Taylor vs Reid (GxG)

Part 17 {The Trial of David Gribben}

TW// Topics of sexual abuse and violence. This court proceeding may be triggering for some people. Also, a disclaimer, I am not a lawyer or law student and any quoting of the law in this book is not directly related to the law of Florida, the US or the real world in general. Things and procedures are not as they would go in the real world.

..."We are here for the trial of the case brought against Mr Gribben, accused of sexually assaulting Ms Abigail Clancy, Olivia Sandberg and Sophia Sandberg. As well as reevaluate the evidence for the murder of eighteen-year-old, Ava Taylor," Judge Wilson started. "The both parties, are you ready to proceed?"

"Yes, Your Honor," Reilly said confidently, her posture sure and strong. "The prosecution is ready."

"The defence is also ready," Sebastian's rough voice boomed through the expansive room like thunder, making the hair on my skin rise.

"Let us proceed then," The judge decided. "Counselor Reid, your opening statements."

"Your Honor, esteemed members of the jury," she began by courteously greeting all members of the court and I watched her with a sense of admiration and pride amongst the nervousness I felt. "Today we are here to seek justice for a series of heinous acts committed by the defendant, David Gribben. Through the evidence presented, you will see a pattern of predatory behaviour that has left deep scars on his victims. We will hear from brave witnesses who have come forward to share their harrowing experiences. This is not just a trial of one man, but a testament to the resilience of those who have survived his cruelty."

She took her seat again and Sebastian rose. My eye found the defence table as he did, lingering on David for a moment before going back to his attorney. "Ladies and gentlemen, while we do not deny the suffering of the witnesses, we must also consider the complexities of human memory and the potential for misunderstanding intentions. We ask you to listen to the evidence with an open mind and consider whether the prosecution has met their burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt."

"Thank you, Mr Barraclough. Ms Reid," Judge Wilson looked towards Reilly and I felt my stomach twist with anticipation. This was it. I felt like I could throw up. "You may call your first witness."

With a nod, Reilly rose again. "I call Abigail Clancy to the stand."

Abby gingerly approached the witness stand and Reilly followed with a composed demeanour, her steps measured. She offered Abby a reassuring smile, one that conveyed strength and empathy in equal measure.

"Good morning, Abby," Reilly began with a gentle ease."Thank you for being here today. For the record, could you please state your full name?"

"Abigail Clancy." Her voice was soft but audible, carrying across the silent courtroom. Abby fidgeted slightly in her seat, a visible manifestation of her nerves.

"And could you state your age?"

"I am fifteen."

"Abby, I understand this is difficult," she gently approached the topic with sensitivity and care, cautiously trying to avoid retraumatizing the child on the stand. I watched, my nail permanently stuck between my teeth and being gnawed at. "But could you tell us how you first came to know David Gribben?"

Abby takes a deep breath, steadying herself before answering. "He was a friend of Marianne Williamson, my foster mother. He started coming around the house last year."

"What was your initial impression of David?"

"I thought he was nice at first," Abby admitted truthfully. I was not surprised having thought the same. It's how he builds you up, lures you in and it makes everything hit harder when he finally makes a move on you. "He'd bring gifts, make jokes. But it didn't feel right after a while." Abby finished.