The Accused Part 6
Just then the doors of the courtroom
swing open and everyone turns their head to see who was disrupting
the proceedings. Nora jumps up and lets out a huge sigh. She rushes
to the door and whispers to the intruder. The conversation goes
back and forth then finally they walk up to the front of the courtroom
together.
Nora: Your honor. I'm sorry about the confusion. I have one more
person to call. I know it is late but this can't wait. I respectfully
request that I be allowed to continue my defence at this time.
BF: Mr Gannon?
Hank looks at Bo and lets out a deep breath: Yes your honor, I
agree to allow Ms Buchanan to continue.
BF: Very well. We will resume in 10 minutes.
Nora takes her star witness to a seat
behind the defence table and goes through the gate to talk to
Hank.
Nora: Thanks Hank. I know how you hate to lose, but this is Bo's
life we're talking about here
Hank: You know darned well that I've hated this whole thing from
the beginning. Who is this person you are calling?
Nora then proceeded to tell Hank the whole story.
Hank: You're just so damned pleased with yourself aren't you?
And by the way, so am I.
Nora smiled and went over to Bo.
Nora: It's over Bo. We've done it.
Bo: You've done it Red. How will I ever make it up to you?
Nora: Do I really have to answer that?
BF: Ms Gannon, if you've finished
your conversation and have time for us now, would you please continue.
Nora: I'm sorry your honor. Yes I'm more than ready. The defence
calls Jenn Rappaport.
The noise in the courtroom is deafening. Judge Fitzwater bangs
her gavel again and again.
ORDER! One more sound and I will close this room!....Thank you.
Ms Rappaport please take the stand.
Nora: Please state your name
Jenn: Jennifer Rappaport
Nora: And where do you reside?
Jenn: I go to school in Switzerland.
Nora: Jenn, when was the last time you were in Llanview?
Jenn looks down, tears forming in her eyes: Three weeks ago
Nora: Please tell the court about your visit.
Jenn continued to stare at the floor: I didn't want to come but
I couldn't stay away from my brother any longer. He was in jail
and I needed to talk to him and make sure he was ok. But when
I got there I found out that he wasn't ok. He was terrified and
looked depressed and so thin. I visited my mom there, at Statesville,
too. She was managing as she always does but she got to me. I
hated seeing her there. My family has always been messed up, but
this was too much.
Nora: You put the blame on your father, Sam Rappaport, is that
right?
Jenn: Yes. My brother, Will, told me that he was in jail because
of a feud between our father and Asa Buchanan. Will admitted to
stealing some money but was framed by Mr Buchanan for much more.
My father didn't get him off. He said he did everything he could,
but he started the whole thing and Will ended up in jail because
of him.
Nora: You were very angry at your father, right?
Jenn: Yes, I couldn't look him in the face. When I got here I
followed him around a bit and saw him living and laughing and
loving this child, Matthew, and there was nothing for Will or
me
Nora: And you killed him
Jenn: Yes I killed him. I took the gun that I had found in my
mother's gallery and I stalked him and when I found him alone
that night I called to him and led him to the alley and shot him
dead.
BF: ORDER - this is my last warning. Not a word or I'll clear
the room
Nora: Thank you Jenn. I know this has been very hard for you.
Could you please tell the court why you framed Bo Buchanan for
this?
Jenn: He ruined my mother. He promised to marry her, to take care
of her - instead he called off their relationship and it drove
her insane - he ruined her life, that's why I made it look like
he killed my father - the two of them had to pay.
Jenn broke down and cried. Nora stood in front of her with her
hand on Jenn's shoulder
Nora: Jenn, look at me. I'll help you, you hear me, I'll help
you.
Nora: Your honor, I request that all charges against Bo Buchanan
be dropped
BF: Mr Gannon?
Hank: Of course your honor.
BF: Mr Buchanan, you are free to go
Hank: Guard please take Ms Rappaport into custody
Friends and family congratulated Bo
and Nora and left. Finally the room was empty of spectators.
Hank: Forgiven, buddy?
Bo: Oh you'll pay for this, you can count on it. (Bo smiled and
shook Hank's hand)
Hank: Great job as always Nora
Nora: I was actually afraid of getting back to work - you threw
me in the deep end, Hank - and I guess I survived
Hank hugged her and left the courtroom
Nora: We got a whole lotta celebrating to do Bo
Bo: Lead the way, Red.
Bo and Nora left the courtroom arm in arm.
THE END
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