Chapter 8: Preparations

…

In the six years she'd been a prosecuting attorney, Julie Griggs had always prided herself on letting the evidence speak for itself. She never made her relationship with clients personal, always sticking to the facts of the case in front of her when talking to them. This case was troubling her, more than she cared to admit. Was it because Danielle was totally blind and Adam Dawson had taken such cruel advantage of her? Griggs wasn't sure, but she disliked him on a personal level which wasn't normally like her.

In fact, she thought as she showed her ID to the guard at Smith's Grove's gates, buzzing her car through waving her towards the parking lot, Adam was a grade A prick and she would be only too happy to see him sent down for a very long time. That was one reason she was doing this... Firstly because she'd been asked to by Danielle's doctors as she wished to testify in person, but also she had to see her for herself. Griggs normally trusted her instincts and right now they were telling her that Danielle Hayward was as much of a victim as she proclaimed. Parking her black Bentley, Griggs left the car and headed for the main doors, where she was met by a guard whose badge said Ryan.

"This way Ma'am," he said with a smile. Julie blushed. "Julie's fine." She smiled back at him. They entered the maze of corridors where Julie willingly submitted to a search, then Ryan led her onwards. They'd explained that for Danielle's comfort and peace of mind they would conduct the visit in her cell and if she minded?

"Not at all," she'd said over the phone to Dr Gemma Stark just hours before, when the consultant had requested the visit. They entered an office where Julie was met by doctors Sam Loomis and Gemma Stark. They shook hands and Julie was offered a drink and accepted an ice water. It was another scorching evening.

"I guess my first question," Griggs said after taking a sip of her water. "Are her scars as bad as the pictures show?"

Both Dr Stark and Dr Loomis nodded in unison. "Worse," Dr Stark said softly. "They're not caused by self-harming either, they're from abuse, maybe even torture."

Griggs covered her mouth in horror. If these two doctors were saying so, it must be true. "We believe every single word," Dr Loomis added. "She's been a victim of serious abuse and from what we know, her best friend may now be too."

"The police are going to help her get out tomorrow morning," Griggs said. "Mr. Dawson is still in custody tonight."

"Good," Dr Stark muttered. "Keep him there and throw away the key I say."

Griggs smiled grimly. "Goodwin and I are trying to do just that. May I see her?" She asked after a moment. She produced her ID again which she knew said "Lawyer" in braille across the front for precisely this reason. Just as police warrant cards did. Dr Loomis and Dr Stark nodded.

"But as I told you over the phone, her comfort and wellbeing are top priority for us as I'm sure you understand." Griggs nodded. "Of course."

"So you'll see her in her cell, I can't go into details, but one of our other patients is very protective of her, so he'll be watching and listening. Just so you are aware."

Griggs nodded again. "You're the doctors," she said with a smile. "Her treatment it's not my business."

A few minutes later, they were walking down the corridor with a woman who'd introduced herself to Julie as Joanne Turner, her designated guard.

…

Danielle sighed softly. Joanne had just told her that a lawyer was coming to visit her tonight and would be here in a few minutes. The prosecution's assistant attorney in Adam's trial. It was one of the doctor's conditions to her testifying and she was fine with that. She'd do whatever they asked for this chance. She hoped to God the bastard would be locked up for a very long time. She took several deep breaths, trying to gain her composure, and stay calm. She was going to do this; she'd show her doctors she could handle it... Myers was in his cell next to hers. She couldn't have said why, but she'd asked him to be there to at least hear this. Dr Stark had agreed, but said Myers would have to be in his own cell for the time being. As if on cue, she heard one soft tap from her left and she smiled in thanks.

Shortly after, she heard footsteps. She took a deep breath, suddenly feeling very nervous.

"Hi," said Joanne's voice. She smiled at her guard.

"Hi Joanne."

"Julie Griggs is here," Joanne said. "Are you ready?" She nodded.

"Hi Danielle," said a soft and gentle female voice. "I won't keep you long, I only have a few questions, is that ok?" She nodded again.

"First, call me Julie?" Griggs said. "If you hold your hand out…" She did so and felt an ID holder. She took it, feeling it until she found the Braille "lawyer" across its front. "Thanks," she said softly, handing it back. This made her already respect the lawyer.

"I'm here as well," said Dr Stark's voice. "Michael, Julie, Joanne and I are the only ones here, ok?"

She nodded. "Thanks."

"Ok," Julie began. "I have read your file and everything you went through and I am very sorry for this." She believed her. "Thanks," she said again.

"If you find yourself struggling at any time we'll stop right there, ok? But can you please try and tell me what happened that last day? No rush and as I said if you're struggling, we'll stop, no questions asked."

She paused for a second, then heard another soft tap from Myers. It helped more than she could ever tell him. She took a deep breath and began to speak.

…

Charlotte had never expected that when she phoned her boss to apologise, he would be so angry on her behalf. Next thing she knew she was blurting out everything that had happened. Adam's abuse, control, and using her as a sex toy.

"I knew you weren't yourself, babe," he stressed the last word and Charlotte gave a teary laugh. "Son of a bitch! I'll kill him if I see him, I swear to God!"

"He'd check my phone," Charlotte sobbed. "I couldn't talk to you, except strictly about work issues and…"

"Hey it's ok," Tim soothed. "I know babe. I guessed something like that was happening, but I couldn't prove it. God knew I wanted to. I know more than enough men like Adam fucking Dawson to read the signs."

Charlotte could hardly believe what she said then. Maybe it was his kindness, maybe it was the irony that she was about to do something in Adam's house that he would've strictly forbidden, maybe it was reckless or outright anger. "Tim," she murmured. "Are you free to talk further over coffee right now?"

…

"He was angry because I was talking to my male tutor, despite the fact it was about my course work. "I told you not to talk to him you slut," he yelled at me, before telling me I 'needed a good fucking' and raping me on the dining room table. As he did, he was holding a knife against my face. When he came, he cut my face." She turned her head, softly touching her scar. "I see it," Julie said.

"I realised while he was raping me that I couldn't take it anymore and needed a way out. I went into the garage. It's always unlocked so he can access his tools."

"So it was unlocked?" Julie asked. She nodded, smiling bitterly. "Fucking liar told you it was locked so he couldn't help me when I hung myself, I know. The key was in his pocket. The police found it when he was arrested. I found that much out for myself. My friend told me."

"That's correct," Griggs said, feeling another stab of hatred towards the lying prick. He'd wanted her to die. She knew Julie was recording this conversation; Dr Stark had warned her earlier that she would be. "That's ok," she'd said.

"I managed to find a piece of rope in the garage, stood on a chair and hung myself from the door slats," she smiled bitterly again. "Adam closed and locked it once he saw I was up there and my neighbour, from what I was told, had to break it in with a sledge hammer."

"Again, correct," Julie said.

"Please thank Nigel for me, will you? I did text him to thank him, but… If it wasn't for him I'd be dead… Even though I sometimes still wish I was, I can't deny that he did save my life."

"No problem, I'll tell him. You know, he's always in the public gallery at the trial, watching."

She felt affection for her neighbour swell in her heart. So perhaps people did care about her, more than she gave herself credit for. She swallowed back tears. "From what I was told he cut me down and called 911. I was unconscious and only remember waking up in the ambulance and being taken to the hospital. A week later I was brought here."

"I just want to clarify," Dr Stark said. "You weren't brought here because you're insane; you were brought here because you are a badly hurting woman who is needing help. That's why you still have your phone and other belongings."

"I know," she smiled at Dr Stark, "but thanks Doc." Dr Stark tapped her hand with a soft squeeze. "You're welcome."

"We have the rest of your statement," Griggs said. "Everything else you told the police before coming here. All his mistreatment and abuse of you, so you don't need to recount that to me."

"Thank Christ," she muttered. Julie also softly touched her arm. "I wouldn't ever ask you to do that," she said softly. "I do however have one more request and if you object, it's totally fine. This is entirely up to you. Ok?"

She nodded.

"Can I see your scars?" Griggs asked softly.

Slowly, she removed her shirt, then trousers. She straightened up and using the cell door for assistance to get her bearings, turned so her back was to the bars. She heard Griggs' and Joanne's quickly stifled gasps. She knew they looked bad; she didn't have to see them to know that. After a second, she again turned, so her chest was facing Griggs, which was just as badly scarred. Burns, stabs, the list went on. Was this also making Myers angry? She shivered. God help Adam if Myers ever found him, he'd be the one who would die.

"Thank you," Griggs said quietly and she pulled her clothes back on. She then showed Griggs the text from Charlotte. "That means Adam's got his claws into her as well now," she said quietly to all four of them. "She never would have sent that otherwise. Yes, she fancied him like crazy, but she was my best friend and would never have sent that to me if he hadn't influenced, if not made her do it."

"Charlotte is safe," Griggs said softly. "The police are helping her get out. Dawson is in custody."

"Thank fuck for that," she leant against the door, suddenly feeling weak. Relief.

A few minutes later Griggs walked back to the office with the doctors, while Joanne stayed so Danielle could talk to her. She'd begged her guard to stay for this because she trusted and wanted her to know what happened. Joanne was touched more than she could ever tell her. "I could use some tea," she said shakily to her guard.

"Coming right up," Joanne said immediately. "Michael?"

The killer raised a piece of paper, she heard its rustle. "Coffee?" Joanne said. "Sure thing. Won't be a sec guys."

…

Charlotte waited while she was scanned for weapons then walked through the metal detector in to court. She could hardly believe her friend was doing this. She'd called Charlotte that morning saying she was on her way. Charlotte could only admire her friend's courage. She'd meant what she'd said to her. "I'd be running the other way." If this wasn't her way of apologising, she would be. Then there was Kevin Roland. Charlotte couldn't stand the man. He'd cross examined her twice already since being appointed to Adam and he made her shiver. Despite knowing the Jury would convict him, they had to surely? Roland was doing everything in his power to try to stop them. Alan Goodwin on the other hand had been nothing but kind to her, telling her on the first day she could talk to him at any time, reminding her he was on their side. Charlotte had told him about her visit to Smith's Grove. "She seems to be getting better," she'd said to the Prosecutor. "Slowly but surely. I was so happy to see her again when I thought I never would. Not alive at any rate." If Adam was released… She shivered just thinking of that. No, it couldn't happen. It just couldn't… If it did, she might just follow her friend's example and jump off a chair with a noose around her neck.

…

Before she knew quite what was happening, they were drawing up outside the court. She had asked if she could travel in a normal car, not a Smith's Grove van and the doctors had agreed. She could not believe how kind they were being to her. As soon as they reached the court, Julie Griggs was waiting and shook her hand. From the start, she was treated as if she was alone, not with a guard. She respected the lawyer even more for this if that was possible following her visit. Griggs had asked for her testimony and recorded it. She had told her everything and Griggs for her part had told her how today proceedings would go, as well as how court room procedure worked.

"You're a victim," Julie had said last night. "You're not in any trouble, please remember that. Mr. Goodwin won't let Mr. Dawson or his Lawyer go over any lines, Goodwin will object if he senses they're even trying. Trust me?"

She had felt very nervous the day before when asking Michael to watch the feed. They'd been standing in the exercise yard, Michael holding her hand. She suspected it was this which had made her able to do it. Michael hadn't responded, but when she had entered the office to get her camera, Michael was sitting on the patient's side of the glass. She felt affection shoot up in her chest when Dr Stark had told her he was there. "Thanks," she'd said through the lump in her throat.

"Does Adam know I'm here?" She asked Julie now. "Or his Lawyer?"

"No. Element of surprise." She couldn't stop a smile. "It means they have no time to prepare for you to testify. Yes you're on the witness list, but there's nothing to state they need any more prior warning than that. I saw the look on Mr. Dawson's face when Charlotte appeared. He wasn't happy. So no, they don't."

"I know Joanne's with me," she squeezed her guard's arm which she was still holding. "But Adam won't be able to get close to me will he? My doctors assured me he wouldn't but…"

"There's absolutely no way," Griggs promised. "Not only do you have the lovely Joanne here, but there are also security guards in the court room. There is absolutely no chance of it. He's locked in the dock, too. His voice will come through speakers. He may sound close, but he'll be nowhere near you. I promise."

She took a deep breath and decided she had to be honest. "I'm just worried about my initial reaction when I hear his voice for the first time. His voice to me was always a source of terror by the end. It never meant anything good."

"If you need to stop at any time, you just tell Mr. Goodwin who you'll meet in a moment. Ok? I mean it," now the Lawyer sounded slightly stern. "You need to stop, we stop. Just as I said to you in Smith's Grove. Are we clear?" She smiled at her again. "Yes Julie," she answered. Griggs had then squeezed her arm before walking away.

A few moments later she met Alan Goodwin for the first time. For just the first meeting, she asked Joanne to come in and Goodwin made absolutely no objections.

"It's nice to meet you," he shook her hand. She could smell his aftershave and had to admit she liked it. "I'm just sorry it's in these circumstances."

The door opened again and a young woman entered, introducing herself as Nicola, her Victim Care Officer. "My job's to help you if you need it at any point," she said. "It can be anything from a glass of water to answering a question you may have. I'll be with you and Joanne all through today and if you need me at any time you just say so. My job's to make sure you're comfortable both mentally and physically while here and you feel ok."

"Wow," she smiled weakly. "Who knew you were so well looked after in court?" Nicola touched her shoulder lightly. "To echo a phrase I'm sure you've heard many times, you're a victim. The least we can do because of why you're here is look after you."

"Thanks," she said, feeling absurdly close to tears. The first thing Goodwin did was take her into the empty courtroom, showed her the dock, then where she would be standing. Spinner had been right. The distance was a good minute's walk. She breathed a sigh of relief. Goodwin then told her how many guards were there in addition to Joanne. She was already starting to relax. She wanted Adam sent down and she would do her very best to ensure that happened.

They entered a consultation room and Joanne this time was outside, as she and Goodwin talked in private re her testimony. She found parts of it difficult, but Goodwin had first reminded her both that he was on her side and also that Joanne was only outside the door if she needed her. But once she'd started, she couldn't stop. At 8AM exactly, there was a soft buzz.

"That's the alarm for Mr. Dawson to be brought up." She took a deep breath and tried not to shiver. "Hey it's alright," Goodwin said immediately. "He'll be locked in the dock before you even enter. Trust me?" She nodded.

Before she knew it, a Clerk stuck her head in with a soft knock and spoke quietly. "We're ready for you now." She took several deep breaths, softly touching her camera. This was it. She wasn't alone, she could do this. As if on cue, Dr Stark's voice came over Joanne's radio just before she turned it off. "Good luck, we're all in here, yes, all three of us. You're not on your own."

"Thanks," she said softly. Goodwin squeezed her shoulder again whispering "remember, I'm on your side." Joanne took her arm and with her legs slightly shaking, Danielle, her Lawyer and guard entered the court room.

…

Adam slouched against the dock, feeling the anger surging through him. He could see Charlotte in the witness seats and had to exercise every effort not to smash this fucking glass to get to her. God she'd pay for this. His suit was a mess by now despite his best efforts to keep it crease free, he hated the fact his fucking Judge was a woman and the trial was not going at all his way. Goodwin was too damn clever for his own good. Certainly for Adam's. It was then Adam heard someone entering through the secure entrance and into the victim's area. It meant he wouldn't see them unless the Judge gave the ok. Who the hell was it? Who feared him so much they came in this way? God he hoped it was a woman… Some friend of Charlotte's? The fact he scared someone that much made his cock harden in his suit pants. Ah, good! Women deserved to and should rightly fear him. He'd find out who it was before the day was over and show them just why they were right to be so damn terrified.