what was i made for, walker

023. court

tw: talk/mentions of rape

"This is ridiculous." The man scoffs. "You know what? If anything, I should be taking you guys to court."

"Oh, yeah? Why's that?" James asks.

"Cause your psycho ranger fucking beat me up." Jeremy Green states. "He knew he had a position of power and used it to get even."

"Hmm. No. No, see, I-I know what ranger you're talking about, I know who made the arrest. That-- it doesn't sound like him." James says.

"Come on." Dr. Green scoffs. "You're just protecting him."

"Well, did you... attack him first? Give him any reason to retaliate?" James asks.

"I didn't do anything."

"Right. That's why we arrested you... because you did... nothing." James quips.

"This is unbelievable. I want my lawyer."  Dr. Green states.

"Oh, now he's got some brain cells." James chuckles, the therapist already digging himself a deep enough hole. "We'll get that lawyer for ya, man." James walks out, going to Cassie and Cordell. "Lost it a little, don't you think?" He asks the man.

"Cap, I..." Cordell starts.

"I got your back... this time." James tells him. Cordell nods after a moment, sighing. "He requested his lawyer. Not much we can do until then."

+++

A couple weeks later, it's finally the day of the trial. Janie is sitting on her bed, hugging a pillow to her chest. She stares off into space, playing with her rings.

The girl flinches when somebody knocks on the open door, Cordell walking in.

"Hey." He gently smiles. "It, uh... it's time to head out." Janie nods.

She gets up, putting the pillow down and fixes her skirt. She resumes playing with her rings, trying to keep herself calm.

"I'm not moving, am I?" She realizes.

"No." Cordell answers, walking over to her. "Honey, I-- I am very proud of you. It-- it takes a lot of courage to step up and-- and do this kind of thing. You're doing the right thing."

"Yeah. Yeah, I know." Janie mumbles. "Might wanna hold the pride off until after we know if I'm gonna puke in front of an entire court room or not."

"If you need a break, you can ask the judge for one. I'm sure she'll call a recess. When you're up there, you can take your time. It's not like you need to get everything out in one breath." Cordell says and Janie nods.

"You'd have to tie down your siblings to stop them from going, so they'll be there." Cordell informs. "They already left and... I mean, I could probably get a guard to kick them out if you don't want them there."

"No, it's fine." Janie mumbles.

"James and Cassie will be there for the legal stuff. I'm there as my job but also, and more importantly, as your dad. Part of the... the case." Cordell says.

"I'm a case now?" Janie asks.

"You know what I mean." Cordell frowns. "Want your grandparents and uncle there?"

"No." Janie immediately shakes her head. "No, the-- the less of you I have to force to listen to this, the better. I can't-- it's bad enough you're gonna have to hear it."

"Okay." Cordell mumbles. He fixes a few of her stray hairs, tucking her hair behind her ear. "You ready?"

"No." She scoffs, rubbing the back of her neck.