The Hockey Star’s Remorse

Chapter 35

It was my first experience in a court room. It wasn’t like the comedic setting of reality tv where civil cases are handled with small laughs and some parties willing to cut their losses. My reality was a small, boxed–in room with far less seating.

The judge had yet to arrive at their bench, but Jasper and Mr. Fitzgerald were already at the prosecution desk, having a heated discussion. The jury gallery had a few lost–looking souls in it, probably wishing they were at home rather than dealing with a heavy dispute.

There was fortunately no public gallery present, so any misstep of mine could be reserved for the confidentiality of the court. If this didn’t go our way, we needed as much privacy as possible.

Timothy followed me to the defense table and took the seat beside me. I kept my eyes averted from Jasper and Mr. Fitzgerald, who didn’t hesitate to glare in our direction. Fortunately, the judge entered from her chambers.

“Please rise. The Court is now in session, the Honorable Judge Lauren Jackson presiding.” yelled the bailiff.

We all stood as the judge walked up to her stand. She was a short, old woman who walked with a purpose. She had a set of glasses perched on the bridge of her nose as she looked out at her small audience.

Once she was seated, she called for us to do the same as well. I inhaled deeply and took my seat, feeling more lightheaded than before. I felt Timothy’s eyes on me, and he looked ready to say something before the judge proceeded.

“Everyone but the jury may be seated. Bailiff, please swear in the jury,” she said. calmly.

The bailiff turned to the jury, eerily stern. “Please raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear or affirm that you will truly listen to this case and render a true verdict and a fair sentence as to this defendant?

“I do,” the jury echoed amongst each other.

“You may be seated.”

“Let’s hope other people will be just as honorable,” Timothy whispered into my

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Chapter 33

car. I cast a glance at Jasper and Mr. Fitzgerald, who had reduced their own conversation to a whisper. I could almost sense the arrogance as it swarmed around them.

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“Well, we’re all under oath. Honorable is all they can be,” I said. Part of me doubted. it, however.

“Bailiff.” Judge Jackson continued, moving her gavel. “What is today’s case?”

Honor, today’s case is Fitzgerald vs Hayes,” the

called for the prosecution to stay its claim. We watched silently as Jasper stood back up and strolled to the podium up front. He adjusted the microphone. and

my name is Jasper, and I am representing James Fitzgerald of Clayton Sports Center in this case. We

The facts were on our side, and

seat. I walked to the podium and provided

spoke. I could hear Jasper snickering behind

I clenched my jaw and thanked the court before. returning to my

on the witness stand. He gave his explanation of the events, of course favoring his own skewed account

greediest, however,” Mr. Fitzgerald went on. He made Timothy sound like some ungrateful child that came

I didn’t need to give the prosecution any credibility toward the rumors circling the city. I settled on patting him on the hand beneath the

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Chapter 35

the witness,” said Judge Jackson once Jasper finished his direct

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I took a deep breath and grabbed my bag from under the table. My legs trembled as

and the courtroom seemed to close in on me. Anxiety washed. over me like a suffocating wave. It was as if the eyes

breath and willed myself to stay

overwhelm me. My vision blurred,

sway. I gripped the edge

a reassuring hand on my shoulder. His touch grounded me in the moment and he whispered, “You

managed a weak smile. I couldn’t afford

now.

focused on the breathing technique. he had taught me. Inhale deeply for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale for four counts. It

evidence. that Timothy’s breach of contract was a result of the hockey club’s fraudulent practices

club. The relentless pressure and the blatant disregard for his well–being had pushed him to a breaking point. It was a story of exploitation and abuse, a tale that should never have been tolerated in

atmosphere shifted, and it was as

fraudulent activities. The judge’s brow furrowed, and Mr.

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Chapter 35

continued to build the case against the club leader. I presented the contract, which was riddled with stipulating

similar mistreatment and exploitation under the club leader’s reign. Their testimonies painted a damning

his anger any longer. He rose to his feet, his face red with fury. “This is preposterous, Your Honor! These claims are baseless and meant to defame me and

remained composed, my voice unwavering. “Your Honor, the evidence speaks for itself. The mistreatment of players and the fraudulent practices were pervasive.