Backup Girl [Tom Hiddleston] {EBT book 2/4}

Prosecution

Kate woke with a start and was relieved when Tom pulled her back in to him. She rolled over and snuggled in to his chest. "Ssh baby," he said softly. "It's only 5:45." She closed her eyes and let his even breathing and the beat of his heart soothe her. There was no way she was getting back to sleep this morning but she didn't have to get up, either.
"That was the best sleep I've had since we got here," she said against him, kissing his chest. "Thank you." He hugged her tightly to him and she lay there until the alarm went off at 6 am.
Kate got up and had a long hot shower, trying to both relax and prepare herself. She put on makeup, smoothed her hair in to a long ponytail and went to the bedroom to get dressed. She had chosen dark grey suit with pants, and a pale blue blouse with small ruffles on the front. By the time she had her jewellery on Tom was showered and dressed in a suit with a teal buttoned shirt and a silver tie.
"Breakfast?" He said. Kate tensed, she didn't want to argue but she didn't want to eat either.
"Tom, I don't think I could eat if I wanted to." Her stomach was churning. It was a vast improvement from vomiting every time she thought about it, but she still didn't want to risk it today. "I think I could manage a coffee though?"
He walked over and kissed her forehead. "That will do. I didn't think you'd be hungry, I had some muesli while you were in the shower." He pulled her in to a tight hug and they stood watching the ocean for a few minutes. "Ready to go? Do you want me to drive you?"
"No I know the way, driving actually calms me more than being a passenger."
She took her bag and they went to the garage. On the way Tom read her messages from her parents, Lizzie, Zachary and Missy, Ed, and Luke. Kate felt overwhelmed.

They arrived early, before the court house was open, and were ushered in to a private room. As it had been explained to them by Parsons, it was partly so that Kate and Naomi didn't have to face Dean while they waited, and partly because of the interest in the case, and Kate and Tom. Naomi and Parsons arrived half an hour later, Naomi bringing takeaway coffees with her for all of them. At 9:30 on the dot, when it felt like they'd been waiting hours, a clerk came to take them to the courtroom and they sat behind the prosecution table, Kate and Naomi's hands held tightly. Tom sat a few rows back and Kate was surprised to see Jake already waiting for him in his uniform, nodding his support to Kate as they passed. Dean was already seated on the other side and didn't look up when they walked in. Once the magistrate was seated and ready, Parsons read the charges and presented the evidence against him. He indicated, as they had discussed, that Kate and Naomi would not be cross examined unless the magistrate felt it necessary. Kate held Naomi's hand in hers as their statements were read out, occasionally looking at Dean who appeared to show no emotion. Unexpectedly, in calling on the defence lawyer, the magistrate asked him a question directly. "Mr Rawlins," he said. "Could you briefly tell me what the grounds for your defence?"
"The credibility of the victims, your honour. We have reason to believe that this is all about revenge, and we intend to explore the reasons behind Katherine Allen refusing to report any abuse until a second victim came forward."
"That's it?"
"Aside from a statement from my client that he did not injure either woman, yes."
"How about we save the court's time then, and spare these brave women any further trauma. Aside from actual evidence which disproves that already presented, I can not think of anything you could present which would see me upholding his plea of not guilty." He looked down at his hands before looking back up at Dean. "Mr Waters, do you have anything profound to add that might sway my decision?"
"No, your honour. I do not." He said quietly.
"Good. Unless you really want to be here tomorrow can I suggest we rest this and return for verdict and sentencing after lunch. Mr Rawlins, Inspector Parsons?"
"Agreed, your honour." They said in unison.
Kate and Naomi sat in stunned silence for a few moments while Dean was escorted out. "Nay, did that just happen? What just happened?" They both looked up at Parsons, who was smiling.
"What just happened, is we won. I knew they only entered not guilty to draw it out, they thought you would drop it before we got to court. Let's go get lunch."
Kate stood and ran to Tom and Jake, hugging them both together, and adding Naomi as she went past.

From their holding room Kate sent a text to everyone who was waiting for news while Naomi, Jake and Parsons went to get lunch for everyone. Tom sat with his arm around her shoulders, both their phones buzzing and beeping every few seconds. After lunch they waited impatiently for the clerk to collect them, and just after 2:30 the door finally opened and they were taken back to the courtroom.
"Before I announce the verdict and sentence, I need to say something. Part of the evidence I reviewed was from Katherine and Naomi, and the fact they were both present and prepared to testify today speaks toward the amazing strength and determination of both women. For the defence to suggest they laid charges out of spite or revenge is appalling, and I find it reprehensible to suggest that they might concoct this story together to punish an unfaithful ex boyfriend. I would like to personally thank both of you for standing up here today, you have ensured that this man will not reoffend in the future." Naomi squeezed Kate's hand and they both fought back tears.
"Stand up, Mr Waters. I find you guilty on all charges. Under the domestic violence act, apprehended domestic violence orders are hereby upheld indefinitely for both victims and their families. I sentence you to 12 months periodic detention, to be served in a minimum security correctional facility, and a 2 year suspended full time detention sentence." Kate felt tears stinging her eyes and fought against them.
"Mr Waters an officer will take you to be processed and you will have the details of your sentence issued to you. Inspector Parsons, I would like to thank you for your diligence in prosecuting this case, and ask that you bring Katherine, Naomi and Thomas to my chambers please. Dismissed."
Kate didn't understand why he wanted to see them, and hoped he would be quick, because she felt like she might pass out.

"I just wanted to thank you all personally, I know this is difficult and so often violence like this isn't reported for that reason. Katherine, Thomas, I know you gave up a lot and came a long way to be here. Naomi, it was incredibly brave of you to come forward and make a report. Both of you. You should be proud, without you he would undoubtedly have done this to his next partner, and the next." He shook their hands and opened the door for them to leave. Kate had lost the ability to speak but nodded when he shook her hand.

Kate and Tom walked to the car, and she handed him the keys. He opened the passenger door for her and she looked up in to his eyes, and everything went black.