A/N: Thank you for the reviews! I appreciate those of you who take the time to review your thoughts - I love to read them!
Chapter Twenty-Three: Verdict
Present – Tampa, FL
Quinn held the coffee cup in her hand and peered out the window at the morning sky. She hadn't spoken much since the court hearing two days before and remained relatively quiet the next day. Jon had to leave to go to Raw Live shows and Quinn wasn't due to fly out to Smackdown until Tuesday morning. With it being a Saturday, court wasn't due to be in session until later in the day. It would see Nigel's witnesses have their say.
The government psychologist had stated from what he had read and heard regarding the situation that Nigel knew full well what he was doing. There were no childhood horrors for Nigel or any history or sign of mental illness in close family members or in Nigel's medical records. That statement had blown apart the defences argument and had left them floundering to rebuild their argument.
Despite knowing she had a strong chance at winning the case Quinn couldn't shake hearing what Jon went through after the rape and crash. Hanna had tried to tell Quinn she wasn't a horrible person but nothing she said made her feel any better. Jon had simply given Quinn space to let the inundation of information process.
Quinn sighed and stood up and walked over to the kitchen. She emptied her cold coffee and took a long, hot shower. She dressed for another day in court and with a glance in the mirror at her pinched cheeks, dry lips and hair pulled into a low ponytail she grabbed her purse and left to go meet her family.
Columbus, OH
Jon jumped off the treadmill and glanced at his watch. He knew Quinn would be about to head to court for another day of witness hearings. Frank had told Jon the closing arguments would be stated that afternoon and the verdict would be decided at any time after that. It boiled down to how long the jury would take to reach it. Jon was extremely worried about Quinn. When he left she had barely even reacted. Since his turn in the witness stand she had closed herself off from everyone.
"Hey, good to see you man," greeted Joe, giving Jon a slap to the shoulder.
"Thanks. How were the last couple of shows?" replied Jon wiping sweat from his face with his towel.
"Good. Any news on the case?"
Jon shook his head, "No, but Quinn's just withdrawn from everyone. She hasn't answered any of my messages since yesterday."
"It's an intense time for her. Just give her space, man. I'm sure she will pull through."
Jon nodded, trying to ignore the doubt creeping into his mind and gut.
Louisville, KY
Quinn walked into the KFC Yum! Center and greeted those around her with a nod. She had barely slept since Friday night. Any moment her phone could ring with a possible verdict from the court. Her father said some Jury's like to rehear tapes of certain parts and go through the evidence again. He'd told Quinn to not stress and just focus on her work. It was easier said than done and whenever Quinn tried to sleep her dreams were plagued with interpretations of her being a monster and screaming at Jon and her friends to go away, or nightmares of Nigel laughing and chasing her through a maze of bathrooms.
"Quinn?"
Quinn looked up from staring blankly at the noticeboard with detailed lists of rooms for the WWE taking over the center. Renee peered at her with concern and stepped over to her.
"Are you okay?"
Quinn managed a smile that didn't reach her eyes and nodded before heading for the female locker room.
Rebecca and Ashley gave Quinn a worried look with Natalya and Nikki doing the same. Quinn kept her back to the women and focused on getting herself dressed for her confrontation with the women vying for her belt that night.
She pulled on her black leather shorts with the fake zippers and red top with the black zipper at the front. Quinn grabbed her black and red high tops and put them on after pulling on her knee high black socks with red stripes. Once she was satisfied with her appearance she headed to get her makeup and hair done for the show.
Forty minutes into Smackdown saw Harley's music play around the center. The audience cheered loudly as Harley slowly walked out with her championship around her waist. She twirled at the top of the ramp and began to make her way to the ring.
It had been discussed online between fans if Harley would show – it was no secret what was happening in her personal life.
Harley stepped up the stairs and climbed up to the top turn buckle. She pulled her belt off and held it up as a loud beat of music struck. Much to the amazement of the crowd Harley back flipped off the turnbuckle and landed perfectly, placing the belt over her shoulder.
"I'm not out here to gush about how wonderful it is to be the Smackdown Women's champion," said Harley, "Only a crazy person would do that. No, see I've been hearing the chit chat back stage between all those women. They all want this belt… and yet… not one of them has shown any initiative to get the ball rolling! What… are they afraid of me?" Harley shook her head, "I want to be a fighting champion but I can't be one unless someone steps up! Heck, I'll even face that chinless Ellsworth if it gives me a fight or even Nikki Breeze! So, who wants a shot at this belt?"
The blaring sounds of Eva Marie's theme blasted and Harley tilted her head to the side in amusement. No one had seen Eva Marie in a long time, so her return was quite the surprise. Harley stepped back as Eva Marie strutted out with a big fan fare, donning her feather edged robe over her red ring outfit.
Eva's entrance was quickly dimmed out by the glowing entrance of Naomi. Harley smirked at Eva as Naomi danced out pumping the crowd up.
"F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S!"
Harley moved and jumped up to sit on the turnbuckle as Carmella walked out with her not boyfriend James Ellsworth.
Carmella's song was cut by the guitar riff ripping one of Natalya. Natalya wasted no time in making her way down to the ring, glaring directly at Harley, who merely smirked at the woman in response.
"You can look but you can't touch..."
Nikki Bella walked out with a knowing, red lipped grin. She walked down to the ring and kept her eyes on Harley.
It came as no surprise when Becky Lynch's theme kicked into gear. Harley had expected the lass kicker to want another shot at her title. Harley laughed and shrugged her shoulders as Becky ran down to the ring and slid in to join the other women.
"Just wait," said Harley with a chuckle, "We are waiting for one more woman."
Sure enough, the iconic sounds of Charlotte Flair's music blasted and she walked out in her green peacock designed robe. Charlotte walked down to the ring and stepped in, looking up at Harley in dislike.
"So," said Harley, "I put the call out and finally I am faced with seven opponents. Who knew my invitation would be so popular? Now the question is who gets the title shot?" Harley tapped her chin in thought, "I don't believe that is my decision to make. I believe that is up to our General Manager or Commissioner. So, could one of them come out and decide who I get to face for my belt?"
The music of Daniel Bryan struck and he walked out to a loud chant of YES! Daniel looked down at the ring and gave a sigh as he moved down the ramp and stepped into the ring full of the Smackdown women.
"Harley, why is it whenever you're in a ring, it's usually with a group of women who want to fight you?" asked Daniel before putting his hand up, "Don't actually answer that. Okay, well the easiest way to solve this one is a series of matches that start tonight," Daniel paused, "We will have Eva Marie versing Naomi. Then Carmella will face Natalya. Nikki Bella will go against Becky Lynch."
"Wait," said Charlotte, "Who will I face?"
Daniel smiled and gestured to the ramp.
Suddenly the crowd were on their feet at the epic music of the NXT Women's Champion, Asuka. Charlotte's mouth dropped open at the arrival of her opponent in the quest to face Harley for the Women's Championship.
Once in the ring Daniel continued.
"Each winner of the match will face a winner from another match until we boil down to who will face Harley for the Smackdown Women's Championship."
"Well, that sounds good!" said Harley happily as she grinned, "Thanks for sorting that one out boss man!"
Tampa, FL
Quinn exited the airport and hurried over to the waiting taxi. She had received a call from her father that court was due to be back in session at eleven thirty in the morning after her appearance on Smackdown. She'd managed to get a flight into Tampa but it gave her just thirty minutes to get to the court case.
In the back of the taxi, Quinn hastily brushed her curly hair, managing to twist it into a low, tidy bun. She added a light dusting of make-up and shrugged on a fitted, black jacket to match her fitted pants that came to just above her ankles.
Twenty minutes later the taxi pulled up at the court room and Quinn pulled her luggage out, paid the driver and hurried up the footpath and into the court building. A receptionist kindly stored away her gear and directed her to the court room her case was being held in that day.
Quinn ran in to the room, surprised to see Hanna, her mother and even Jon already there. Quinn averted her gaze from Jon as she slipped through the gate and took her place beside her father just as the Judge walked into the room.
"You barely made it," muttered her father.
"I got the best flight I could," retorted Quinn as the Judge told them to all sit and that court was in session.
"I understand the jury has reached a verdict?" asked the Judge.
A member of the jury stood up at the end of the front row. The man looked at the judge.
"Please read your verdict."
"We the jury find the accused guilty of their crimes of sexual assault to the victim. We also find the accused guilty of stalking the victim. We believe the accused should be punished to the full extent of the law."
Quinn breathed out a sigh of relief but looked at the judge expectantly.
"Mr Tobin," said the Judge looking at the man who was sitting silently as members of his family muttered to each other angrily, "Your crimes destroyed a young woman's life. Your actions created a chain reaction that affected not just one person's life but multiple peoples. You have shown no remorse for your actions and I doubt you ever will. It has become clear you lack the ability to display any form of empathy. Therefore, you will serve fifteen years for the rape of Quinn Gallagher and an extra five for stalking – that is a total of twenty years. I still be stating on your file to deny any form of appeal case. You have taken enough years from Quinn Gallagher's life and you do not deserve to take anymore. Officer's Jensen and Ackles – take Nigel Tobin into custody. Court dismissed."
Quinn stood up and hugged her father tightly, tears falling down her cheeks as her body was slammed with a multitude of emotions. Her father led her through the gate and handed her over to her mother and Hanna, both who hugged Quinn. Hanna moved Quinn towards Jon. Quinn looked at Jon, once again being slammed with the guilt from the knowledge of what she put him through following her rape and car crash, along with cutting him off over the past week. Jon peered at Quinn before he pulled her into his arms, kissing the top of her head.
"It's okay," murmured Jon softly.
"No, no it's not."
Quinn exited the bathroom and crawled onto the bed beside Jon, who was laying on it in just his tracksuit pants.
"I'm a horrible person," stated Quinn, repeating the words she'd said to Hanna only days before.
Jon frowned and sat up, looking at Quinn in confusion, "What?"
Quinn looked down at her engagement ring, "I didn't even once consider what my actions put you through. I hurt you – a lot. I was so selfish, Jon. How can you possibly love me? I should be an image you throw darts at! Not your future wife!"
Jon slid closer to Quinn and cupped her face in his hands, "Yes, I was beyond furious with you. At one stage I probably did think I hated you… but the day you walked into that stadium last year… I felt like I'd been hit in the stomach. Just seeing you," Jon pressed his forehead against Quinn's, "My mother once told me love was a fickle thing and has no rhyme or reason to it. I never really got what she meant until I met you. I love you, Quinn. It's as simple as that. You did what you had to do and I understand that now. You need to understand that yourself. You did what you could at that time – that was to protect yourself."
"I hate knowing I broke your heart," whispered Quinn, tears falling once more.
Jon leaned back and used the pads of his thumbs to wipe Quinn's tears away, "You fixed it in a way only you could."
Quinn finally looked Jon in the eyes and reached up to touch his cheek, "I'm sorry."
Jon kissed Quinn on the lips deeply, taking note that her cheekbones were more prominent then they normally were, "Sleep. You need to sleep and tomorrow morning I am making you eat the biggest breakfast of your life."
Rosemont, IL
Quinn laughed at the story Nikki finished telling about her niece, Birdie, vomiting all over Bryan's face the other day. The weeks following the finishing of the court case, Quinn had thrown herself into her career and spending time with Jon whenever possible. It was difficult but they were managing to make it work. Quinn was excited to have two days off later in the week. Her and Jon were going house hunting to find a home for them to purchase. It was a big commitment but after their talk after the court case, Quinn felt they were stronger than ever and ready for it.
After having a good chat with her workmates, Quinn went and dressed for her match. She chose her long black tights with the rips across the front and matched it with one of her blue midriff bearing, fitted tops and her blue and black high tops. Kat styled her hair into its signature look and gave her blue and black make up with a dark lipstick.
The music of the number one contender for Harley's belt blasted and Becky Lynch strode out.
"Becky Lynch managed to defeat Nikki Bella, followed by Charlotte and finally Eva Marie to earn herself a title shot, here, at Backlash against Harley," announced Tom, "Becky has been SmackDown's champion before, in fact she was SmackDown's first women's champion and believes she can make that a two-time fact!"
Once Becky was in the ring, Harley's music echoed around the arena. Harley slowly strode out, wearing her belt with her title plates gleaming in the flashing lights proudly. Becky bounced around in the ring, ready for her match as Harley twirled and skipped her way down the ramp. Harley pulled a wrist band off from her wrist and handed it to an excited child who wore one of her shirts. Harley patted them on the head affectionately before sliding into the ring and standing up, holding her belt up high.
Grand Rapids, MI
Jon took the beer Colby handed him as they sat in the private room WWE had booked for the showing of Backlash. The room was full of Raw personnel and the female superstars had all taken bets on whether Quinn or Rebecca would come out on top. Jon didn't know the outcome as Quinn wouldn't tell him.
Jon grinned as he watched Quinn reverse a move into a running bulldog.
"Ooh, that was a smooth reversal," commented Colby, "So… when's the wedding?"
Jon choked on the mouthful of beer he head and looked at Colby, "We just got engaged man."
Colby chuckled, "Yeah but you want Quinn to be Quinn Good sooner rather than later. Besides, better chance of winding up on the same roster at the next shake up or draft."
Jon peered at the television. Quinn was diving between the ropes to hit Becky with a clothesline with a fiery look in her eyes.
"One step at a time man. We're going house hunting this week," smirked Jon, "We haven't really discussed a wedding anyway. You know Quinn's not a girly girl type."
"I bet she's been thinking about it and I bet she secretly reads those wedding magazines."
"You reckon?"
"I may have heard something," teased Colby, gesturing his beer towards Saraya, "Or maybe I heard nothing."
"You're an arsehole."
Rosemont, IL
Harley rolled into the ring and screamed at Becky to get up. Becky rolled onto her stomach and slowly pushed herself up onto all fours. Harley wasted no time in quickly locking Becky into the camel clutch. Becky cried out but refused to give in. She gripped Harley by the thighs and pushed herself up, lifting Harley up and ramming backwards into the turnbuckle.
Harley cried out and dropped to the mat. Becky stumbled forward before turning and running at Harley, hitting her with a baseball slide kick. Harley curled forward and clutched her rib cage. The referee checked but Harley told him to move. She managed to dive and avoid another attack from Becky Lynch.
Harley got to her feet in time to dodge another attack from Becky. She managed to move behind Becky and hit her with a german suplex and stood up to let out an animalistic scream, signalling she was ready to finish this match once and for all. Harley turned around and grabbed Becky by the hair and forced her to her feet. She held onto Becky and ran towards a turnbuckle, running up it and back flipping to hit a neck breaker. Harley stood and climbed up the turnbuckle again when the sudden music of Eva Marie struck. Harley looked up the ramp as Eva Marie strode out and made her way down the ramp. Harley shook her head at her and turned back as Becky stood up. Harley jumped, hitting her finisher perfectly and earned the win straight after.
Harley stood up as her music hit signalling her win. Becky rolled from the ring as Harley was handed her belt and held it up in the air. Her music cut as Eva Marie slid into the ring and grabbed Harley by the shoulder and forced her to face her.
Harley looked at Eva Marie in annoyance. She shook her head and Eva responded with a hard boot to Harley's mid-section.
"Whoa! Eva Marie is clearly trying to send a message here!" shouted Tom.
Harley dropped her belt and stumbled back to have Eva run at her and attempt to line her up for her finisher, Sliced Red Two. Harley avoided it, shoving Eva into the turnbuckle, jumping and hitting her with a spinning heel kick before grabbing her belt and rolling out of the ring with her music blasting around the arena once more.
"I don't think that message was received," stated Byron Saxton, "I think Harley sent her own which says, 'do not start a fight against the Queen of Crazy' and Eva certainly received that one."
Dayton, OH
Quinn stepped out of the car and grabbed her gear from the back. She walked up the front path and opened her front door, knowing Jon was already home. Quinn barely got the door shut behind her when Jon had spun her around and had her pressed against the door in a passionate kiss, his body fully pressed against hers.
They had barely gotten to see each other in the past few weeks with these two days the most time they would have together in a long while. The being on separate rosters was making it hard on their relationship but both were determined to make it work.
"Fuck, I have missed you," murmured Jon pulling back to look at Quinn.
Quinn smiled softly and brushed her thumb across his cheek, "I've missed you as well."
Jon captured Quinn's lips with his own once more and lifted her up, holding her by her thighs. Quinn locked her legs around his waist, not breaking the heated kiss as Jon carried her across the living room and up the staircase to their waiting bed.
A/N: So there is the verdict... two more chapters to go!