I'm back with another update and this chapter is the first in a series that will close out Nikki's case and lead into bringing the main relationships and family dynamics to the forefront.

While this chapter is largely focused on Nicky and Erin's storylines Jamie and Eddie aren't neglected in fact something that happens concerning Jamie and Eddie will be a major game-changer when it comes to their overall story arc.

This chapter will be broken into two parts there's just too much going on for it to be just one.

Chapter16 The Paths We Walk

After weeks of rehab and days of waiting the day Nikki had been both waiting for and dreading was finally here today being the first day she would come face to face with Bernie Dave and Eric the three guys who had made her life hell over the past few weeks because of their actions.

Leading up to the trial Nicky had been fine but for the past couple nights she began to stress over the trial as whole she spent the last couple of days trying to keep herself from having an all-out panic attack which was a battle on its own but add to that she refused to let Marina comfort her Nicky truly was on the brink she hoped the case would be over as quick as the ADA said it would be she wanted to put this ordeal behind as fast as humanly possible and focus on furthering her relationship with Marina, the couple had decided to fully move Nicky into the loft after the trial to get a truly fresh start.

Nicky rolled out of bed at 7AM knowing that she had to be at the courthouse by 8:30 as she grabbed her stuff she peaked into Marina's room and noticed that she was gone Nicky hoped she hadn't gone out for her morning jog she could've used her girlfriend at the moment.

Nicky headed to the shower and tried to relax under the hot spray hoping to ease her mind.

After her relaxing shower Nicky got dressed in a in a short sleeve top and black blazer with a matching skirt and after fixing her hair she headed down to the kitchen where she surprisingly found Ashley Raquel and Marina at the table.

"Nicky baby you're awake sit down eat." Marina said standing up and greeting Nicky with a kiss.

"MMM babe morning." Nicky replied seeing the plates of pancakes on the stove.

Once Nicky sat down she decided to ask about Rocky and Ashley.

"So Ash what are you guys doing here you could've met us at the courthouse."

"We wanted to but mama bear over here used her juice to get us a few of Boston's finest off duty cops to escorts us to the courthouse."

Marina are you crazy we don't need escorts."

"I know you don't like the extra security babe but I didn't want to take a chance that we get targeted during the trial so I called in a few favors."

"A few Marina tell the truth."

"Rocky shut it." Ashley reprimanded.

What are they talking about Marina?"

"Nothing Nicky eat now enjoy."

"Marina no what did you do?"

"Fine the cops I hired double as trained marksmen something goes off they've got the go ahead to shoot."

"Maria what the hell if something happens it could be your job ever think of that?"

"I did that's why I cleared it with your grandfather before I did this."

"You did what!"

"It was for your own safety Nicky I won't let anything happen to you."

"Marina I'm a perfectly capable human being I don't need a detail on my ass."

Marina couldn't take Nicky's yelling any longer and snapped.

"I know you can handle yourself but I won't lose another girlfriend to the streets."

Nicky was shocked at the sudden revelation as she watched the normally put together cop burst into tears.

"Marina what's wrong?"

"Nothing Nicky if you want to leave just go."

No Marina tell me what's this about."

"Ash tell her I can't."

"Fine hang tough Rina."

Ashley what's going on here?"

"A couple years ago Marina dated this girl Cassie the two of them were almost as close as you two are and the day before Marina graduated the academy her girlfriend was shot in a random drive by it tore her up inside since than she vowed that the next girl she fell for would be protected by any means necessary and since you healed her heart she wants to protect you in a way it's like you're her other half she feels you're what her and Cassie could've been".

Nicky was stunned at how deep Marina's love actually went.

Nicky did the only thing she could she hugged Marina and didn't want to let her go.

"Babe I'm sorry I didn't know if you're doing this for us I understand."

"Thanks babe I love you."

The couple shared another kiss before returning to their meals.

After breakfast was wrapped up and the dishes were washed the foursome headed to Marina's SUV where they met up with the detail and headed for the courthouse.

The ride to the courthouse was uneventful both couples seemed to be focused on just getting this over with.

Once they parked the group went in through the back entrance of the building as to avoid the media circus.

Once inside Nicky met up with Jamie Erin Eddie and Henry and shockingly Danny was also in court since he had a night tour.

Linda was working while Jack and Sean were at school for their last day as was expected Frank stood at 1PP to avoid the media circus.

Erin did her best to not even acknowledge her brother after his stunt which was going to take all she had not to knock him out for his actions considering Abbie had to testify.

"Hey Nicky are you ready?" Erin asked seeing Nicky holding Marina's hand.

"Ready as I'll ever be."

"Alright we should be going in soon the DA is in with the Potters lawyer he supposedly wants to save face somehow."

"Mom I don't care if he cuts a deal I want the guys who assaulted me nailed to the wall." Nicky stated strongly.

"Don't worry I'm sure it'll all work out."

The group headed towards the courtroom and sat outside for a few moments.

Just as the clock struck 9 the prosecutor walked into the hall.

The blonde woman walked up to the waiting group and smiled.

"Nicky I have some good news for you."

"What's that Ms. Rollins?"

"Well Reverend Potter lawyer saw the evidence against him and wants to save face and plead guilty to obstruction as a hate crime and serve a full term instead of going to trial all I need is your green light."

Nicky was stunned as well as relived this was the last thing she expected to hear.

"How much time would Potter serve?"

He'd serve fifteen years on the obstruction charge and seven additional years because of the hate crime statute so twenty-one years no parole"

Nicky looked at both her mom and her girlfriend for advice.

"What do you guys think?"

Nicky I know your mom will back me up on this do what you feel is right if you feel like Potter doesn't deserve a break reject the deal but just know that whatever you decide we're behind you all the way."

Nicky thought about it for a moment but in her heart knew what the right course of action was.

"Ms. Rollins give Potter his deal twenty-one years no parole I just want him out of my life."

"Okay Nicky I'll get on that the next time you see me it'll be when we fry those three guys who hurt you."

"Thanks Ms. Rollins."

Nicky was relieved that she wouldn't have to see Potters face in court.

"Nicky that's one slime-ball down and three to go."

"I know Marina let's hope this is over quick."

After another fifteen minutes of waiting the group was summoned into the courtroom.

Nicky sat in the gallery along with Marina Rocky Ashley Henry and Erin while Jamie was kept in a separate room with the rest of the witnesses after everyone was settled Bernie Dave Eric and Potter were all brought into the courtroom cuffed and shackled being forced to sit at the defense table with their attorneys.

"All docket ending 50616 People v. Ashcroft Steele and Potter the honorable judge Watt presiding."

The courtroom stood as bald fair skinned bald man took his seat on the bench.

"Be seated."

Before we begin I understand that Defendant Potter has reached a plea deal with the people so before we go any further I'd like to say that I have reviewed the plea deal and will accept it so with that being said Mr. Potter please rise for sentencing.

Darnell stood knowing that he was moments away from going away for a long time.

"Mr. Potter upon pleading guilty to the crimes of obstruction and obstruction as a hate crime in accordance with the plea agreement this court sentences you to a period of twenty-one years in prison without the possibility of parole but before you are taken into custody you have the right to make a statement would like to invoke that right?"

"Yes I would your honor I would like to say that I'm not sorry for doing what I did and I'd do it again, for years the city has been corrupted by the Reagan dynasty I did what I did for change but this corrupted system would not allow it.

"So I go to prison not as a guilty I go down as a visionary I'm not sorry for outing an abomination to the church."

"Enough court officer take Mr. Potter into custody."

Court officers re-shackled Potter and led him out of the courtroom in disgrace with that one half of Nicky's nightmare was over.

Once Potter was cleared the judge banged his gavel to restore order he went into the actual case.

"Alright ladies and gentlemen today we are here to hear the matter of the people vs. Dave Simmons Bernie James and Eric Adams on charges of assault one, gang assault one and assault as a hate crime so if the people are ready to proceed please present your opening statement."

"Thank your honor."

ADA Rollins stood up and began her opening statement.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury today we are here to determine the guilt or innocence of three defendants who took it upon themselves to violate the rights of two females who were simply exercising their rights to freedom of expression throughout this trial the people will present evidence that will show that this trio of defendants acted with no regard for the rights of Nicky Reagan and Raquel Vasquez thank you."

"Thank you Ms. Rollins you may call your first witness."

"Of course your honor the people call Nicky Reagan to the stand.

Nicky confidently took the stand was placed under oath and the questioning began.

"Nicky can you take us back to day you were attacked and tell the court what led to the attack?"

"Sure I had just come out of a final when Dave Bernie and another guy caught up with me Dave than asked me to go on a date with them I turned them down then that's when they attacked me."

"Very well Nicky do you see the people who attacked you in this courtroom today?"

"I do they're sitting at the far end of the courtroom." Nicky gestured towards the defense table.

"Let the record show the witness has identified the defendants."

"Nicky did the men who attacked you know you were in a relationship?"

"They did yes."

"Thank you Nicky."

"Your honor I would like to present prosecutions one into evidence photos of Ms. Reagan's injuries taken immediately after the assault".

The photos were blown up to show the jury.

Nicky at any time were you taunted by any of the defendants?"

"I was they referred to me as a dyke several times."

"No more questions for this witness your honor."

"Cross your honor."

"Go ahead Mr. Scott."

"Ms. Reagan you told the court my clients knew of your relationship did you at any time lead them to believe you were doing this for attention?"

"No I was not I am a proud lesbian."

"Okay did you at any time lead my clients to believe you were interested in them?"

"No they knew I was dating a woman and still asked me out."

"No further questions for this witness your honor."

"You may step down Ms. Reagan."

Nicky stepped off the stand and sat back down.

"Call your next witness Ms. Rollins."

"The people call Raquel Vasquez to the stand."

Raquel took the stand and sworn in and asked about everything from her connection to Nicky all the way to her assault at the hospital after which the court recessed for lunch.

"Nicky you did great in there babe."

"Thanks Rina I just hope the defense is quick."

"No worries come on I'll take you for some lunch."

Marina and Nicky exited the courthouse headed for lunch while Erin and the rest of the Reagan contingent stayed around the courthouse.

Erin walked out to the courthouse steps where she regrettably ran into Danny.

"Hey Erin wait up" Danny called running up to his sister.

"What do you want Danny?"

"Nothing just wondering where your girlfriend was?"

"Hey leave Abbie alone Danny you caused her enough trouble."

My fault sis it's too bad she couldn't handle the truth the princess should get used to the barbs she'll get it a lot worse when I tell dad his assistant is sleeping with his daughter."

"Danny you do anything to harm Abigail you'll regret it stay away from her."

"Relax Erin I'm not going touch your girlfriend she's not worth my time."

"You know what Danny go to hell."

"Come on Erin be real you and Abigail won't ever go anywhere frankly I don't care about who you screw I just know it shouldn't be that overpaid secretary you're better than her."

Danny I don't have time for you games goodbye you condescending asshole"

Erin stormed off heading for her car she had been formulating a plan since last night and even though it was crazy it was a plan she was dead set on executing.

Erin sped through the streets of Manhattan until she came across her desired destination a jewelry shop on fifth avenue.

Erin walked into the jewelry shop and started looking at weeding rings she happen to notice a gold ring that seemingly called out to her she got the attention of the clerk and made her move.

"Excuse Ms. That gold band here how much is it?"

"Well the rings in this case start out at five hundred anything in particular you want?"

Erin looked at the tray and saw a 14kt gold band she just had to have.

"How much would it be to get that middle one sized and have a 3kt diamond put in the center with diamonds around the ring?"

"Well a job like that is two grand to cover the border and the sides."

"Okay can I have two rings done in that style then two more done but the last two I want 5kt diamonds around the center.

"Well-being that these are 14kt gold pieces the entire job would be $6000 the rings sized and styled and designed but since you're doing pairs I can do $5000 $2500 a pair."

"I'll take it."

Okay I can have them done by the end of the week."

"I need these for tonight."

"Well that's going to be pushing it do you have the ring sizes?"

"Yes I need a pair I need two size six and a quarter and two sevens."

"Fine I'll cut it close but I can do it."

"Thank you."

"Anytime just let me know which rings are which fill out the paperwork and I'll take care of the rest."

Erin filled out the paperwork indicating which rings were the engagement rings and which were the wedding bands paid for the jobs from the money Nicky gave her and left the shop.

Erin hoped that Abbie would support her idea after all in Erin's mind this was the only way for her to get the fresh start she wanted.

Back at the courthouse Eddie Lilly and Abbie had all testified after the recess and defense was putting on their case using character witness for each of the men Erin had walked in just as closing arguments were wrapping up she sat by Henry who wondered where his granddaughter had been.

".. Thank you ladies and gentlemen of the jury". The defense attorney said as he sat down.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury you have heard all the testimony and been presented with the evidence now the case is in your hands, you must decide the fate of the defendants the stipulations that must be met for each charge are listed in this document retire to the jury room and deliberate please."

The court officer handed the fore person their instructions and then the jury of eight men and four women retired to the jury room with the fates of the three defendants in their hands.

"Court stands in recess for deliberations."

The judge cleared the courtroom and all parties involved waited to see if this ordeal would soon be over.

After exiting the courtroom Erin caught up with Abbie.

"Erin where were you?"

"Relax Abbie I was taking care of something don't worry."

"Erin you've been off since last night are you okay?"

"I'm fine Abbie."

"If you say so Erin."

I do now let's go catch up with Nicky there's something I need to tell her and you should be there."

Fine Erin."

Erin and Abbie headed outside to hopefully catch up with Nicky Erin hoped this plan didn't blow up in her face she really wanted a fresh start.

That does it for part one of this saga the second part will be up ASAP covering the verdict Jamie and Eddie's surprise and the answer to weather Erin's plan for a fresh start works.