Of Monsters And Men | Discontinued |

Episode Fourteen - Endure

Matt is really fucking late.

She peers at Veronica, nestled between strangers in the pew-like seats. They both tiredly smile at each other, before she slowly looks forward again. Frank tries to muster a smile, but it doesn't show up anywhere but his eyes. Foggy is tapping his pen anxiously, heart hammering in his ribs, throat, and temples. She can't even imagine the migraine he must have. Karen's foot is shaking. Evren keeps herself forcibly still with Rot's help, not letting a single emotion show itself through her posture or eyes. She, somehow, managed to get the Judge to allow her to guard Frank, even now. Foggy looks at his watch, then over his shoulder.

"Today, of all days... I mean, he said he'd be late, but this is ridiculous."

"Foggy," Karen leans closer. Frank stares at the space between is chained wrists. "what is going on with him?"

A door squeaks. "All rise. Court is now in session."

'Matt.' Rot all but snarls. Intangible fangs glisten. 'He's messing this up. He's going to burn their reputation to the ground. And ours. We fought for this, angel.' She stays silent, even as her teeth grind together.

"The Honorable Judge Cynthia Batzer presiding. Indictment number 1986-4447, The People v. Frank Castle."

"Be seated." The Judge states. Everyone sits. Evren remains standing beside the guard. She goes ignored.

"Looks like you're a man down." Frank comments. Foggy gulps.

"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, that an indictment is not final." The rest of her words turn to mush as Evren looks at Frank once more.

"Give 'em hell, Castle." She whispers. The guard glances at her, but she shrugs it off, pointing towards Veronica, who waves at her. The guard nods, gaze flitting away. Frank's mouth twitches before the smile is stifled beneath a mask of stony indifference.

"Goddamn, Matt was supposed to deliver opening, not me." Foggy mutters.

"Ms. Reyes, are the People ready to begin opening statements?" Reyes stands.

"More than ready, Your Honor." She skirts around the table, and Karen leans closer to Foggy.

"Should we be worried? I mean, there's no way Matt misses this, right?" Foggy shrugs hopelessly. Evren tilts her head, Rot reaching out, trying to find Matt anywhere nearby in the few city blocks. Their stomach drops and their head spins. Matt isn't there, isn't anywhere close to arriving.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, Frank Castle brutally tortured and murdered thirty people." Reyes starts harsh, starts cold. "Thirty that we know of. He took the law into his own hands. Acted as judge, jury, and... most violent executioner."

She still doesn't sense Matt's heartbeat, or smell him, or even hear his hurried steps and harsh breathing. He isn't near. Foggy has to do this alone. Her gut twists.

"And you will hear that the defendants 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 and monsters that prowl the night, Like Frank Castle." She turns, staring down Foggy, and approaches Frank. "This man is no hero." She looks back to the jury. "He's a serial killer. And he is guilty." She looks back at Frank, then to the Judge. "Thank you."

She takes a seat, and her own heartbeat races in her chest and Foggy's breath shudders.

"Mr. Nelson, are you prepared to make your opening statement?"