Author's Note: Ha ha! I'm on a roll. I finally got this where I wanted. So we're at Rachel's trial. I'm not going to bore people with courtroom proceedings and such but there will be a few highlights from her trial over the next few chapters. And hopefully there will be an end in sight soon, although there's still a bit of story to tell. ;) Thank you all so so much for sticking witih me, even when I seemed to have just disappeared and left this story alone for months and months. Love you guys!

Chapter 41

She wasn't the pretty, happy-go-lucky woman that Kat remembered anymore. Her normally wavy brown hair, hung down against her gaunt colorless cheek in faded strings. Her once vibrant brown eyes appeared hollow and sunken in. Rachel Dawson was nothing but a shell of the former agent, nothing but a walking skeleton bearing no resemblance to a human at all. It broke Katherine's heart to see her former teammate in this shape.

Katherine clung to Jason's arm in the back row of the courtroom as the guards led in Rachel. "Oh my God Kat gasped quietly as she looked over the other woman. Jason gave her knee a little squeeze to reassure her that he was there.

"I told you she was bad." Russ nodded. Kat looked over at her former teammate with sad eyes. Since September, Kat had apologized to Russ for her outburst when he'd served her. She knew he was just doing his job, but the thought of getting up in front of everyone terrified her. Even so, he didn't deserve to be thrown out of her house and for that she was sorry. Russ quickly accepted her apology.

"I know, I just..." Kat blew out a sharp breath. "I didn't know it was that bad."

"She hardly eats, barely sleeps. She cries almost non-stop." Dell shook his head. Kale was the only teammember not present, being that he was busy with baby preperations back in New York, a fact that Kat was overjoyed to hear. Luckily he didn't recieve a summons as she, Jason, Tom, and Russ all had. Dell was simply there for support. "She's punishing herself much more than any court ever could."

"She's just a shell." Tom whispered on the other side of Jason. Kat glanced over at him with sympathetic eyes. Rachel had been her friend, but Tom had loved her like none other. She was the first woman he let into his heart in a long time and the same was true of him for Rachel. They'd healed each other without even trying, and then she'd betrayed them all.

"All Rise." the bailiff called out as the judge entered the room. The court fell silent as everyone stood at attention. Opening statements were made by each side, but it seemed like a blur to Katherine as she focused on Rachel. Her head hung down as she stared at her hands in her lap, not once moving.

Witness after witness was called by the prosecution, hour after hour seemed to drag on; and yet not once did Rachel look up or hardly move other than to wipe her cheek occasionally. Finally the judge called a recess for the day, court would convene the following morning at nine.

Kat walked out of the courthouse, holding tight to Jason's arm. She was more than ready to head back to the hotel and just be alone. She was lucky enough that she and Jason were allowed to share a room. The defense tried to argue that being as they were both witnesses they shouldn't be allowed time together. There was too much potential for collaboration. The prosecution argued that if they were going to collaborate a story they had seven month of living together to do it, sharing a hotel room together during the trial wasn't going to change that. Thankfully the judge agreed with the prosecutor. Liz's parents had taken Lilly for the time that Jason and Kat would be stuck in LA for the trial. If it wasn't over by the weekend they could go home and then come back the following Monday, which Kat had a feeling was going to be exactly what happened. This wasn't a quick open and shut case.

A camera suddenly appeared in her face almost knocking her back on the stairs. "Agent Hillard, a few moments of your time?" a red headed woman asked as she moved next to the camera, shoving her microphone into Kat's face.

"Can't you just leave her alone?"

"This is the first time anyone has seen her in months." the woman glared at him before turning her gaze back to Katherine. "As the only surviving victim of the 'Angel Killer' and supervisor to Ms. Dawson, what are your thoughts on this trial?"

"I'd rather not comment, and I'm not an agent anymore." Kat shook her head, looking over her shoulder for Russ or maybe even Dell.

"This trial is unprecedented, a simple omission of evidence and the courts are willing to string up Ms. Dawson as if she were the 'Angel Killer' herself. Surely you have some thoughts."

"I said, I'm not commenting. The trial is ongoing and I'd rather not speak out until all evidence as been brought forward." Kat shook her head.

"I suggest you leave the lady alone." Jason said in a dangerously low tone, as his midnight eyes narrowed at the reporter.

The woman gave him a sly smirk before lightly pushing the camera in his direction. "I take it that the rumors are true and you do have a relationship with Agent Hillard."

"That is none of your concern." Jason seethed.

"Oh look, a diamond ring!" She nearly shrieked as Kat readjusted her grip on Jason's arm. At her outburst more reporters suddenly appeared in front of the couple. Flashes went off all around them as more microphones and cameras were shoved in their faces.

Kat felt as if she were being crammed into a box, her heartbeat thundered in her ears as her breathing began to quicken. Still holding onto Jason, she began to back up the stairs trying to hide from the prying eyes that seemed glued to her. Questions were being asked from every direction in a thousand different voices.

Jason covered Kat's hand nearly digging into his forearm, trying to reassure her that he was still there. He was right beside her as he had promised. "Can't you just leave us alone?" He snapped at the reporters.

"Please! Just get away from me!" Kat cried out in a panicked shrill voice that Jason hadn't heard since she was still in the hospital. She backed up more but missed the step behind her. Jason was quick enough to keep her from hitting the ground as she fell forward toward the mass of people and equipment. Without another thought he took her into his arms bridal style and carried her away from the chaos, back into the courthouse. Many of the reporters tried to follow them, but where quickly stopped by security as they tried to enter the building as well.

"You okay Snowflake?" Jason asked as he eyed the woman in his arms.

"I can't deal with them Jason." Kat shook her head and she tightened her arms around his neck, crushing her face into his shoulder. "I can't do this."

Jason gently sat her down on a bench in the lobby as he looked around for a security officer. "Kat, I'll be right back. I'm going to see if we can get some officers to escort us out."

"Don't leave me Jason!" Kat's eyes grew wide and her hands suddenly gripped his hand like it was the only thing keeping her alive.

"I'm just going right over there." Jason gestured toward the officer standing just down the hall.

"You promised to stay right beside me." Kat's lip quivered as she fought back the desperation suddenly gripping her soul. Jason gave a heavy sigh as he closed his eyes. It was like she was right back at the beginning of this whole ordeal again, even worse, she was now absolutely terrified of being alone for even a moment.

"Come on then." He finally nodded and gave her a gentle tug. She stood up, still clinging to his hand tightly reminding him a frightened little girl. He made his way down the fairly empty hall with Kat in tow, toward the security officer. After a quick explanation of the events outside, Jason and Katherine were granted a small detail in order to get them out to Jason's truck.

Kat never once let go of Jason's hand, until she was sitting in the passenger side of Jason's truck. Reluctantly she let go of him so he could close the door.

Finally the couple were in their room at the hotel. Jason half sat, half laid on the large bed, with Kat curled into a ball at his side. Her hand clenched into fists around Jason's shirt, her head nestled into his chest. Jason watched a movie on the television as Katherine stared out at the wall. Her eyes unfocused, unseeing.

Jason was beginning to get very worried about her. It was only the first day of the trial and already she'd had a melt down. He couldn't imagine how she was going to be when it was her turn on the stand. He let out a sudden sigh as he remembered that he was scheduled for the next day. Kat picked her head up off his chest, meeting his gaze for the first time in hours.

"You okay?" She asked, her voice calm and back to normal.

"Yeah." Jason nodded. "You?"

"I think so." Kat nodded slowly as she squinted her eyes, wrinkling her forehead. "I don't... I , don't remember much. What happened?"

"You don't remember?" Jason raised an eyebrow. What does that mean?

"I don't remember getting here." She looked around the room. "Did I fall asleep?"

"Yeah." Jason nodded after a few moments finally deciding it was best if she didn't know the exact details of the evening. He made a mental note to call Dr. Jeffery in the morning before heading to court. Maybe Kat had been right in the first place, maybe she was too mental unstable to handle this trial.

"What time is it? I'm starving." Kat asked. Jason picked up his left arm to glance at his watch.

"Almost eight." Jason replied. "Do you want to call for room service?"

"Yes please." Kat nodded. Jason smiled at her before getting up off the bed.

"What do you want for dinner?"

"How about a salad?"

"You sure that's all you want?"

"What are you going to have?"

"I was thinking maybe a steak and fries."

"Make it two then." Kat ginned. With a nod Jason called down for their dinners. Kat remained sitting on the bed as Jason set about clearing off the small table in the corner of the room. "What should we do after dinner?"

"Probably go to bed. We had a long day and still have a long day tomorrow."

"You don't want to check out the jacuzzi tub?" Kat raised an eyebrow.

"Maybe tomorrow Kat." Jason shook his head.

"Spoilsport." Kat huffed as she flopped forward onto her stomach. "Do you remember the last night we stayed at this hotel?"

"Of course." Jason nodded briskly. Where was she going with this?

"We've come a long way from then huh?"

"Yeah." Jason made his way back over to the bed and sat on the edge, looking down at her. She sat up once more and studied him, her sapphire eyes narrowing.

"What's on your mind?"

"Nothing." Jason shook his head.

"Don't lie to me." Kat nearly spat at him.

"Kat..." Jason gave a heavy sigh. "It's nothing. I'm just tired and stressed. I'm supposed to take the stand tomorrow."

Kat rolled her eyes as she climbed off the bed and turned her back to him. "Fine, don't talk to me."

"Kat." Jason groaned.

"You always are telling me that I can talk to you anytime. That I can lean on you when I need." Kat said softly.

"You can." Jason agreed.

"You know that I'm always here for you too."

"Kat, you've got a lot going on right now..."

"Don't do that!" Kat whirled around on him, her eyes burning with anger.

"Do what?"

"Act like any pressure you put on me will break me! Like I'm made of already broken glass! God dammit Jason, if we're going to have a successful marriage in the future you have to learn to rely on me too!"

"You think that I don't already?" Jason stood up, anger coursing it's way into his chest. "I rely on you to be there for Lilly so I can work. I rely on you to take care of our home. I rely on you to keep me sane when I come home."

"Then why can't you bring your troubles to me?" Kat snapped as she crossed her arms over her chest. "I've always been able to figure out what your troubles are before you even needed to tell me, but I'm at a loss right now. Just once, lean on me! Tell me what's wrong!"

"You fucking lost it today!" Jason nearly yelled as his hands clenched into fists. "You retreated

"into yourself as the reporters were hounding us. Kat, you wouldn't let go of me. You clung to me so hard that I have bruises on my forearm!" He rolled up his sleeve enough to show her three small darkening spots on his arm where her fingers had dug in.

Kat seemed to shrink back as Jason's anger rolled off him. She stared at the bruises, hardly believing that she had put them there. She didn't remember that, she couldn't have done that!

"I..." She was at a loss for words. She looked at his face and then back at his arm and then back at his face. Jason saw the confusion brewing in her blue orbs and instantly his stance softened. He mentally scolded himself for loosing control of his own emotions knowing that Kat was on the edge of a complete mental breakdown.

"Come here Snowflake." He said softly as he held his arms open for her. She stared at him for a moment before moving in front of him, letting his arms wrap securely around her. He buried his face into her hair, breathing in her sweet scent. "I'm sorry."

"No, I'm sorry." She sobbed as the tears began to fall. "I'm so sorry for everything that I have put you through. I'm so sorry."

"It's not your fault Kat." Jason soothed as he gently rubbed her back.

"Yes it was." She hiccuped as she cried harder. Violent tremors shook her whole body as she sobbed. "I never realized how hard this is on you. I never stopped to think that I'm not the only victim. You've been with me every step of the way, you've suffered just as much from this as me. I'm so sorry I didn't see it sooner."

"Kat, don't worry about it." Jason shook his head before he hugged her tighter against him.

"I should worry about it." She picked her head up and looked into his eyes. "We're a team now, both our feelings matter."

"I'm sorry too."

"Jason, you've been nothing but wonderful. You've got nothing to be sorry for."

"Yes I do. I've been shielding you, treating you as if you would break. This isn't the first time you've told me this and yet I have continued to treat you as such. I'm so sorry Katherine." Jason cupped her cheek as he continued to keep the eye contact strong. "I love you so much, I just want to protect you."

"I know." Kat nodded as she leaned into his touch more.

"I hate when we fight." Jason frowned.

"Well, at least there's make up sex." Kat grinned causing Jason to laugh.

"Honestly woman, before me you hadn't had anything for ten years and now your a little minx."

"Well, I can't help it." Kat gave him the 'duh' look. "I mean just look at you. It's hard to keep my hands to myself."

"Which I don't mind at all." Jason smirked.

"So..." Kat drawled out as she let her hands roam over his clothed chest. "Jacuzzi tub tonight? Forget the trial and just be us?"

"After dinner." Jason nodded.

XXXXXXXXXX

"State calls forth Lieutenant Jason Scott." The prosecutor called out. Jason sucked in a deep breath and gave Kat's hand a gentle squeeze before standing from his seat and marching toward the front. He wore his formals, perfectly pressed and shoes polished. He was clean shaven, despite Kat's protests that she liked the stubble better. He looked the perfect officer as he walked proudly down the aisle. It was all an illusion to remind the jury just exactly who and what he was, a police officer first and foremost. Victim second, he'd lost his ex-wife, his daughter's mother, and nearly lost the love of his life, Katherine. The prosecution was planning to play up his losses as much as they could.

Jason was quickly sworn in and shown to the witness stand. Below the rail, where no one could see, he clenched and unclenched his fists to ease his nerves.

"Would you state your full name and title to the people of the jury?" The lawyer, Richard Long, asked. He was a tall, chunky man in his early fifties with salt and pepper hair he wore slicked back.

"Lieutenant Jason Lee Scott, Angel Grove PD." Jason replied.

"Could you explain how you got involved in this case?"

"In August of last year I was called to the scene of a homicide. The woman was later determined to be the latest victim of a serial killer the FBI had dubbed, the 'Angel Killer'. I called the proper authorities and worked in tandem with the FBI team that had been hunting the murderer for three years."

"Is it true that the last victim the 'Angel Killer' took was your own ex-wife, the mother of your only daughter, Elizabeth Scott?"

"That is true." Jason nodded.

"Can you tell us why the 'Angel Killer' singled out your ex-wife?"

"I cannot speculate on the motivations behind his actions." Jason shook his head. "I only have what little evidence and theories that we have collected. Even after all of this it is not certain exactly what motivated Tyler Jacobson to commit these horrendous crimes."

"Lieutenant, would you be so kind as to explain how Rachel Dawson ties into the crimes, and how you discovered it."

Jason took in a shaky breath as he glanced at the table Rachel sat at. Her head was down as it had been the day before and she sat unmoving. He glanced up past the rows of people and sought out Katherine. She gave him a small nod as their eyes met. "Rachel Dawson is the lost sibling of Tyler Jacobson. She was Lori Jacobson before the Dawson's adopted her after the disappearance of her mother."

"Continue." Richard nodded at him.

"She reconnected with her brother when he became the star witness in a murder. It was during this time that he meet and became obsessed with Agent Katherine Hillard. When he could no longer live as himself anymore for fear of his life, Rachel Dawson taught him how to disguise himself using the techniques that she learned in theater. Tyler Jacobson, AKA Ethan Dean, transformed himself into Harvey Logan and infiltrated the FBI. In order to keep an eye on both Agent Hillard and the 'Angel Killer' case."

"How did you discover this?"

"Everything was pieced together by myself and my partner Lieutenant Thomas Dunham, after finding a brief note on one of the case files left behind by Rachel. It simply stated a name and a case number."

"Why would she leave that note?"

"I can't say for sure." Jason shrugged.

"What happened after you and Lieutenant Dunham made this remarkable discovery?"

"We flew to New York immediately to report our findings to the FBI team."

"Why not just call them?"

"I wanted to confront Rachel myself, to find out why she would hide something like that. I had the suspicion that she knew her brother was the 'Angel Killer'."

"And what happened when you arrived in New York with your information?"

"The information came too late, Tyler Jacobson had abducted Katherine Hillard the night before."

"What happened to Agent Hillard?"

"She was taken to a cabin outside of New York City, a cabin owned by Rachel Dawson. She was stabbed as she tried to escape and left for dead. We barely found her in time might say we were too late. Katherine technically died in my arms, the medical team managed to bring her back."

"Reports show that you were injured in the take down of the suspect, what happened?"

"I was shot in the arm by Tyler just moments before Agent Russell Thomas shot and killed the suspect."

"One final question for you Lieutenant, what is your relationship to former Agent Hillard?"

"Katherine Hillard is currently my fiance. We have been friends since high school and started up a relationship during the course of our investigation."

"One might say that you have suffered greatly because of the actions of a crazed lunatic. First your ex-wife, then the woman you currently love."

"It wasn't about me." Jason shook his head. Richard shot him a sharp look but remained silent.

"No further questions your honor." Richard finally said, after letting the silence settle on the jury.

"Your witness Mr Calvin." the judge looked over to the defense table. Rachel's lawyer, Kelly Calvin, nodded and stood. He remained silent as he paced a couple times in front of Jason, no doubt trying to cause tension.

"You say that you and Agent Hillard began a relationship during your investigation?"

"Yes." Jason nodded.

"Is it a fact that at least one of the murders coincided with a date you and Agent Hillard had?"

"It wasn't a date, we came to LA after one of our dear friends had a baby, but yes. The 'Angel Killer' took another victim the same night we were in LA together."

"There was a message sent to Agent Hillard after your ex-wife was murdered, stating the Elizabeth Scott's death was because she didn't stay away from you. Is that true?"

"Yes but..."

"So you're saying that Elizabeth Scott died because you had a relationship with Katherine Hillard?"

"No..."

"But you just said that it was true." Kelly cut him off. "Which is it Lieutenant?"

Jason felt his blood beginning to boil at the outrageous claims the lawyer was trying to make. "The 'Angel Killer' claimed that as the reason for murdering Liz, but Katherine and myself cannot be held responsible."

"Yet here we are saying that Rachel Dawson is as guilty as Tyler Jacobson because she didn't say anything about her suspicion that the 'Angel Killer' was her brother. There in fact was no hard evidence to prove his identity until after his death, is that true?"

"We never had any concrete evidence until he admitted it before his death. He never left any DNA or any connection to himself."

"I'm sure everyone had their own suspicions about the identity of the 'Angel Killer'. I remember reading about him a few times and thinking I knew a couple guys that fit the FBI profile. Without evidence that's all Rachel Dawson had, a suspicion."

"It was her duty as an FBI agent to report her suspicion to her superior. That's what she was paid to do, find the killer. If she had spoken up we could have prevented two deaths and Katherine's abduction." Jason retorted.

"One more thing Lieutenant, could you tell us what exactly was in the message sent to Katherine Hillard's phone the morning after Elizabeth's death?"

Jason's body stiffened knowing exactly what the lawyer was trying to get him to say and finding himself unable to avoid it. "A picture of Liz bound and gagged as well as a video clip of myself and Katherine."

"What was this video clip?"

Jason clenched his jaw as he stared at the greasy lawyer standing before him. "Katherine and myself having intercourse in my house." Gasps filled the room. The lawyer smirked as he turned away toward his table.

"I reserve the right to recall witness as needed." He said before taking a seat, leaving Jason's shocking admission as the last thing said to the jury.

"You may step down Lieutenant." The bailiff nodded to him.

Jason let out a sharp breath and stood up. He was angry as hell at the lawyer trying to paint himself and Katherine as culprits. Angry that he'd been sucked into this media show. Angry that the state thought someone had to pay for the crimes of a dead man. Rachel didn't deserve what they were trying to do to her. Neither did he. He'd suffered enough because of Tyler Jacobson, now it seemed that Lori Jacobson was going to be the cause of whole different round of suffering.