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?”

case is Fitzgerald vs Hayes,” the bailiff

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

members of the jury, my name is Jasper, and I am representing James Fitzgerald of Clayton Sports Center in this case. We intend to prove that the defendant is guilty of breaching his contract with

I began reviewing my files, sifting through the evidence I had gathered in preparation for my testimony. The facts were

seat. I walked to the podium and provided

As I spoke. I could hear

and thanked the court before. returning to

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

Mr. Fitzgerald went on. He made

give the prosecution any credibility toward the rumors circling the city. I settled on patting him on the hand beneath the table,

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Chapter 35

may cross–examine the witness,” said Judge Jackson

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strolling back to his seat and handed me an obnoxious wink before seating himself. I took a deep breath and grabbed my bag from under the table. My legs trembled as

heart lurched, and the courtroom seemed to close in on me. Anxiety washed. over me like a suffocating wave. It was as if the eyes of the entire world were upon me, waiting for my words to either vindicate or condemn

to stay calm. But then,

to overwhelm me. My vision blurred, and the walls

to warp and sway. I gripped the edge of the witness stand,

a reassuring hand on my shoulder. His touch grounded me in the

words were soothing, and I managed a weak smile. I couldn’t afford

now.

technique. he had taught me. Inhale deeply for four counts, hold for

my voice trembling only slightly. “I will present evidence. that Timothy’s breach of contract was a result of the hockey club’s fraudulent practices and

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

words were resonating. The atmosphere shifted, and it was as if a storm was brewing, about to break

delved deeper into the evidence, I presented documents and testimonies that exposed the club leader’s fraudulent activities. The

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Chapter 35

was riddled with stipulating terms that had been altered to exploit Timothy. It was a contract designed to benefit the club leader at the expense of the

and exploitation under the club leader’s reign. Their testimonies painted a damning portrait of

longer. He rose to his feet, his face red with fury. “This is preposterous, Your Honor!

Honor, the evidence speaks for itself. The mistreatment of players and the fraudulent practices were pervasive. The truth must be revealed, no matter