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. Both doctors 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?"
"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."
Danielle 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 sledgehammer."
"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 them 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?"
Slowly, Danielle 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."
…
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 too 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 Danielle 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?"
Danielle 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 jobs 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 jobs 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. Griggs 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," her voice shook slightly.
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.
…
Danielle walked up the steps and behind the safety screen, breathing deeply. Just the thought that Michael was watching gave her the strength to complete the short walk. She found herself hoping he got a damn good look at Adam's face… She took a steadying breath. This was it.
"All rise for the Judge!" The Bailiff yelled. The court did so as one.
"Good morning," Spinner's voice said, also through speakers.
Goodwin had told her she would hear everything through them due to how thick her safety screens were. They were designed so people couldn't see their offender, but she felt so much better having them and Goodwin had agreed instantly. He was at the Prosecution table which was just below her. If she needed him, there was a button on the table in front of her which would flash a light and get his attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the Jury," Spinner said. "Prosecution, defence. We have an alleged victim here to testify this morning and for reasons which will soon become clear, she has requested extra security. Counsellor Roland, if you even try to step over something I judge as a line, I will stop proceedings immediately. Same for your Client. Are we clear?"
"Objection!" Roland snapped. "My Client and I had the right to be prewired about this."
"Overruled, Counsellor. This name was on the witness list, and the prosecutor has every right to call her or any witness upon that list with no advance warning to the defence. You don't need any more time to prepare than you've had already. You and Mr. Dawson should be fine. That's final."
At this Danielle had to cover her mouth to stop a laugh. She couldn't help it. Joanne took her hand and squeezed it. She wanted to cry when she didn't release it afterwards. Goodwin had also told her that Adam didn't even know Joanne was there, or that it was being streamed back to Smith's Grove. Spinner had told Roland, but he'd elected not to tell his client.
"Propriety, Counsellor," Spinner snapped. "Are we clear?"
"Yes, Your Honour," Roland said, trying his utmost not to sound bitter, but failing. She had been told the safety screens had microphones built into them controlled by a sound engineer at the back, so they were only on when necessary.
Then, the prosecutor, Goodwin, spoke. "Please state your name for the court?"
This was it. She took a deep breath. "Danielle Hayward," she said clearly and determinedly.
…
Adam felt as if something ice cold had clutched at his heart. Now he knew exactly why Spinner hadn't seen fit to pre-warn him and Roland - the fucking bitch. This could be very, very bad. Roland was glaring at the screens, looking just as frustrated. "Your Honour," he started but Spinner cut him off. "Silence Counsellor!"
"Danielle, please tell us why you're here?" Goodwin asked.
"I'm here," she was surprised her voice only shook a little. "To testify against the man in the dock in front of you, Mr. Adam Dawson, for charges of Domestic Violence against me spanning a total of two years, leading to my attempted suicide." She felt Joanne turn her head camera slightly then and was pretty sure she knew why. She was somehow showing them Adam's face. Take a good look Michael, she thought savagely.
"Thank you." Goodwin replied. "This is very brave of you. So far as you know, we've proceeded without you while you recovered. I'm truly sorry for everything that happened to you., I'd like to ask you now to tell the court your account?" Goodwin had warned her he'd ask this, but she still felt her heart rate increase.
Danielle wasn't expecting to feel how she did once she'd started. As when she'd told the doctors what seemed like a lifetime ago, and Michael of course, she felt as if poison was slowly but surely leaving her. For the next thirty minutes, she talked freely. Roland wasn't allowed to interrupt at this point. She told them of Adam's control, her having to call him Sir in private and she knew why not in public in case someone overheard. She spoke of his numerous rapes, his anger if she talked to any other men, how she'd been talking to her male tutor the day she'd reached the end of her endurance. All through this, Joanne didn't release her hand once. That was also a bigger help than she could ever tell her.
"It's Alan," her Lawyer said when she was done. "Can I please ask you to tell us about your internet access - specifically, were you free to use it in Mr. Dawson's house as you pleased?"
She actually laughed. "You're joking, aren't you? Hell no! I couldn't access sites which involved money, domestic violence help." She didn't know this of course, but she'd just quoted Charlotte word for word.
"So, in particular, I'd like to ask you about the day you needed a new white cane." For the first time she felt herself shiver. Joanne squeezed her hand. "Do you need a moment?" Goodwin asked. She took a deep breath. He's not going to win, she thought. Fuck no! Not again!
"No Counsellor," she said finally. "What would you like to know?"
"Were you the one who bought it?"
"Yes Sir. I had to sign in on my seriously restricted account. I put the order through, and Mr. Dawson approved it. Any transaction I'd make he had to approve or deny, and I couldn't buy anything unless I had a reason for doing so and he wanted me to have it. If he didn't, I couldn't buy it. I didn't even have my own money, as he stole my card from me when I moved in with him and I never got it back. But there was always another price I had to pay for buying things, even things I needed. I only had to buy a new cane because Mr. Dawson purposely bent mine, making it unusable. This time, the price was three nights of sex straight. I couldn't refuse or he'd take my cane from me, leaving me stranded."
She could almost feel Joanne's anger. But her guard was too professional to show it, she just held her hand tightly, holding it against her stab vest. She wanted to hug her. When this was over, she would.
"He bent it on purpose you say. Why was this?"
"Because I was late home one night and his dinner wasn't on the table when he got in. He taunted me, asking if I'd got lost as a blind person should." She swallowed, desperately trying to fight back the memories, the panic. Michael, she thought. Michael. That calmed her immediately. Joanne squeezed her hand again, as if sensing her thoughts. She squeezed back tightly. "He said the only way I'd get a new one would be if I let him "fuck me" she winced. "Every night for the next three nights. He made me bleed several times."
"So can I ask, do you have your cane's measurements written down anywhere?"
She was surprised. "Huh? No. I had told them once and I just remember them. They're not going to change. Only way that will happen is if I grow taller."
"So just to be clear. You don't have them in writing anywhere. Not on your account, nowhere?"
"No," she shook her head. "Nowhere Sir."
"Consultation!" The horribly familiar voice snapping out that one word made her shiver again. It was the first word she'd heard him say. What did it mean?
"Denied Dawson," Spinner snapped. "You may do so when the witness's testimony is done. Counsellor Goodwin, please continue."
"Ok," Goodwin's voice was just as gentle as it had been. Absolutely no hint of his emotions. But she got the sense she'd somehow just cornered Adam with that last question. Perfect! "Have you ever told Mr. Dawson your cane's measurements?"
"No?" she was genuinely taken aback. "I never needed to."
"Oh? Why was this?"
"Because I was always the one who had to buy it, paying for it with sex. Mr. Dawson would've seen the measurements on the paperwork anyway. It's not something sighted people usually ask for anyway as we normally buy our own canes."
"Would Mr. Dawson ever have signed on for you to buy it on your behalf?"
She actually laughed. "No way! Absolutely no way! If he'd done that, he wouldn't have been able to make me pay for it in other ways! No Counsellor, absolutely not."
"Thank you. We've also seen an Email sent to you which Mr. Dawson claims you sent to him. "Come home now, I want my dinner and a fuck, unless you've got lost somewhere, which I hope you have." Did you send this?"
"I didn't send that Sir," she said quietly. "He did. If I was out on my own, I had to leave my phone at home. He didn't let me take it anywhere. I couldn't send that Email and wouldn't have sent anything like that anyway. He sent it to my inbox, so people thought I had my phone on me, but I didn't. If he wanted to communicate, I had a very restricted iPad, same as my account on the computer was. I could receive Emails from him only, any other address was blocked, and I couldn't do anything else. When I got that Email, I was running errands for him. But I was a bit slower than he liked so…" She looked down at the ground. Joanne now put an arm around her, squeezing her close.
"Errands?" Goodwin asked. "What kind of errands?"
"Just basic stuff. Shopping, whatever. I then had to do housework. Mr. Dawson never did any of it, saying it was a woman's place. I just had to wait on him hand and foot. When we were out in public, he was kind, gentle and patient, but making out to people I was ill. Like because I'm blind I'm also stupid. But when we were in private…" She took another deep breath and again felt herself shiver.
"Break," Spinner said. "Twenty minutes."
"Wait," Joanne breathed. "I'll guide you out when he's gone." She nodded numbly. Had she put her piece across well enough?
…
"You've got him cornered," Goodwin said when they were in private in the consultation room. "That's why he asked for consultation. I asked him why he bought it from your account, and he said he didn't know your measurements. Now you've just told the court you never wrote them down. You've exposed another lie! Well, done."
"He doesn't know them," she repeated, feeling close to tears again. "He's only trying to protect himself…"
Goodwin handed her some tissues. "It's ok," he soothed. "I know. But we'll get him, I promise you."
…
"Why didn't they fucking warn us?" Adam snapped at Roland as soon as they were in private. "That bitch could get me sent down for a very long time! I'm not saying I did all this, she's insane, remember? Deluded! That's why she's in a fucking nut house! What the hell are they playing at anyway, letting her out to testify? How can they trust the words of an insane bitch? But what if the jury believes her?"
"That's what I'm here for," Roland reminded him curtly. "But the measurement question is bad, Adam. I can't lie to you there. If you lied, it could be a serious problem, because the jury can use that to question your credibility regarding the entirety of your testimony. Listen. I need to think about our next move. You can either stay here or I can get a guard to take you back to your cell."
"Fuck no!" Adam snarled. "I'm staying right here! That bitch won't win, will she Roland?"
This time, the lawyer didn't answer immediately. He was starting to think that actually his client was as much of a liar as the prior attorney, Barlow, had said before he'd gotten himself dismissed from representing Adam. He just hoped it wasn't confirmed to him, or he'd have to do the same. He was seriously tempted as it was. Money be damned, he wasn't sure he'd be able to see this through. He was almost certain that he was defending a guilty man.
…
As soon as they stepped out into the fresh air, Charlotte ran over to them and pulled Danielle into a tight hug. Then she glanced at her camera. "Fuck you're brave D," she held her tightly. "I respect you so much."
"You went through it too C," she said. "It's for both of us."
Her friend softly kissed her cheek, still holding her close. "Hi Joanne," she said finally, shaking the guard's hand.
"Is that camera live right now?" Danielle nodded. Charlotte lent forward. "Hi Dr Loomis, Dr Stark, Mr. Myers. Thanks so much for allowing D to do this. She's damn brave, that's for sure."
There was a soft beep and Dr Stark's voice came out of a small speaker on the front of the camera. "Hello there Charlotte, this is Dr Stark. We agree, this is very brave. She's doing fantastic, as are you, I may add."
"Thank you," Charlotte blushed and hugged her friend tightly again. "Tell me about it!" She waved with one hand. "I can see your doctors and Mr. Myers on the camera," she said.
"Can I make one small request?" Danielle asked, turning to Joanne who squeezed her arm immediately. "Can you ask the Counsellor if I could speak to him, but I want to leave this turned on," she gestured at her camera, and I'd ask if you and Charlotte could be with me?"
Charlotte looked close to tears as she hugged her friend again. Joanne disappeared briefly but within minutes she was back. "Of course," she said. "Come on." The three of them entered the Consultation room where Goodwin was waiting.
"Doctors, Sir," he smiled respectfully at the camera. "Hi Charlotte, how are you?"
"Good, thanks Counsellor," Charlotte smiled at the lawyer.
"Now I've told you both its Allan," Goodwin said. "When we're not in court its Alan."
"Thanks," both girls said in unison. Joanne and Goodwin were at one side of the table, the two women at the other. "How can I help you? Are you ok?"
"Yes, thanks Alan. Did the Judge sense I was getting distressed or something? Is that why she called a break?"
"No," Goodwin said. "I did. I knew you'd struggle with that question. You have your cane there I see; do you mind if I have a quick look at it?" She looked surprised but passed it to him. Goodwin scanned it carefully.
"Are you looking for measurements?" Charlotte asked. "You won't find them Alan. They don't write them on the canes. Which is good for us, right?"
"Very," Goodwin said with satisfaction. "Can I just ask, what are your cane's measurements?"
"14 inches," Danielle confirmed.
"Thanks, Goodwin nodded. "Sorry, I apologise I got distracted. How can I help you?"
"I'm just a bit worried about the claim I'm sure the defence will be using. I'm in a mental hospital, I'm considered insane. I know I wasn't bought there for that reason; I was taken there for help and them," she waved at the lens then Joanne. "Have been absolutely amazing, I can't thank the four of you enough and you two on the outside!" she gestured at Charlotte and Goodwin. "But he'll try to use it against me, won't he?"
"Yes," Goodwin said. "But we have reports from your doctors stating you weren't bought there due to being insane from day one. You were brought there for top help and care. If you were insane, you wouldn't have been placed with some of the most dangerous people in this world."
Like Michael Myers, she thought. A serial killer is watching this right now… Charlotte squeezed her arm, and she knew she was thinking the same thing. She smiled at her friend.
"Plus, Dan," Charlotte teased. "You've also met a caring man there, have you not?"
"Shut up!" She was mortified Myers was watching and had just heard that.
"Yeah," Joanne joined in. "More than one kind of care has been received, right?"
"You're red as a tomato," Charlotte teased. Goodwin Charlotte saw was smiling at them across the table. They were distracting Danielle from where she was and that was just fine with him.
"Oh, yes?" The prosecutor said. She grew, if possible, even redder.
"I'll get you back for this," she breathed to Charlotte, who burst out laughing.
"It's ok," Goodwin said softly. "I know who he is." He raised a hand to the camera. "Hello Mr. Myers."
"You had to say that when he could hear it, didn't you?"
"Oh absolutely!" Charlotte hugged her again. "If I didn't, you wouldn't. I know you!" Charlotte, Joanne, and Goodwin all chuckled.
"If you guys could stop teasing me for just a moment about my…"
"Love life," Charlotte chimed in. She blushed again. "I seriously do have a question… Do you need me to expand on what I was about to say when I said, 'in private…'? Just before you stopped the proceedings, Alan."
"I don't, but you may," Alan said. Counsellor Roland will cross examine you." She felt herself shiver. "It's ok," Goodwin said immediately. "Neither I nor the Judge will let him ask anything he shouldn't or distress you in any way. I promise."
"I'll introduce him to Michael if he does," Charlotte growled. "God help me I mean it. As for Adam…" There was silence for a moment.
"The scary thing is I know you're serious," Danielle said finally.
"Trust me, I'm being serious. You couldn't be safer. You're cared about by a serial killer. No one will dare come near you not even our bastard of an ex. Trust me. When he knows and boy am I tempted to tell him, he'll be running for the fucking hills as fast as he can!"
"Agreed," Joanne said.
"I certainly wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of Michael Myers," Goodwin nodded.
"Adam's a coward D," Charlotte said. "As we all know. Look at him up there right now! He's only concerned about protecting himself! Little worm! As for you, with Michael watching you'll be perfectly safe when Roland cross examines you, will you not?"
…
"Why break now?" Adam snapped at Roland. "What the fuck are they trying to gain from that insane bitch?"
Roland sighed. "Adam. This could be good for us because it gives me time to prepare to cross-examine Danielle."
"I'll fucking cross-examine her if I get the chance," Adam growled. "With a machete."
"Adam," Roland warned. "Do not make threats or I'll have to report them."
"For fuck's sake," Adam rolled his eyes. "She's a fucking bitch. She deserves it. She's a woman, Counsellor."
"Whom it is currently against the law to threaten despite your wishes," Roland said evenly. "Let's concentrate on you Mr. Dawson, shall we?" Roland was seriously starting to dislike Adam Dawson intensely and had never sympathised with a fellow lawyer more than he did for Barlow. Now he totally understood why his colleague had walked out. This guy was evil. No two ways about it. He hated women and made no secret of it, treating them abhorrently. Roland had a wife and daughter which made this even more difficult. If this man ever got near them… He shivered inwardly. No way. No fucking way! Roland may have to defend him, but it was getting harder and harder to do so as the trial went on.
"So, what, when you cross-examine the bitch?" Adam's voice jolted Roland back to the courtroom. "What then?"
"We will talk about what comes up," Roland said. "Then discuss our next move. But I have to tell you…"
"Don't you fucking dare say it looks bad for me again," Adam snarled. "I know that, Counsellor. It's your fucking job to change that!"
I don't think I want to, Roland thought but he just nodded. He was starting to think it would be impossible. The evidence against his client was too persuasive, too consistent and he thought privately, too true.
…
Before long the buzzer sounded, and they all re-entered the courtroom. Joanne, Charlotte, and Goodwin entered last with Danielle once Adam was secured in the dock once more. Goodwin had been right. It was time for Roland to cross-examine her. She felt sick. This was Adam's defence lawyer, who was trying to get him out of hot water. Roland stepped up to the safety screens and when he spoke, she was totally taken aback at how gentle his voice was. Did he have his own doubts about Adam's story?
"First of all, I want to ask you questions regarding the cane. Are you absolutely certain you never wrote the measurements down? Perhaps on your account? Are you certain that Mr. Dawson would not have been able to sign in as you to get them?"
"Positive," she said without hesitation. "I never wrote them down. No one knows them except me and the charity for the blind who worked with me. I haven't even told Charlotte."
"Would Mr. Dawson have ever spoken to the charity to ask them for your measurements?"
"They don't tend to keep them on record, I was only told when actually buying it so it's very unlikely."
"This is the National Institute for the Blind, yes?"
"Yes Sir."
"Ok. Thank you. I'd now like to ask you about your internet access. You say it was strictly monitored by Mr. Dawson and you couldn't buy anything unless you had a reason for, and he agreed that you could have said purchase. Correct?"
"Again, yes Sir."
"So, it was never the other way around? You never were the one in control of it as opposed to Mr. Dawson?"
She felt ice grab her stomach. So, this was what the fucking liar had said! That she was the abusive one, that she was going crazy! Her attempted suicide probably helped him no end! She took a deep breath, trying to control her anger, despair and yes for the first time in her life pure unadulterated hatred. That lying fucker! Once again Joanne took her hand tightly in hers.
"No Sir," she said through gritted teeth. "Not to mention Mr. Dawson's account had visual authentication so I couldn't get into it. So how could I have done it? He's going to say I ordered him to sign in, isn't he? Counsellors, look at the size of him compared to me! He's a former football player and fitness coach! I wouldn't stand a Goddamn chance! He could overpower me with one hit, as he very often reminded me with graphic demonstrations!"
"Desist with this line of questioning Counsellor," Judge Spinner said. "Move on please."
"This is the visual authentication she speaks of," Goodwin said.
"Thank you. Plus," Danielle continued to the court. "It's no secret he hates women. He doesn't exactly hide it. We're only sex toys to him, as you've doubtless heard. Not just from me, but also Charlotte."
"Your friend," he said, trying to swallow down bile at his own words. "She didn't believe you when you told her, did she?" She heard Charlotte stifle a sob. Her heart broke for her friend. "How do we know that you didn't make all this up, and then convince her to testify for you? Did you order her to do so too?"
"Objection!" Goodwin snapped, just as Judge Spinner snapped, "Stop, Counsellor!"
"Oh, of course I did," she said unable to stop herself. She was angry now. She knew Roland was struggling with what he'd just said but it wasn't for him, it was for Adam. "That's why I put a rope around my neck and Nigel had to break in and cut me down, was it?" She heard a soft whistle then and affection swelled in her heart, so much so that she couldn't speak for a moment. Nigel always whistled so she was sure it was him.
"That's why Nigel had to break the door in with a sledgehammer to get me out, because Adam locked the door while the woman he supposedly 'loved with all his heart' was attempting to kill herself? Then I ordered Charlotte to testify against the man that made me try to commit suicide just to get away from? I'm not a criminal Counsellor and I know how serious perverting the course of justice is!"
"I told you," Adam's voice said. She clamped down on the rising panic. Fuck this man could scare her just with his voice now. "I panicked when I saw that she was in there. The key was in my pocket I forgot it was there."
"Silence, Dawson!" Judge Spinner snapped. "You have already testified. If you speak out of turn again, you will be in contempt of court, removed from this courtroom and thrown back behind bars! Are we clear?"
"Yes, Your Honour," Adam said, and Danielle could tell he was furious. Furious and scared. Good!
"We have Nigel Manning's testimony Mr. Dawson, stating that you locked the door seconds after seeing Danielle hanging in there, which is why he had to break it down. He saw you lock the door! I'd like to show you these pictures, Exhibit H. They are of the locked garage door and Mr. Manning using his sledgehammer to get in." She felt Joanne turn her camera again, streaming the pictures back to Smith's Grove.
Joanne saw Adam look to Roland, but his lawyer said nothing. "So, you thought you'd cut the door down with a Machete, did you?" Goodwin asked. "Mr. Manning has also testified he saw you going towards the garage with it. You had it to finish the job if the rope failed. Didn't you?"
Danielle shivered outwardly this time. She hadn't been told that. "He… He was going to kill me anyway?" Her voice was just above a whisper. "I wasn't told that."
Joanne squeezed her arm. "You, ok?"
"I…" she took a deep breath.
"I'm calling a break!" Judge Spinner snapped. "Dawson, you stay there! You do not need to consult at this time!"
…
Danielle was led out and wasn't surprised to feel her legs shaking. They walked right outside and into the fresh air. Once they were there, Roland appeared, pulling Joanne to one side.
"First please tell her I'm sorry, I had to ask that question and I hate myself for it. Second, my client just threatened her to me while in private. Said he'd cross-examine her with a machete if he gets the chance."
"Jesus," Joanne looked horrified and pulled out her radio, relaying this back to Smith's Grove, realising too late that Michael would have also heard the transmission. Well good. She thought savagely. If I get the chance, I'll help you get to and kill him, Michael! God help me I mean it! She knew her thoughts were unprofessional, but she couldn't help it. She liked and respected Danielle a lot and this man was as evil as she had always said.
…
"That was unexpected," Danielle said to Goodwin. "What happened?" Goodwin looked at Joanne, who shook her head. "I can't tell you that I'm afraid," he said. "But I'm sure your doctors will."
"He threatened me, didn't he?" she said, sounding resigned but not afraid. "My life today. Please just tell me?" To her, their silence said it all.
"I'm so sorry," Goodwin said, handing her a cup of strong tea. "Do you want to stop now?"
"Fuck no!" she snarled. "If that's true it only makes me even more determined to see this bastard brought down! I'm glad I know! I wasn't told that before about the machete and Adam's real intentions."
They entered the courtroom minutes later and the Judge was brief and to the point. "Mr. Dawson, I have just been told about something, and we both know what I'm talking about. Ladies and gentlemen of the Jury, I would ask you to go into my Chambers in a moment please. I need to fill you in on this. Guards, take Dawson back down. He's still remanded. Thank you so much Danielle, and I acknowledge your bravery today. Jury I will make contact with you shortly to ask if you have a verdict. Thank you!" She hit the bench with her gavel. They were dismissed.