I Need Saving [A Bensler FanFic- Editing]

Chapter 14: The Trial Part 2 [Edited]

When we returned to the courtroom, I squared my shoulders and tried to act brave even if my body was shaking.

"Are you alright?" Amanda asked softly.

"Just a little scared," I admitted, as she gave me a gentle smile.

"You are strong Olivia, and everything will be okay," Amanda replied, as I swallowed hard and shook my head.

"I'm the victim, Amanda. Being strong isn't going to do a damn thing," I whispered, as we were told to stand.

"All rise for the honorable Judge Lena Petrovsky."

I let out a small sigh as we all stood. I wasn't sure how this would all go, but I was praying it would end in my favor.

"He's going to jail," Elliot whispered into my ear.

"I hope so," I whispered back.

---

I sat with tears in my eyes as the attorneys completed the opening statements. Ike's lawyer claimed he was innocent as if I wasn't completely broken. There were no parts that fit together anymore. Elliot squeezed my hand as I spun to look at him. He motioned towards the front, where my name was being said.

"Detective Benson, please come to the front," Judge Petrovsky spoke. I nodded slowly before stumbling to the front of the courtroom. After taking my oath, I sank down and waited to be questioned.

Everyone was going to know what happened. How he raped me, burned me, and beat me. I wasn't going to be able to hide, since my pain was going to be known by strangers and those I know.

"Detective Benson, I'd like to start by telling you how sorry I am for what happened," Casey spoke, as she moved to stand in front of me. She was trying to keep me calm, but I knew it wouldn't last long.

"Thank you," I replied slowly, as I wiped my hands off on my pants.

"To begin, how do you know Mr. Ross?" Casey asked as I felt my eyes burn with tears. I blinked a few times before focusing on her.

"He is the man that kidnapped me," I answered, which led to Ike laughing bitterly.

"Mr. Ross, keep your noises under control," Judge Petrovsky ordered

"How did the kidnapping happen?" Casey asked.

"Detective Odafin Tutuola and I were at Mr. Ross' house to arrest him. We announced our presence outside the door, but he didn't open it. Detective Tutuola went around back to see if he was trying to escape, but Mr. Ross was waiting until I was alone to take me. He dragged me to a waiting van and hit me on my head," I spoke, my voice shaking as I gave a brief account of what happened.

"Do you remember what happened after?" Casey asked, as I spun my wedding band around and tried to relax.

"Your honor, she's stalling to come up with a lie," the defense lawyer exclaimed, as he jumped to his feet.

"Detective Benson is facing her attacker, so she needs time to calm herself before proceeding," Casey replied, as she crossed her arms over her chest and turned to face the defense attorney.

"Detective Benson, please take your time," Judge Petrovsky spoke, and I nodded slowly before looking up at Casey.

"I woke up and wasn't in the van anymore. Mr. Ross had tied me up and sexually assaulted me... My clothes were torn and I was sore all over," I replied.

"Objection! If Detective Benson isn't lying about being unconscious, how would she know if she had been raped?!" The defense attorney huffed, and I just wanted to run out of the courtroom.

"Detective Benson has been working as a sex crimes officer for years, and she's been raped before. She knows how it feels!" Casey spat back, as my stomach tightened and I stumbled from the stand. 

Someone yelled after me, but I couldn't make out who it was. I doubled over in the aisle and got sick. Elliot quickly got to my side and helped me to my feet and from the courtroom.

---

"How is she doing?" Casey asked quietly, as she stood beside Elliot. I was sitting on a bench outside of the courtroom, a paper cup of water in my hand.

"You shouldn't have told everyone about her being raped before," Elliot frowned deeply.

"Elliot, it just came out. I didn't mean to push her over the edge... Or even allow her to get that close to the edge," Casey replied softly. I didn't want Casey to feel bad for bringing up my previous sexual assaults, I just didn't want anyone to know. I didn't want the jury to think I was attention-seeking.

"Case, it's okay. I just wanna go home," I breathed, as I stood slowly. Elliot looked at me and nodded slowly.

"C'mon, let's get going," Elliot spoke, as he gently caressed my cheek.

"I'll go easier on you tomorrow..." Casey trailed off as we walked away.

---

Elliot and I sat together and waited for the other to be ready to head inside.

"Was I asking for it?" I asked quietly.

"What?"

"Was I asking to be raped?" I breathed.

"Why would you think that?" Elliot asked sharply.

"Two men took advantage of me... Faith and whatever this baby is are products of rape. I'm a product of rape!" I huffed as I turned to look at Elliot.

"None of this was your fault! This baby is probably mine, anyway!" Elliot replied with a roll of his eyes.

"You're angry," I whispered, as I opened the door and moved to get out.

"I'm not angry!" Elliot yelled, as he grabbed my arm and pulled me back into the car. 

I sat and sobbed as the memories of the last several years flooded my mind once more.