The trial begins and Elliot gets to face just exactly what Rafael Barba can do in a courtroom.
Rafael stood up to make his opening statements trying to channel every bit of strength he could muster.
"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Today we are all here for a very important reason. To find out if my client Richard Wheatley is guilty of the crime he is charged with."
God even saying his name out loud is enough to make him sick. And Rafael already knows that this man was the true reason why Angela ordered the hit. There would be no death of Kathy Stabler without him. And now he had to convince the jury the opposite.
"The case SVU and Organized Crime has is not only thin but prejudicial against my client."
Wheatley raises his eyebrow in amusement. Rafael really knows how to sell a story. Rafael holds his breath knowing that his next sentence is going to cause a firestorm.
"The only reason Richard Wheatley is being charged with this crime today is that Elliot Stabler wanted someone to pay for the death of his wife, but I will prove to you today that Richard Wheatley is not that person. Thank you."
Stabler has to will himself not to jump out of his seat. He knew Rafael Barba was going to be good, but claiming all this was just for revenge is too far. Olivia places a comforting hand on his shoulder as his oldest daughter Kathleen squeezed his arm. Rafael sees it out of the corner of his eye and knew that he pushed exactly the right button, but the last thing he wants to do is celebrate that. Carisi stands up and moves right over to the jury stand. He grips the stand similar to the way Rafael did the last time the two met. It was time to show him exactly what he was made of.
"The defense wants to claim that our evidence is thin, but I'd have to argue our evidence is strong against Mr. Wheatley. Not only do we have evidence for all the charges the prosecution is bringing, but we also have records and expert testimony.
Carisi takes a breath as he knows this next part is going to hurt but it needs to be said.
"This case is far from wanting revenge as the defense claims. This case is all about a loving wife, mother, and friend having her life cut short by a tragic accident orchestrated by none other than Richard Wheatley."
Carisi turns and points to Wheatley, glaring daggers at him. He looks to Rafael who is sitting there in silence and he knows he's doing exactly what he needs to do.
"None of this would be happening without Richard Wheatley."
He turns back to the jury.
"Thank you."
"Thank you gentlemen. The prosecution may call their first witness." Judge Catano said
"The prosecution calls Elliot Stabler to the stand." Carisi says.
"Good morning, I am so sorry for your loss Detective Stabler. I've called you as a witness today because you were on the team who arrested Richard Wheatley. Could you tell the jury about that day?"
"My wife and I were on the way to the award ceremony for Captain Olivia Benson. I had just gotten a call that I needed to take so I stepped away for a second. Kathy opened the door to our car and there was a blast. It knocked her to the ground, I'll never get that sound out of my ears. I called 911 right away."
"I'm sorry if this is painful but please continue." Carisi said as he looked over to see Barba furiously writing on his legal pad.
"The blast immediately knocked her unconscious and the ambulance took her immediately. That's when Captain Benson showed up."
