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?”

Fitzgerald vs Hayes,”

claim. We watched silently as Jasper stood back up and strolled to the podium up front. He adjusted the microphone. and gave it a few taps

Sports Center in this case. We intend to prove that the defendant is guilty of breaching his

began reviewing my files, sifting through the evidence I had gathered in preparation for my testimony. The facts were on our side, and I was determined to reveal the truth, though I feared Jasper and his client would

he took his seat. I walked to the

could hear Jasper

Mr. Fitzgerald. I clenched my jaw and thanked the

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

Mr. Fitzgerald went on. He made

comfort him somehow, but 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

Defense may cross–examine the witness,” said Judge Jackson once Jasper finished his

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wink before seating himself. I took a deep breath and grabbed my bag from under the table. My legs trembled as I stood and placed it on

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

myself to stay calm. But then, a rush

blurred, and

sway. I gripped the edge

hand on my shoulder. His touch grounded me in the moment and he whispered, “You can do this, Evie.

managed a weak smile. I

now.

deeply for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale for four counts. It was

began, my voice trembling only slightly. “I will present evidence. that Timothy’s breach of contract was

pressure and the blatant disregard for his well–being had pushed him to a breaking point. It was a story of exploitation and

courtroom was attentive, and I could sense that my words were resonating. The atmosphere shifted, and it was

testimonies that exposed the club leader’s fraudulent activities. The judge’s brow furrowed, and

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Chapter 35

build the case against the club leader. I presented the contract, which was riddled with stipulating terms that had been altered to exploit Timothy. It was a contract designed to

called upon witnesses who had experienced similar mistreatment and exploitation under the club leader’s reign. Their testimonies painted a damning portrait of the Mr.

couldn’t contain his anger any longer. He rose to his feet, his

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