianca.

…

The Judge reappeared from his offices at the back of the court room and everyone got respectfully to their feet.

"Shall we proceed?" he asked as he settled down into his chair and shuffled his notes.

Jackson remained standing and moved the front of the courtroom.

"Your honour, I don't know what I can say when summing up this case. The evidence speaks for itself. JR assaulted Bianca, whether it was jealousy or as the defence claims a mental illness the fact remains that he attacked her. A woman who couldn't escape his fists and violence. There is no excuse for that, alcohol is not an excuse; jealousy is not an excuse; hatred is not an excuse. JR attacked Bianca Montgomery. He beat her and attempted to strangle her. He struck Ryan Lavery while making his escape, breaking his nose. He then assaulted his mother to try and cover the crime. He bribed a pilot so he could flee Pine Valley. Everything JR did after the assault seems like the very rational act of a man fleeing the law. Every act only succeeding to prove his guilt. We have evidence for every one of JR's actions that night and the defence has not denied any of them."

Jackson narrowed his eyes at JR before continuing.

"And that is just what we can prove against Bianca, what about his planned murder of his ex-wife months before! He admitted to planning to shoot her right here in this court. JR is a dangerous man. For the safety of the whole of Pine Valley he need to answer for his crimes!"

Satisfied Jackson returned to his seat.

McCoy got to his seat a little slower, much of his bravado dashed by the overwhelming evidence against his client.

"Your honour. My client is not a well man. He has been driven to the brink of insanity by the accidental shooting of his ex-wife Marissa Tasker, an act that the prosecution wants to distort into a cold blooded assassination attempt. What happened to Bianca Montgomery was a tragic accident. My client had no control of his actions on the night of the assault, just as he had no control the night he caused his son to run away. He is in the grip of a very real and very serious illness. My client does not need punishment, he needs help. He needs treatment. I have not denied his actions because there is no denying them. They happened, that cannot and will not change, but your honour my client is a victim too. A victim of his schizophrenia. He was in the control of the voices in his head. My colleague listed his actions as the rational actions of a man running from his crime, I see them the acts of a man trying to escape his demons, a man running to keep his friends and family safe. Your honour if my client is charged for this crime it will be a travesty of justice. JR Chandler needs help, not punishment. That is all I have to say."

McCoy returned to his seat, a little more confident of his defence.

The judge looked between both men.

"Very eloquent! You have both made very valid points. Now it is down to me to make a decision."

Judge Marshall looked down at his notes before addressing the court.

"Now I know I have a reputation in Pine Valley. I'm sure that the defence was rubbing their hands in delight when they heard I would be acting as judge. It is true I have voiced my opposition to homosexuality on personal principle, although there is no denying its existence in the modern world. But what is less publicised is how much I hate lying and manipulation. Mr McCoy, your client is a liar. I've heard so many different stories from him I'm already beginning to lose track so you were never, as one could say, at an advantage. Neither of these issues however, my principles or my personal feelings, will stop me from making a just decision. The assault happened - the evidence clearly proves it. The only question that is important is whether this assault was premeditated; spur of the moment, or the result of a mental breakdown on the part of JR Chandler. I for one believe the defence's plea of insanity…"

An ugly murmur ran through the courtroom.

The judge cleared his throat, raising his voice so he could be heard above the noise in the room.

"JR Chandler you will not be going to court for the assault of Bianca Montgomery. If there is even the slightest chance your actions were caused by any mental health problems you would be considered unfit for trial. Instead, for the safety of all, you are to be detained in the New Oak Haven secure facility for assessment and treatment."

JR sat straighter in his chair, a victorious smile pulling at the corner of his mouth, he had escaped a prison sentence, he would only have to spend a few weeks in hospital and then he would be a free man. Free to find a smarter way to get revenge on Bianca and Marissa.

JR was so lost in his thoughts it took him a moment to notice that the judge was glaring at him.

The judge leant forward in his chair, there was clear anger in his eyes.

"Young man I suggest you make the best use of your time at New Oak Haven," advised the judge, "For on your release you will be facing charges for the attempted murder of Marissa Tasker, for assault with a deadly weapon, breaking and entering and any of the other charges the police chief has gathered in his very extensive investigation into your actions on the night of the shooting. The evidence I have been presented for that case is very compelling. So all I can do is wish you a speedy recover Mr Chandler and I look forward to seeing you back in my court room very soon."

A very wicked smile graced the judge's lips as he spoke his last words.

JR looked suddenly confused, his celebrations stalled, and then he rounded on McCoy.

"This is all your fault." yelled JR, punching his lawyer so hard he fell backwards over the table.

It took four guards to drag the ranting JR from the room. His last words were directed at Bianca and Marissa.

"You haven't heard the last from me." he screamed.

"Yes they have." said the judge calmly.

As JR disappeared from sight Bianca realised how tightly she had been holding onto Marissa's hand.

"Is it over?" she asked, not quite believing what she had just witnessed.

"I believe it is." said Marissa gracing her girlfriend with a compelling smile.

"Good riddance." said Krystal, adding a supportive hand hand of her own to the top of Marissa and Bianca's and they all shared relieved smile, "Finally JR will pay for what he's done!"

Krystal looked reluctantly to the front of the court room.

"Now only one question remains; do we go over and thank that homophobic, bigoted, idiot of a judge? This hearing should have been over hours ago."

…

As JR twisted in the grip of the guards, screaming the odds at anyone who would listen, he noticed someone was following them from the court room to his cell.

"It looks like it's just you and me now." said Imaginary Marissa a vengeful smile on her lips as the cell door slammed shut.

She rubbed her hands gleefully together.

"This is going to be so much fun!"

…