Forever With You

Chapter Fifty-Nine

"Your honor. Before we move forward to the prosecution calling witnesses, we'd like to object to Ms. Francesca Doyle prosecuting this case." The young, cocky defense attorney states. The judge looks through the case files documenting witnesses and subsequent testimony. "I don't see why that is necessary." He says after clearing his throat. The young attorney looks at Ferguson before focusing back on the judge. "Because she has been involved in the testimonies we are about to hear." He says smugly. Franky bites her tongue as she feels Fessler squeeze her arm. They had made sure, her Fessler and Erica, that this could not be an issue for court. "There is no mention of her name whatsoever, except for interviews. Therefore, that motion is denied." The young attorney looks dismayed as Ferguson pulls him by the arm to whisper in his ear. "Ahem. Then we ask that the court strike the witness of Ms. Bridget Westfall from any testimony and/or questioning." The judge, obviously getting annoyed with the pettiness, sighs before denying it right off the bat. "Ms. Westfall is only on record for her insight as the forensic psychologist and nothing more." Ferguson once again pulls the lawyer down to whisper. "What about her personal relationship with Ms. Doyle?" The judge raises an eyebrow as he looks at Franky. "Considering there is nothing pertaining to either person outside of their professions, I will allow it." Franky fights a smile as the tension leaves her body. Bridget, who was just as nervous for her wife, lets out a deep breath as her shoulders relax. "Now, if there is nothing else..." Erica stands up from her seat in the courtroom. "Your honor, if I may." She motions to approach, to which the judge nods.

"I am Erica Davidson, attorney for the State of New South Wales." She says as she approaches the stand. "I have two witnesses, under the State's protection, that are ready to testify via video feed. They are being relocated early tomorrow morning and will be unable to testify after today." The judge takes the information into consideration before turning his attention to the defense. "Any objections from the defense?" The young lawyer, Ferguson, and an old man that is probably the younger one's mentor, whisper amongst each other. Seeing as they have no real reason to object, they agree to allow the witnesses. The judge then motions for the television to be brought into the courtroom.

Franky looks at Fessler who can only smile; obviously knowing about the plan all along. Franky looks back at Bridget, who smiles with encouragement, before taking a deep breath and focusing on Erica and the television screen. You see the camera focused on an empty chair in some form of detention center; the sound muted until needed. Erica stands in front of the television, in view of the camera mounted on top. "The first witness I'd like to call is Joanne Ferguson." There is a slight commotion from Ferguson's table, which grows slightly louder as Joanne is seen sitting in the chair in front of the camera. "Bitch!" Is heard being muttered before the judge bangs his gavel. "Quiet in the court!" Franky holds her breath, hoping the side of Joanne they need is present today.

Amid many gasps and whispers throughout the courtroom, Erica leads Joanne through her testimony of the mental and physical abuse she suffered at the hands of her Aunt Joan, when it started, and what things she had been asked or forced to do on her behalf. Franky sits there in shock, not knowing all the details of Joanne's past while Bridget looks on with pride for her finally telling the truth; hoping she will finally feel free of the burden once it is all out in the open. Once Erica has wrapped up the testimony, the judge motions for the defense to redirect.

"You say that your Aunt Joan asked you to take care of Franky for her." Joanne nods on screen, "Yes sir." The young attorney looks at the judge. "Seems like a conflict of interest to me your honor." He says smugly. The judge narrows his eyes. "There is no charge accounting for that action." The smile fades from the attorneys' face. "And she had you set up Franky to take the fall for Penisi's death?" Joanne nods once again. "Yes sir." The attorney looks back at the judge but clears his throat instantly. "No further questions your honor."