Charlie stared wide-eyed at Jade Tusk, the saluki stunned at what he had just heard. He even wondered how he was able to turn himself to face Jade, his eyes wide in shock at what he had just been told. He wanted to believe Jade Tusk was lying, that this was another tactic to throw him off his game. But the moment he saw the sadistic smirk on her face, he knew she wasn't lying.
"What?" he rasped out.
"You heard me," Jade continued with a dark chuckle.
"Over the years, Crystal had Jerry and his thugs keep an eye on potential rivals, getting dirt on them, scaring them off, or…offing them altogether. In that time, Jimmy's gotten quite a list of material he can use, not just against you, Moon and his friends, and your sister, but some very high names that you may be familiar with."
And with that, Jade Tusk began to rattle off names.
"Mason Canis…"
Charlie frowned…
"Diane Foxington…"
His eyebrows knitted together…
"The Police Chief Able Aldan and his brother Cain Aldan…"
His hackles raised in a defiant growl…
"Or my personal favorite…Sam O'Brian."
With that, his face fell as his eyes went wide in horror. And when Jade Tusk saw this, her smile grew even larger.
"Yeah," she said, her finger to her chin as if in deep thought, "a few years ago, Jimmy sued him for libel in a rather unflattering book he had written. And of course, when he brought him to court, O'Brian had your father for his lawyer. When Jimmy lost, he had his thugs do some snooping…and interestingly enough, up until about fifteen-years-ago, around the same time a Black Ops agent known as the Faolahd was reported killed by the Lords of Prey down in Zootopia…Samuel John O'Brian did not exist."
Charlie stood in stunned silence. His face was blank, totally slack and void of all expression, his eyes focused on the empty space between him and Jade Tusk who definitely had a mischievous glint in her eyes, the doe slowly walking toward Charlie, hands behind her back as she studied the seemingly catatonic saluki who only seemed to come out of his stupor when he noticed Jade Tusk standing up against him, her bust squished up his lower chest, sending a shiver down Charlie's spine.
"Kind of throws your case off, doesn't it?" Jade Tusk said as she watched Charlie, the dog taking note that the way in which it was said was a clear sign that Jade Tusk had a cruel sense of humor. Unfortunately for Jade Tusk, it truly was futile, as Charlie's blank expression quickly turned back into a sneer of defiance.
"Mere suspicion," he said calmly and evenly, though with a great weight to it, "and thank God we live in a world where suspicion alone does not constitute a crime."
In that moment, Jade Tusk seemed to develop a new sense of respect for Charlie. And a Jade Tusk found herself looking into Charlie's deep blue eyes, she couldn't help but find herself mesmerized by their firm luster. In the end, Jade Tusk mentally slapped himself for finding herself once again pulled in by Charlie's charm.
"You're right," Jade Tusk quickly added in, holding up a defensive hand as she bowed her head in humble defeat.
"You're right, Charlie…but the mere implication won't auger well for him, or any of you."
Charlie didn't even want to hear this, but curiosity got the best of him, the tilt of his head a clear indication for Jade Tusk to continue.
"It isn't just Jerry and his thugs…Linda Le Bon and her brother have been doing snooping of their own. And let's just say…your sister has a VERY active social lives."
This caught Charlie's attention.
"What?" he inquired, clearly confused by what Jade Tusk had divulged.
"Yeah," Jade Tusk replied with a grin.
"Turns out she is quite the slut…I mean with partners like Nick Wilde, O'Brian…Moon and Porsha…Amelia Crystal."
Charlie's eyes grew wide when he realized what Jade Tusk was getting at. And he knew right then and there that if Jade Tusk was right, if Linda and Larry had proof of Suki's sexual affairs, it would not only destroy her credibility, but also make it appear as if the case against Crystal was a personal vendetta…especially if his late wife Amelia was pulled into the mix.
"Well," Jade tusk said with a triumphant smirk as she stepped back, smoothing out her jacket before turning to rejoin her party.
"I should get back, Charlie."
Jade Tusk had made it not ten feet before…
"MS. LU!"
Jade Tusk stiffened as she froze in her stride, the doe refusing to turn back to look at Charlie, the saluki's gaze burning two holes in the back of his opponent's head. But much to Jade's surprise, Charlie, in what could only be described as a brazen attempt to fluster her, walked up behind the doe, who let out a sharp gasp when Charlie suddenly grabbed a handful of her ass as he whispered sensually in her ear.
"I saw the way you were looking at me. Be warned…my tongue isn't just good for making arguments."
Those words sent a chill up Jade Tusk's spine, the doe surprised to find herself unconsciously reaching back until her hand gripped the growing bulge in Charlie's pants, her juices soaking through her panties as she felt the powerful girth that hid beneath the fabric. But, despite her desire to pull Charlie into a nearby supply closet and let him go to town on her, Jade Tusk pulled himself out of her stupor for a brief moment to send a conflicted glance over her shoulder before disappearing into her assigned chambers…but not before…
"I will say this…I only said I'd get Crystal out of jail."
She paused for just a moment before continuing.
"I never said how."
And as Jade Tusk retreated back into the room reserved for him, her client, and her client's bodyguards, Charlie immediately fished his phone out of his pocket, his thumb immediately swiping over the screen to get to his contacts. And once he found the number he was looking for, he hit CALL. And for several minutes, Charlie stood in the hallway, phone pressed to his ear as he paced, or rather hobbled back and forth with his cane. At some point, Suki had emerged from the room reserved for their group, coming to check on her little brother. And upon noticing her somber expression, he knew the cause of her new mood.
"Sam and Dax tell you about Jerry?"
Suki stood silent for a moment, the big sister leaning her hack on the wall opposite Charlie, her arms crossed, and misty gaze cast to the floor as she slowly nodded.
"They did," she finally said after a good five seconds, her voice soft and somewhat broken.
"This isn't good."
"Yeah," Charlie responded with a somber nod as well, until his ear finally picked up the recipient of his call. And given that salukis, like most canines, had exceptional hearing, Suki was able to hear the low, almost bored female voice at the other end of the line.
"Redshore Municipal Police Department, how may I direct your call?"
"Chief Aldan, please," Charlie promptly responded in his professional way of speaking.
"Tell him it's the DA."
Upon hearing this, Suki sent her brother an inquisitive look, complete with a quirked eyebrow. But Charlie ignored it for now, the younger dog rolling his eyes at the dispatcher's disinterested response.
"One Moment Please."
And once again, Charlie was put on hold, this time with the muszak cover of "Bad Boys," which only made him groan and roll his eyes at the horrible cliché.
"Wanna tell me what's going on?" Suki finally inquired, her questioning look still present on her face as she stared at her brother, the younger sibling contemplating whether or not to inform his sister of the new information he had heard.
"Linda's been watching you…and I think Lu might use it to get a mistrial. And she may even drag Amelia into this."
Suki's eyes widened at this, more so out of concern for her brother rather than actual shock or realization. In truth, she was afraid his was going to go down the same path of wild accusations and conspiracy theories as he had when her friend and lover, Porsha's mother, Amelia was murdered. But before she could even get a word out…
"Chief Aldan! Charlie Lane here. Yeah, yeah, Ellie's husband. Listen, I was wondering if you can get in touch with Sam O'Brian because I know you both lived in Jasper."
A pause as Suki heard a faint voice talking into Charlie's ear.
"OK good. Also, it got me thinking…can you dig up some files on six Crystal employees who died too? Evidence and all?"
Another pause, this time a little longer.
"Copies of the notes will be just Chief. Also…"
Another pause, this time accompanied by a sorrowful grimace on Charlie's face.
"Also, can you get me the Amelia Crystal Murder file too."
Suki's heart clenched as she bit back tears, both for her dear departed friend and lover…and her brother.
"Great," Charlie answered over the phone.
"Bring it by my place tonight. Great. Thanks Chief. Bye."
With that, Charlie hung up the phone, replacing the smart device in his pocket as he wrapped his free arm around his sister's shoulders, the male walking them back towards the room designated for them and their friends. But that did not mean Suki wasn't going to speak her mind.
"I hope you know what you're doing this time."
A long moment of tense silence passed before Charlie spoke.
"So do I."
The recess ended at four, just as Prides had ordered. Everyone filed back into the courtroom, each taking his or her seat where they had sat before. And as the sound of the gavel brought the court back to order, Jimmy's had a wide grin on his muzzle, which did not go unnoticed by the prosecution. Even Suki shivered at this obvious display of malice. And even she knew right off the bat that something didn't smell right. But her attention did find itself on Jade Tusk, the doe's face actually a lot more stoic, one hand resting on the table, and the other discreetly between her legs. And as Suki noticed, the doe sent jittery glances over at Charlie. Upon noticing this, Suki smirked knowingly.
Charlie, you charming fuck.
"Order!" Prides softly bellowed, the lion placing his gavel back down on his desk as he immediately turned to Jade Tusk, the defense lawyer still lost in her thoughts.
"Defense, your witness."
Nothing, almost as if Jade Tusk didn't hear the judge. Almost as if she were lost in his own little world. The five seconds without any response felt like eternity to the prosecution and their friends, each wondering if this was another one of Jade Tusk's mind games. But of the large group, only Charlie seemed to recognize the effect his southern charm had on the doe.
And one thing was for sure, Charlie was going to work with it as much as he could.
"MS. LU!" Prides called, a little louder, this time pulling Jade Tusk out of her thoughts, the doe actually having to hide a small blush that had begun bleeding through her fur as she let out a nervous chuckle as she rose to his feet.
"My apologies your honor," she said before immediately turning to face the pew behind Charlie, Buster, and Suki, her gaze squarely on Rosita. But, to everyone's surprise, Jade Tusk's gaze remained stoic, almost totally neutral, her eyes conveying something that they just couldn't read.
"Mrs. Reese," Jade Tusk addressed Rosita as she extended her arm to the witness stand, her voice even, but soft, clearly to help ease Rosita's nerves, at least that's what Charlie thought. But, for now, he would push those thoughts aside as Rosita, after receiving several encouraging pats and words of encouragement, made her way to the stand, were she sat and gave the oath.
"Ms. Reese," Jade Tusk began, "or may I call you Rosita? Which do you prefer?"
Genuine civility.
Point Jade Tusk.
"Um, Rosita please," Rosita responded with a nervous chuckle.
"Ms. Reese makes me feel older than I already am."
This earned a round of chuckles from everyone in the room, from the gallery to the jury. Even Jade Tusk and Prides allowed themselves a little guffaw.
"Understood," Jade Tusk responded with a soft smile, only for the smile to immediately vanish as she began her questioning.
"Now, Rosita, is it not true that you were slated to have the lead role in Mr. Moon's production?"
"Y-yes, Ms. Lu, that is correct," Rosita nervously responded, which did not go unnoticed by Jade Tusk. But, despite every bit of his law education nagging her to do so, another, smaller, but still present voice told her to refrain from taking advantage of it. Eventually, Jade Tusk decided to listen to the little voice…for now.
"But as Mr. Moon and Mr. Crystal BOTH testified, the roll was given to Porsha Crystal, was it not?"
Charlie began to sweat as he knew where this was going. If Jade Tusk played her cards right, this could add weight to the emotional abuse accusation. But, despite his nerves, Charlie's main attention turned to over his shoulder at Porsha, the teen wolf's hands clasped tightly together in her lap as she paid very close attention Rosita.
"Y-ye…that is acc-…that is accurate, yes."
"Now, this change was brought about you suddenly developing acrophobia, correct?"
"Yes, ma'am, it did."
"Now, from what I understand," Jade Tusk continued, a little bit of her smugness coming back, "Porsha DID make some rather condescending remarks towards you."
Rosita quirked an eyebrow, her gaze immediately meeting Porsha's, the wolf's eyes conveying the same amount of confusion. If Rosita felt morally obligated to speak the truth about what happened, then everyone would know all the horrible things she said. But, despite this, Porsha did feel something deep in her gut. A feeling that what was to be said…
She most definitely deserved.
And unfortunately for her, that was the case.
"Oh, remarks were made," Rosita said an almost accusing tone, her eyebrows knitted together as she spoke, never taking her eyes off of the cock doe in front of her.
"I see," Jade Tusk with a smug grin towards Porsha. Unfortunately, the grin was smacked tight of her face by what Rosita said next.
"But not by Porsha."
"Enlighten us."
Rosita was more than happy to oblige.
"Gladly,…it was actually Mr. Crystal himself that made these remarks. Following my stint with acrophobia, he mad ethe comment "That I was afraid…that I wouldn't be able to do the part."
A loud murmur erupted int eh courtroom, all eyes quickly turning to Jimmy, who for the first time, shrank down a little into her chair to get himself as much shelter from the judgmental glares as possible. But fortunately for him, Jade Tusk had a trick up her sleeve to turn Rosita's testimony on it's head.
"So," Jade Tusk continued, her neutral expression back full force after hearing what Rosita had said.
"There was definitely some resentment towards Mr. Crystal, then?"
Rosita's eye went wide as she realized she may have walked herself into a trap.
"OBJECTION!" Charlie called, only to be swiftly, and surprisingly, shot down.
"Overruled!"
Charlie could only groan at the fact that Prides chose that moment to be unbiased. So, all he could do was sit back and listen to what Rosita had to say to Jade Tusk.
"I wouldn't say resentment," Rosita quickly, yet firmly rebutted, the newfound hesitance in her voice making Jade Tusk smile. Hell, even her friends winced when they saw Rosita pratcially shrink under the doe's glare.
"I mean, I wasn't fond of him…"
The troupe winced…and Jimmy grinned.
"Well, clearly there must have been something since you willingly allowed Porsha to take your role."
"She…really didn't have a choice…none of us did. And we really couldn't turn her away, even if we wanted to."
This caught everyone's attention;
Buster pulled his face into his hands to look at Rosita.
Suki quired and eyebrow.
Charlie leaned forward against the table, tilting his head to one side so his ear could get direct sound from Rosita's general direction.
And the others gaped at what Rosita had just done.
A murmur sounded through the crowd at what Rosita had said. And it wasn't really from the fact that Rosita had all out admitted that she and her friends, including Porsha, had been pretty much strong-armed into allowing the wolf to perform. Each member of the gallery and jury, who upon noticing the young canine bowing her head in what could only be shame, her ears pinned against her skull as a result, began wondering why Rosita's words made Porsha react this way.
Could it be true?
"How do you mean 'if you wanted to?'"
At that moment, Rosita knew she was going to more than likely painting a target on herself and her friends. And while she knew that even though it could mean trouble, Porsha needed to know just how much her presence had impacted her and the crew, without making the already self-conscious wolf feel worse about herself. Though at this point, that was already a losing battle.
"Porsha," Rosita began, still a little nervous, "wasn't exactly…the best performer when she started."
Rosita hesitated, shifting a sideways glance to Porsha, the wolf, clearly preparing to fight tears, offering a firm nod for the pig to continue, no matter how much it hurt.
"She was…timid. Low Self-esteem. Terrible acting that diminished the quality of the show. Poor time management as she had a habit of showing up two hours late to every rehearsal, which put us way behind more often than naught. Not to sound mean our anything, but…a chain is only as strong as its weakest link."
A soft murmur resonated through the room, all eyes no longer on Rosita, but on the young wolf whose headed was bowed almost shamefully, like a child being scolded for their behavior, in which case she was, a few tears trickling down her cheeks, silently conveying to the court that Rosita's testimony was really hitting the nail close to the head. And while Suki, who sent a sad glance towards Porsha, wished she could comfort the girl, she knew that it wasn't the right time or place to do so.
"So," Jade Tusk continued, the doe seeming to actually take Rosita's words into consideration, "do you believe Mr. Moon was right to fire Miss Crystal?"
"He never fired her," Rosita immediately responded, her expression a mixture of indignation and confusion.
"Come again."
"Mr. Moon never fired Porsha. He offered her the chance to switch roles with me. She just panicked and thought he had fired her."
From his seat, Crystal couldn't help but let a small smirk form on his muzzle, the fact that the mommy pig seemed to be digging herself and her friends a grave by practically "smearing" his daughter making him feel almost warm and fuzzy inside. But Rosita was far from done.
"But, when we put on the show, I realized that having Porsha and I switch roles was actually for the best."
Nick sat next to his wife as she held their baby in her arms. Kris could tell Nick was proud of his new lover's courage.
"How so?"
"While Porsha's acting isn't the best, she is an amazing singer and a natural acrobat. The role I had been relegated to was perfect. It required less acting and more singing and moving around. And it gave her the confidence to really show the world what an amazing performer she is. And anyone who was present for the show knows how true that is.
Another soft murmur resonated through the crowd, some nodding in agreement as they themselves had been present for the show, and could definitely agree with Rosita on her statement. The three plaintiffs even turned to offer Porsha, who had since pepped up some from Rosita's praise, proud smiles. However, that did little to ease the worry that radiated through them when Jack offered a rather brash accusation.
"So, Miss Crystal was called back to the show as a means to improve it?"
"Yes."
Jade Tusk paused, the doe clearly in deep thought as she contemplated his next move, the long silence doing little to ease Rosita's nerves or that of her friends.
"No further questions your honor," she finally said, the doe and lion quickly turning their attention to Charlie, who just sat in his chair, earning him a few glances from his colleagues and the crowd, the sudden shift of attention making him feel slightly uneasy, especially with the fact that he did not know how to taking over the testimony.
"Dr. Lane?" Prides called, receiving an answer in just two seconds.
"No questions from me, your honor," Charlie responded with a neutral expression, his pointer and thumb stroking his bearded chin as he appeared to be in deep thought, his answer causing a feeling of shock to resonate not just in his client and his friends, but Jade Tusk and Prides as well. But, that would be dwelled on later.
"Mrs. Reese," Prides finally said as he looked to Rosita, "you may step down."
Needless to say, Rosita felt she couldn't get back to her seat fast enough.
"Your next witness, Ms. Lu."
Jade Tusk nodded as he turned back to the pew behind the prosecution, her next witness not really that much of a surprise.
"Miss Crystal," she said to Porsha, who sent a nervous glance to Jade Tusk, the doe, with as much of kind smile as she could muster, gesturing towards the witness stand. At first hesitant, Porsha felt a small hand take hers, and, upon seeing the caring smile of Rosita, slowly rose to her feet to make her way towards the witness booth. And once she had taken the oath and took her seat, Jade Tusk began.
"Miss Crystal…"
"Porsha, please," Porsha immediately, though humbly interjected, her head slightly bowed in an almost submissive pose, the sight alone making her father sneer slightly at the image of a Crystal showing such weakness. This of course, did not go unnoticed by Jade Tusk, who after sending her client a warning glare, turned her attention back to Porsha with a kind smile, which did seem to put her at ease, though her gaze was more on Jade Tusk's stomach than it was on his face.
"Of course, Porsha," Jade Tusk responded gently with what seemed to be genuine kindness.
"Now Porsha, from what has been made pretty clear, you were giving the lead role of 'Out of This World,' correct?"
"Y-yeah," Porsha responded sheepishly, her head still slightly bowed, the image making the hearts of the prosecution ache a bit.
"And it must have been pretty exciting?"
"Exciting indeed," Nick said under his breath. Kris nodded and leaned over to him.
"We should so invite her over sometime to sing at our son's next birthday."
Porsha's raised her gaze to look squarely at Jade Tusk, the wolf realizing just from observing her and her examinations just what she was doing; lulling her into a false sense of security to get her to reveal something he could use, especially in the charge of emotional abuse. But Porsha was smarter and more observant than people gave her credit for.
Heck, she wasn't in the gifted program at her school just because of her name.
And when someone questioned her intelligence…well they were in for a nasty surprise…
Just as Jade Tusk was, who was not prepared for what came next.
"Don't patronize me, Ms. Lu."
The room became so quiet, one could definitely hear each individual heartbeat present. Even the Moon Troupe, Suki, and Charlie stared wide eyed at this usually exuberant and happy wolf's new steadfast and dead serious tone. Jade Tusk, of course, was taken aback, the doe raising both hands in a defensive gesture.
"I wouldn't dream of it, Por-"
"Yes you would!"
This was going to be interesting.
Kayla Wilde smiled. Porsha reminded her of the days when she younger.
"I'm NOT stupid, Ms. Lu."
This was said with an indignant tone, Porsha's face definitely giving off an expression of deep insult. And Nooshy didn't know why, but she had a feeling of déjà vu the moment she heard Porsha say those words. Though in truth, she just couldn't help but admire the young wolf's tenacity in that moment. It definitely reminded her of her. But, her thoughts were interrupted as Porsha proceeded in her speech, the wolf clearly not giving Jade Tusk the satisfaction of using her against her friends.
"I know what you're trying to do; twist my words so it seems like I was 'emotionally abused and manipulated,' into helping Mr. Moon and his friends.' Well let me tell you something, they are right; Did my acting suck? Sure! Did my habits make me a burden? Absolutely! But they always made me feel welcome."
Once she had said this, Porsha gave a slight glance over to her father, the elder Crystal glaring menacingly at the youngster who had been under his roof for all those years. Whom he had fed, clothed, gave anything she wanted. And that glare, that glare sent a chill through Porsha's body, the feeling of such malice hitting her like a semi-truck. She actually began to feel herself losing her nerve. But the moment her gaze shifted to the people behind her Uncle Charlie, to the koala sitting beside him, each offering her caring, sympathetic smiles, she felt her nerve return, but only slight.
But she was certain if she got going, then that nerve would continue to strengthen.
"Mr. Crystal has talked about how Mr. Moon and the other's used me, resented me," Porsha continued, a bit unnerved but firm.
"And to tell the truth, I can tell you that's a load of bull! They had every reason to exclude me, but they didn't. They welcomed me as if I was one of their own. I was always respectful to them, never prancing around like some snobby little rich girl, acting like I was all that and a bag of diamonds because I was a Crystal. But that still did stop me from feeling guilty that I was given the lead role that was ripped away from someone who had dreamed of performing in this city since she was a little girl!
At this point, Porsha was fighting back tears, the young wolf's testimony really speaking volumes, not just to the jury and gallery, but to the other's as well. It was really a lot for them to take in. Especially Rosita, who was still trying to register the fact that this once entitled little brat…actually showed remorse for her actions.
"And you wanna know something?" Porsha practically bellowed at a shocked Jade Tusk, the doe clearly not expecting this sort of response from Porsha this early into her testimony.
"Rosita is Right…I didn't have a choise."
The entire room was astounded…save for one person…
The white wolf, whose lips were now curling up to reveal his fangs.
"Come again," Jade Tusk inquired, finally finding her voice again as she looked at Porsha with that same level of astonishment as the court.
"You heard me," Porsha responded defiantly, "I didn't want to do it…HE made me do it!"
This was said as an accusing finger was pointed in the direction of Jimmy Crystal, who's menacing glare fell into one of shot nerves as every eye landed on him.
"He told me that if I did the show, that if I 'made daddy look good,' then he would let me take his corporate card to go shopping. I agreed…but because I was too scared to refuse. Even more so when the role was pretty much shoved at me."
This caught the Moon troupe's attention.
"I definitely knew that Mr. Moon was not comfortable with me being there."
The prosecution winced, worried that Porsha had given Jade Tusk more ammo.
But, once again, Porsha proved herself to be smarter than what she led on, the wolf immediately cutting off a slightly smirking Jade Tusk before she could open his mouth.
"BUT he never raised his voice, he never lost his temper, though I know that was more than likely to keep me from running home and crying to my father."
Porsha's face fell some, a look of pain very familiar to Suki spreading across her muzzle. And Suki knew what caused it. And while she wishes she could tell Porsha that she didn't have to say what she was going to say, as it could mean an emotional breakdown for the young canine, she knew it had to come forward. But, to her amazement, and utter pride, Porsha pushed through.
"But I did end up doing that," she said in loud whisper, her lip quivering, . Out of the corner of his eye, Charlie could see Crystal, sitting in his chair, fidgeting slightly.
"And instead of me getting a hug, or telling me everything would be alright after I thought Mr. Moon fired me…"
Porsha stumbled a bit, her eyes misting over as she remembered that dreadful moment. That moment when she realized how little she meant to her father when she wasn't bolstering his image. And Suki wanted to run to her. Dear God, how she wanted to run to her. But she couldn't. She had to sit there and watch this poor child cry in front of room fool of people.
"I was told…that I had embarrassed him enough…"
Porsha's mascara was running at this point, but she pushed forward.
"HE CALLED ME A TALENTLESS LOSER FOR A DAUGHTER!"
Porsha paused, trying to build up the nerve to reveal what happened next. In truth, she didn't want to, but she knew if there was any chance of putting Jimmy behind bars, she had to.
"THEN HE...HE RAPED ME! THEN THREATENED TO HAVE ME KILLED IF I WENT TO THE POLICE!"
A massive gasp resonated through the crowd, only to be subverted by the enraged yell of Jimmy Crystal.
"THAT IS A LIE!"
The outburst from Jimmy Crystal, the shear force of his denial making Porsha shrink back in fear, definitely did not make him look good…
ESPECIALLY to Suki, the female saluki, upon hearing Crystal's blatant denial, becoming quite livid.
"THE HELL IT IS!" she bellowed as she jumped to her feet, Buster actually having to stabilize himself on his chair as the sudden movement from Suki nearly caused him to fall out of his chair. And to his great surprise, and utter alarm, Suki rounded the table, Charlie, without the support of his cane, standing, rather unevenly to his feet, to block Suki, who was now on the warpath, the saluki eventually receiving help from the ursine bailiff.
"DID YOU FORGET I WAS THERE YOU SON OF A BITCH?!" Suki bellowed, Charlie using all his strength to keep Suki from all out lunging at Crystal, the insult really getting under his fur. In fact, it took Jade Tusk and his two bodyguards to keep him from meeting her.
"WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME, YOU LITTLE SLUT?!" he bellowed, unaware that his addressing of Suki definitely swayed a majority of the jury, and for that matter, the city watching, in the prosecutions favor.
"I HAD NEVER SEEN THAT GIRL SO DISTRAUGHT! AND INSTEAD OF HELPING HER YOU DEFILED HER! ALL I COULD DO WAS WATCH AS YOUR GOONS HELD ME BACK!" Suki yelled back, clearly un-phased by Crystal's words, hot tears of rage spilling down her cheeks, all while everyone watching could only do so in utter shock. Even Prides and Porsha could do nothing but watch, totally flabbergasted.
"WHAT DO YOU CARE?! SHE'S NOT YOUR DAUGHTER!"
"SHE MIGHT AS WELL BE!"
This caught everyone by surprise, except Porsha, who smiled through her tears at her momma's devotion to her.
"EVERY BIRTHDAY, EVERY PERFORMANCE, EVERY CEREMONY, I WAS THE ONE WHO WAS THERE! WHERE WERE YOU FOR HER KINDERGARTEN PLAY?! BANGING SOME SLUT IN PARIS! WHERE WERE YOU FOR HER 13TH BIRTHDAY?! HITTING 18 AT SOME COUNTRY CLUB IN VEGAS?! HER SWEET 16?! ON A BUSINESS TRIP IN CLEVELAND?! AND WHERE WERE YOU GOING TO BE FOR OPENING NIGHT OF OUT OF THIS WORLD?! IN-YOUR-FUCKING-OFFICE!"
With each word, laced with fiery passion radiating from this saluki who was being held back by the bailiff her brother, his bad knee crying from the strain it was under, belief in the prosecution skyrocketed…
And belief in the defense, bolstered by the fact that Crystal was only interested in rebuking the claim that he was a liar…
Dwindled.
"YOU KNOW WHAT!" Crystal bellowed back.
"PORSHA'S A BIG GIRL! SHE CAN SPEAK FOR HERSELF!"
"YEAH…AND SUKI'S RIGHT!" Porsha, whose tears went from sorrow, to all out anger, immediately interjected, standing abruptly in the witness booth, her sudden shout causing Prides and the Jury to jump a little.
"SUKI WAS ALWAYS THERE FOR ME! WHEN I WAS SAD! WHEN I WAS SICK! WHEN I NEEDED A FRIEND! YOU WERE NEVER THERE FOR ME!"
"I WAS GIVING YOU FREEDOM!" Jimmy retorted, unaware that in his heated state, who was confirming more and more of Suki's tirade to be true.
"YOU WERE GETTING ME OUT OF THE WAY! YOU NEVER CARED ABOUT ME! YOU JUST THOUGHT I WAS ANOTHER TOOL TO USE FOR YOURSELF...JUST LIKE MOM!"
A shocked murmur resonated through the crowd, even as Porsha continued to berate her father.
"YOU ARE THE MANIPULATOR! YOU ARE THE ABUSER!"
"ENOOOOUGH!" Prides bellowed as he aggressively banged his gavel on his desk, the usually mild-mannered judge's temper at the tipping point as he glared dangerously at the prosecution and the defense, Suki and Crystal especially looking as if they were two pups who got their hands caught in the candy jar.
"I WILL NOT HAVE THIS CASE BECOME A FREE-FOR-ALL! AND MR. CRYSTAL, MISS LANE...ANY MORE OUTBURSTS LIKE THAT AND I WILL HOLD YOU BOTH IN CONTEMPT! Now…!"
Prides, upon making his opinion clear, and upon seeing that the other's had relaxed some, turned his attention Porsha, only to freeze as he saw the teen now a blubbering mess as she cried into her hands, the sight so heartbreaking that Suki, despite her rageful state, did what she could never do before. She ran to Porsha and pulled her into her arms. And as she did, all eyes turned to Crystal to gauge his reaction…
An indifferent scoff.
And when Jade Tusk and Charlie looked to the jury…when it came to the charge of emotional abuse and manipulation…
It was all over.
And if Jade Tusk was being honest with herself…she could care less.
"Miss Lane," Prides gently called, catching Suki's attention, the saluki's own mascara running from her tears, which were filled with the emotions that a truly loving person...a truly loving MOTHER could ever feel…
Love and Pain.
And Prides felt his heart break but didn't show it.
"Please escort Miss Crystal out of the room."
And Suki did just that, leaving the room in deathly silence, as Prides turned his attention back to the court, namely both sides of the case. And given Porsha's emotionally charged testimony, accompanied by Suki's impassioned defense, Prides was not surprised to see several females, including Meena, Rosita, Ash, and Miss Crawley, fighting back their own tears. Even Nooshy seemed to have become emotional, the young lynx trying to keep a strong face despite the tears brimming in her eyes.
Nick, Kris, and Kayla followed behind Suki.
And as he returned his attention back to the trial floor, Charlie having taken his seat beside Buster, gently rubbing his now very sore knee, Pride's attention turned to the defense, both lawyer and client in a very heated argument.
"You out of your mind, Jade Tusk?!" Crystal harshly whispered.
"Jimmy, look at the jury!" Jade responded through clenched teeth, her instruction leading Jimmy to take into account for the first time the twelve animals looking at him with burning contempt. It was at that moment he realized how royally he screwed up.
"They are on Moon's side now. Nothing we do at this point can sway them back to us…because of you. And if you continue to push that charge, it will only make it look like you are on the attack. At this point, you can't keep it up. If anything, Charlie and Suki could have Porsha file charges against you."
At that point, Jade Tusk's face turned to the same contempt as the jury.
"And to tell you the truth, after that little show…it would be impossible to defend you against that."
Crystal's defiant sneer fell, the wolf actually looking to be taking what his lawyer said into consideration.
"Ms. Lu," Prides called, clearly expecting an update from the doe, who, after receiving a dismissive wave from his client, turned back to Prides, her face firm.
"Your Honor…in light of recent events…the defense wishes to dismiss the charges of emotional abuse and manipulation."
A collective sign resonated from the prosecution, the whole pew either hugging or gently nudging each other as Buster finally caught the breath he had not know he had been holding, all while Charlie silently removed his glasses to rub his tired eyes, eyes that had built up a thin line of tears.
"Very well," Prides responded, taking a moment to look at his watch to find that another hour and a half had passed, bring them close to 5:30.
"Given the time and fact that we are all obviously very tired, we will conclude proceedings for the day and reconvene at nine tomorrow morning. Until then, dismissed."
With that, a collective murmur resonated through the crowd as everyone rose form their seats, some patrons even taking the opportunity to congratulate the Moon Troupe and Charlie on their little win, all while sending Crystal and Jack some condemning glares, the latter of the two actually peeling away to catch up with Buster and Charlie, the prosecutor and his client making their way past the jury to the door that Suki and Porsha went through.
"Charlie," Jade Tusk called quietly, catching the saluki's attention, the dog actually catching Crystal's hateful glare as his bodyguards, who at this point were sweating themselves at being exposed int heir involvement, escorted him out of the courtroom.
"Ms. Lu," Charlie responded neutrally.
Jade just stood there for a solid minute, the doe clearly having something on her mind, that much Charlie knew. However, Charlie did not expect it to be laced with humor.
"I knew you were good," Jade Tusk finally said with a small smirk, "but not good enough to have your clients win for you."
Despite themselves, Charlie and Buster managed to chuckle at Jade Tusk's little quip, only for their smiles to fall as Jade Tusk looked at Buster.
"You are a good man, Buster Moon…of that I have no doubt. But I still have a job to do."
With that, Jade Tusk walked away, leaving Charlie and Buster to collect a now very calm Suki and Porsha, before joining the other's in leaving the courthouse, before being barraged by reporters.
"MR. LANE! NOW THAT THE CHARGE OF ABUSE HAS BEEN DROPPED, HOW WILL YOU PROCEED WITH CASE?!"
"No comment!"
"MR. LANE! ARE YOU SEEKING TO PRESS CHARGES AGAINST MR. CRYSTAL ON PORSHA'S BEHALF?!"
"No comment!"
"MR. LANE! WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE ALLEGED RAPE OF PORSHA CRYSTAL?!"
Charlie froze at this just as he prepared to step in the car that would take himself, Suki, Buster and Porsha back to his house, the pain of the knowledge of Jerry's death weighing heavily on him.
"No comment."
With that, Charlie hobbled over to the driver side of the car, got in, and joined the convoy of cars and vans that would lead to his home, unaware of the massive target that was now painted on his family and friends.