Ch.30 Facing the Demons Pt.1
(A/N: I am not a lawyer, so please take what I write with a grain of salt. Also, most of the info I have comes from real court shows that I watch, but that still doesn't mean I'm in any way an expert in the law.)
Kong's P.O.V.
Two weeks have passed since the confrontation with my father and I was still waiting for the phone call about the hearing date. In the meantime, with the help of everyone, I have been searching for the best prosecutor. Money wasn't an issue because P'Tin and P'Pha made sure any bills went to them. I at first didn't agree because I have my own money saved up, but they were persistent in the matter.
Arthit convinced me to let them focus on the bills while I focus on speaking with the lawyer about the best way(s) to make sure my father never leaves jail.
"Mr.Suthulick, I know this is hard for you to tell me a complete stranger about all the horrors and tortures you suffered, but I need the full picture in order to combat anything the defense tries to pull."- Mr. Fai Prosecutor
"I'm sorry. I know that you mean well....it's just hard to say it to a stranger. I promise to do my best."
"That's all I'm asking for. Why don't we take a ten-minute break to allow your mind some rest before continuing?"-Mr. Fai suggested
"That would be great thanks. You can get some refreshments from the dining room just down the hall and to the left."
I waited until Mr. Fai was gone before I felt myself become overwhelmed with tears. Arthit was instantly by my side hugging me and telling me comforting words.
"Kong what has you so worried?"-Arthit
"I'm worried that my father will find some way out of the charges. I don't want to face him again."
"Kong you know-"-Arthit started to say before I cut him off.
"I know I have to face him in court but those memories just keep flashing in my head and I started to feel afraid," I explained.
"Kong, look at me. I know you're scared, but just remember that everyone who cares about you will be there to protect you."-Arthit explained in a gentle voice.
I nodded my head in understanding before hugging Arthit again.
"Uh hmmm."-Mr. Fai said getting our attention.
"Mr. Fai."
"Mr. Suthulick if you are ready to continue, then we can."-Mr. Fai
"Yes, I'm ready."
"So to recap what we've already discussed. You have suffered severe mental, physical, and emotional abuse from your father since you can remember. You were able to finally escape his wrath once your P's were old enough to provide protection. Am I correct so far?"-Mr. Fai asked.
"Yes. Everything you've said so far is accurate."
"Good. Now, I know that it causes you a lot of pain and anguish to talk about what happened to you, but you do know that you will be required to tell the jury, the judge, the defense, and the audience what you experienced. Are you also aware that the defense will try and twist your words to save your father?"-Mr. Fai asked with a serious expression.
I took a deep breath before nodding my head and squeezed Arthit's hand to give me reassurance that I wasn't alone.
Mr. Fai let out a sigh before straightening his tie up and pulling out his notebook to continue writing down all the details about my abuse.
We took several breaks over the course of the day including having lunch and dinner to wind down because it became too much for me sometimes and it seems that the conversation at times also made Mr. Fai uncomfortable as well.
I bid goodbye to Mr. Fai and agree to meet again tomorrow same time. I watch his car drive off before I walk back into the house and instantly run into Arthit's arms and let the tears flow.
Arthit hugs me gently and hums some soft tunes to calm me down. A few minutes pass and I calm down enough so we can talk.
*The Next Day*
Everyone is gathered in the living room as Mr. Fai and I go over how the first day of the court will go.
"The court officer will announce the arrival of the Judge and ask us all to rise before the Judge takes their seat. Then he will briefly notify the Judge of the case#, who are the two parties the case is about, and that everyone has been sworn in. From there it will start with both sides giving opening speeches."-Mr. Fai relayed to me with a serious look.
I nodded my head at him in understanding while taking mental notes about what to expect.
"From there, we will then present our arguments from both sides and present any evidence we have to support our statements. This is also the time where you and any other witnesses from both sides take the stand and both the prosecutor and the defense have a chance to ask any and all questions. Now there will be times where the defense tries to ask questions that irrelevant or would put you on the spot. I will try my best to object but ultimately the Judge has the decision to accept the objection or overrule it."
"Are there any questions you have?"-Mr. Fai asked with concern.
I sat there thinking about everything he's told me so far. I will admit that right now, I'm scared, nervous, and thinking a lot of negative thoughts right now. I don't know how long I zoned out for but I was brought back my Arthit gently rubbing his right thumb over my left cheek and whispering "I am here and won't let anything harm you. I love you with all my heart."
"I'm sorry for zoning out. This is all still very overwhelming and I know you're trying your best to keep me ready and informed of how it's going to happen."
Mr.Fai smiled at me and shook his head.
"No apology is necessary. I have seen this happen many times in my long career as a prosecutor. I do sympathize with you about your current situation and how it has gone on for so long without any proper actions being taken. I am going to do my best to make sure your father never gets out of jail, but it will be a tough battle."-Mr. Fai warned me as he looked into my eyes.
I looked back determined again to face my fear and rid myself and my loved ones of the monster that has plagued my memories for far too long.
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I felt like this was a nice stopping point. As I mentioned in my announcement, this will take a few chapters to complete this part of the story. If anyone has any advice or hints about the best or simpler way for writing court trials in several chapters, then please DM me.
On another note, at my work, I will be switching departments and having a more set schedule which works much better for me. I hope that means I can set one-two specific days for posting updates and writing the chapters, won't have a positive answer for that until Saturday.
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