Heaven

Chapter 8 - Alliance

James Avery stood up " How many of these ‘isolated incidents’ do we need to see before NeuraGen takes responsibility?”

James Avery’s eyes narrowed as Aaron Wilson, NeuraGen’s lead attorney, rose to his feet with a faint smirk.

“That’s just your incompetency, Mr. Avery,” Wilson replied with a practiced coolness, glancing back toward the jury. “Perhaps the blame rests on those so eager to find a target they forgot how medicine works. There are always risks, complications. Fertovia wasn’t forced upon anyone; it was prescribed, studied, and deemed safe by every regulatory body.”

James took a slow, measured breath, visibly restraining his anger. He stepped toward the jury, refusing to let Wilson's statement go unanswered. “Regulatory bodies? Deemed safe?” he repeated, voice steady but filled with steel. “Mr. Wilson, let’s not overlook the internal NeuraGen emails we presented in the last hearing, showing discussions among your researchers about ‘minor, manageable side effects.’ These ‘manageable side effects’ are our children’s lives, their future, their freedom to live beyond a hospital bed.”

Aaron crossed his arms, looking unphased. “ The term ‘manageable’ is not synonymous with ‘life-threatening.’ Risks exist with every medication. ”

James looked toward the judge. “Your Honor, we’ve shown time and again that NeuraGen had the data, and that they were willing to gamble with innocent lives for profit.”

Aaron’s voice was sharp as he replied, “Your Honor, Mr. Avery’s use of inflammatory language is nothing more than an attempt to sway this court emotionally.This is a court here only evidence matters, Only evidence Mr Avery has submitted are outdated and not backed up by any real evidence,your honor, The emails they have provided are dated long before the drug went into production
"
The judge looked at both men, brows furrowing slightly.

. “Your honor Marketing materials are designed to communicate the most common side effects, as they do with every drug. Fertovia’s documentation followed standard practices.”

James felt his blood boiling, but he kept his anger in check. He needed more solid evidence to make his case; an argument now could risk everything. The weight of the families' expectations pressed heavily on his shoulders,Taking a steadying breath, he addressed the judge.

“Of course, Your Honor,” he said calmly. “I have nothing further at this time.”

The judge looked around the room before speaking, his voice authoritative. “Given the evidence and statements presented today, I’ll be adjourning court until 5th of december, where we will continue examining the records provided by both parties. Court is adjourned.”

The sound of the gavel brought an end to the heated exchange, but the room erupted with noise as everyone rose. James gathered his papers, casting one last look toward Wilson, a  reminder that he was not finished yet.

Outside the courthouse, Benjamin leaned against the wall, his eyes fixed on the door as he waited for James. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the steps, but he barely noticed; his thoughts were elsewhere.

A moment later, James appeared, looking preoccupied.

“James,” Benjamin said, his voice low but urgent. “It might be nothing, but… I’ve found something interesting.”

James looked up, curious. “What did you find?”

Benjamin pulled out his phone and opened a blog. He held the screen up for James to see. “Check this out. Look at the author’s name.”

James squinted at the screen. “‘NRDH-1’? What is this?”

“Some travel blog . Called Vacation on the Beach. It was posted about a month ago.” Benjamin’s tone was steady, but his eyes conveyed the gravity of what he was hinting at.