The State Verses Derek Morgan Ch 47
The team headed down the street toward their favorite deli, when they walked inside they headed back to the biggest booth in the corner and sat down, JJ sighed and said, "I think it's going good so far, what about you guys?", Emily and the others nodded their heads yes in agreement with what JJ had just said", Fran said, "I just hope that they can find something, anything that will help them prove that Derek is innocent, that he didn't kill Penelope".
Dave said, "well at least we know that the body that we buried wasn't her so I'm not giving up hope that she's alive and well out there somewhere", Sarah said, "me either Dave". Desi said, "I have a feeling that she's closer than any of us think", causing everybody at the table to look at her, she shrugged her shoulders and said, "what, that's just what I think, I mean before yesterday, before you got the body exhumed I thought that was it, she was gone and Derek would have no hope for a happy future".
Fran put her hand on top of her daughters and said, "I understand honey and I agree, I think that Penelope is out there somewhere, that the people that are framing my baby boy have her". Hotch walked into the deli, placed an order to go and then headed to the booth in the back to talk to the team for a few minutes before heading back to the courthouse.
When he sat down he said, "what's wrong?", JJ said, "nothing, we were just talking about Penelope and how we think she's alive and well out there somewhere and then what Fran said has me really thinking". Hotch said, "what she said, what did she say?", Fran looked at him and said, "I think the people that are framing Derek have Penelope and they have her somewhere close", Hotch said, "before yesterday I wouldn't have agreed with you Fran but now, today, I do".
Dave said, "sooooo are you and Mia ready to start presenting your case?", Hotch nodded his head and said, "ohhh yeah, we're more than ready for this", Emily said, "you did an excellent job of proving those expert witnesses weren't as good as the state wanted everybody to believe that they were", Hotch grinned and said, "thanks Em".
He looked at Dave and Fran and said, "let James know that we need him to come in tomorrow", Fran said, "will do", Dave said, "how many days do you think it's going to take for you and Mia to present the defenses side?", Hotch said, "at least today and maybe tomorrow so keep thinking the good thoughts", Emily said, "don't worry we will, we will", Hotch looked up front as his order number was called, he said, "well I better get back, we're gonna discuss the case while we eat lunch, I'll see you guys back at the courthouse", they all smiled and nodded their heads yes as Hotch walked away.
Reid and Shane were at the BAU looking into anything and everything that concerned Robert, Robin, Charles and Olivia, they knew that something was off but they couldn't put their finger on it, they knew that they were close ohhh so close to figuring everything out but the question was would they figure it out in time to be able to help Derek
Reid's cell started beeping, he pulled it off of his belt and smiled as he saw a text from JJ, he then looked up at Shane and said, "they're on lunch break", Shane said, "speaking of, can we get something to eat too?", Reid said, "sure, what would you like and I'll have somebody to pick it up?", he said, "how about pizza?", Reid grinned and said, "pepperoni, sausage, ham and peppers?", Shane said, "ahhhh yes, a man after my own heart".
Shane grinned and Reid laughed, he then placed an order and asked one of the agents down in the bullpen to go pick it up for them, Reid then said, "I know that we're missing something Shane but what is it, I can feel it, I can feel it". He walked back over to the board and looked at Penelope's picture, he said, "I just know that you're out there somewhere Garcia, please hold on, we will find you, just please don't give up hope".
When their food was delivered Reid and Shane sat at a table eating when Shane said, "okay, hear me out", Reid nodded his head yes as Shane said, "if you were going to do the frame up like the one they are doing to Derek now, wouldn't you keep Penelope for leverage, maybe wait and see what the verdict is before killing her?", Reid said, "that's what I would do but where are they keeping her?", Shane said, "I think they are at Charles and Olivia's place, but how to prove it".
Meanwhile the team finished their lunch and were in the process of walking to the courthouse, it was such a beautiful day, they all just wished that Penelope was here with them, she would love it outside today with the sun shining so beautifully. They walked back into the courtroom and took their seats, they then looked up and saw Hotch and Mia sitting at the table in front of the room, they had their heads together discussing the case.
The bailiff stood up and said, "all rise", everybody stood up and watched as Cindy walked back into the courtroom and sat back down in her seat behind the bench, she then looked at Mia and Hotch and said, "is the defense ready to start their case?", Hotch said, "we are your honor", Cindy said, "you may call your first witness", Hotch said, "we would like to call Josh Stable to the stand", after he was sworn in it became very obvious really quickly what his job was, he was a fingerprint expert.
Hotch asked question after question about fingerprints and asked the expert could fingerprints be planted to which he said, "oh yes, if the person knows what they are doing, it takes almost no effort at all". The questioning and cross examination of the witness continued on for almost an hour before Cindy said, "you may step down", Mia leaned in and said, "that was good, I think you proved your point", he said, "thanks, let's hope the jury agrees with you".
Mia nodded her head yes as they both glanced over at a very intrigued jury, it was obvious that they were listening to every word that was being said, Hotch just hoped that they understood enough about what the witnesses were going to say to believe without a shadow of a doubt that Derek was innocent, now only time and the continuation of the trial would tell if they did or not.