Daddy Issues- Joseph Quinn

Magical or something

The rest of the holiday went smoothly with Joe's parents there, lots of laughs were shared and before Mabel knew it they were all sat in court awaiting her father to take the stand.
Her hands smoothed over her pencil skirt as she sat down, anxiety filling her head, Joe noticed this and took her hand in his and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

Mabel had very many therapy appointments leading up to this day, discussing in detail some coping strategies and her feelings forwards the upcoming day. She'd spent the morning being reassured by Joe that it will all be over and done with soon and that she'll be able to simply close that chapter and move on, of course Mabel was skeptical of this but she didn't want to disappoint Joe so she didn't argue.

As her father took the stand Mabel shifted uncomfortably in her seat, a lump rising in her throat. She couldn't bare to look at him however she felt his eyes burning into her as he he sat down. The judge went through the oaths and then Mabel's lawyer started discussing the crash and asking him questions.

"So Mr Mae, did you intend to cause the crash?"

"No"

"My client informed me that you admitted to planning this crash- are you saying she's lying?"

"Yes"

"Why would you think she'd come up with a lie like this?"

"For attention."

Mabel's eyes shot up at her fathers and she went to stand up in anger, however Joe squeezed her thigh keeping her sat. He knew Mabel needed someone to keep her grounded, and he vowed to be that person. She glanced at Joe and her facial expression softened, she mouthed a thank you and returned her attention to her lawyer.

"Mr Mae is it true that the night of the crash you had visited Mabel to discuss something about a trust fund in Mabel's name?"

"No that isn't true" he stated.

Mabel's lawyer smirked and turned to the court.

"I would like to bring everyone's attention in the jury to a picture in your evidence folder. Reference A." She waited until everyone had it in their hands and she held her own copy up to Mabel's father.

"So Mr Mae this is not a picture of you outside of her house that night?" Her father stared wide eyed at the picture.

"I was unaware of any security around the house" he stated.

"So you admit this is you?"

"Yes. However that's irrelevant to the crash" he defended.

"Is it now? Well Mr Mae I have to say it's just such a convenience you were still in the area 3 hours after you left making it perfect timing for you to hit Mabel and Joseph's car?"

"You have no proof I stayed in the area" he replied.

"Ladies and gentleman reference B" her lawyer smiled to the jury. She held a copy of a picture of Mabel's father at the bar down from her house.

"So this isn't you at the bar down from Mabel's house?" Her father stayed quiet.

"Point proven." She shrugged her shoulders.

"I would like to bring attention to evidence reference C and D- exact recorded calls between Mr Mae and the bank that holds Mabel's trust fund. During this call you will see that he had repeatedly asked for access to the account and when told it had to be Mabel herself he had lashed out at the attendee on the phone."

"Those were recorded without my consent" her father shouted.

"Thought you might argue that. I double checked with all staff and there is an auto recorded message at the beginning of every call stating that the call is being recorded for reference and educational use. Proof of this can be found in the company policy in evidence E"