Hellcat

Chapter Thirty-Four

Matt is so late. Foggy, Karen and I sat at the table for the defense, Frank beside me at a separate table where he could remain chained. "Today of all days," Foggy grumbled to Karen and I. The court room was full of press and civilians ready to watch the trial of the century. At the moment, it was delayed because Matt hadn't shown up yet. "I mean, he said he'd be late, but this is ridiculous," he continued to gripe more to himself than anything. "Foggy," Karen started, her voice low so no one overheard us. "What is going on with him?" she asked, barely above the chatter of the crowd.

"All rise," the bailiff's voice called out as the door to the judge's chamber opened. Everyone stood quickly. "Court is now in session, the Honorable Judge Cynthia Batzer presiding. Indictment number 1986-4447, the People vs. Frank Castle," he finished reading as Judge Batzer sat in her chair and cast her gaze over the crowd. "Be seated," she ordered, and everyone listening. "Looks like you're a man down," Frank commented from his seat. "We noticed, Frank," I hissed to him in frustration.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the defendant has been indicted for several serious crimes. But I'm instructing you, as a point of law..." Judge Batzer started to say. I tuned her out when Foggy leaned over and muttered to me and Karen. "You know those college stress dreams, when you show up to class in your underwear?" he asked us, earning a nod from me and a "yeah" from Karen. "That's me right now," Foggy muttered to us, the nerves clear in his voice as his eyes shone with fear. "God damn, Matt was supposed to deliver opening, not me," he continued, shaking his head to himself.

"Ms. Reyes, are the People ready to begin opening statements?" Judge Batzer asked. She stood to reply. "More than ready, Your Honor," Reyes said, leaning forward slightly on her table in an aggressive stance. "Should we be worried? I mean, there's no way Matt misses this, right?" Karen muttered as Reyes moved to stand before the jury members. Foggy just gave a defeated shrug.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, Frank Castle brutally tortured and murdered 30 people. 30 that we know of," Reyes started, glancing back at Frank for only a moment. "He took the law into his own hands. Acted as judge, jury, and... most violent executioner. And you will hear that the defendant's victims were criminals... but the victims are not on trial here today, and justice does not belong in the hands of a man like Frank Castle. This isn't the Wild West. Justice is served here... in a court of law. And it is up to each of you to take back the city from lawless vigilantes... like Frank Castle," Reyes said. She paused at the right times, used the right tone of voice to be effective. If I hadn't known anything about this trial, I would have believed her.

When she stopped, she turned and walked a few steps closer to our table, eyes locked on Frank. "This man is no hero. He's a serial killer. And he is guilty," she finished, casting her gaze back over the jury once more for effect. Then she turned and thanked Judge Batzer before retaking her seat on the prosecution's side.

"Mr. Nelson, are you prepared to make your opening statement?" Judge Batzer asked, turning her gaze onto Foggy. He glanced at us with concern. "She's good," he muttered in regards to Reyes' opening statement. "So are you," Karen assured him. "Mr. Nelson?" the judge called as Foggy shuffled through his notes. "Hey, you got this," I reassured Foggy, reaching over and giving his shaking hand a tight squeeze.

"Mr. Nelson, are you reserving the right to make your statement at a later time?" Judge Batzer asked him when he didn't respond. The courtroom was fairly quiet as Foggy glanced around. There were a few murmurs and whispers, but nothing loud enough to discern. "Screw it," Foggy muttered before he stood. He cleared his throat, notes in hand. "No, Your Honor. The defense is ready to proceed," he started, voice lacking confidence. He shuffled through his notes once more before looking to the jury.

"Uh, ladies and gentlemen of the jury... the defendant, Frank Castle, is not..." Foggy trailed off, continuing through his notes. He even apologized. Foggy cleared his throat once more. "Mr. Castle is as much a victim... no, he's not," Foggy added under his breath. Then he put his notes back on the table and shoved his hands into his trouser pockets with a sigh. He glanced over at Frank, the two exchanged a strange look of understanding.