My mind was spinning as I sat near the front of the court room.  The last few days in the back of my mind.  I didn't know how I was awake, with everything going on, and the little sleep I've had.

My back hurt, my legs, arms...everything hurt from last night, but I was pulling through.

He laughed at me, taunted, mocked.  At every opportunity he hit me with something.  But little did he know that i was playing him.  He could stab and me, and yes, it would hurt, but the emotion I showed, the tears I gave, were only to keep him talking. 

I looked around the room, everyone piling in, and felt extremely under dressed in my boots. Caleb wore his suit.  The same one he wore when we first met.  His golden cuff links in place with his hair made.  The last week I'd gotten so used to seeing him in casual wear, that right now, he looked fierce.

Just as dangerous as the man he was trying to prove guilty.

he wouldn't meet my eyes, but was composed and professional in every sense.

Maybe this was best, but then again this wasn't a big city.  Everyone knew where he was sleeping...so we wouldn't fool anyone if it came to that.

But at this moment, I wasn't worried.

Talking to the judge, I knew he was representing the state of Georgia against the case of Jimmy Turner.  It was a huge deal, but the way he was composed, leaning on the stand, discussing with the Judge and Luis Worthing about the case...you could say he looked like he belonged. 

Sleek.

Elegant. 

A force to be messed with.

No wonder Jimmy had wanted him.

Now he had to defend himself from him.

I got sweat bedding on my forehead just thinking about it...that is until I found him watching me.  His smile had me relaxing, but my heart was pounding under my blouse. 

Everything started slow.  Intro's to the jury. 

Their opening statements.

Luis seemed confident, flaunting himself around with what he thought was arrogance and knowledge. Caleb, on the other hand was forward, and knew what he was saying.  He spoke clear,  and made the jury interact with him.

By the time Jimmy was called to the stand several hours had passed.

"Is it true you and Olivia had been in a relationship Mr. Turner?"

"Yes."  Luis nodded and paced a bit.  "And you had a child.  Would you say you had a good relationship?"  Again Jimmy said yes.  Questions about there relationship were sprouted from both ends, and the way Jimmy talked about it made it seem like heaven.

It made me feel sick.

But Jimmy's happy facade ended quickly.

"So you seem to have loved her and your child."

"Yes, very much so."

"Then why is it she's dead and Peyton is no longer under your care?"  Caleb crossed his arms and ankles, leaning back, while Jimmy's knuckles turned white.

"Well?"  Caleb asked.

"I gave her up."

"Why?" Jimmy shifted.  Not wanting to answer.

"Well Mr. Turner?"  Judge Corden asked.

"I didn't want her.  I gave her up for adoption thinking I wasn't fit to father alone." Caleb clucked his tongue and faced the jury.

"And don't you also have another child?"

"Yes."  He grunted.

"And who has both of these children?"

"Objection!" Luis said, rising quickly from his seat.

"Sustained."  Silence lingered until Jimmy met my eyes.  A smirk racked his lips as he saw me.

"My wife Harper."  I wanted to sink into my chair, but I sat tall as whispers encased the room.

"You mean ex-wife.  Your divorce was finalized, what, 7 years ago here soon?"  Jimmy scowled in his direction. 

"Yes."  Every answer was stigmented after that.  No longer lovey dovey after his statement.  It was clear that he hadn't loved Olivia, but nothing was yet proven.  Even with it looking bad on his end, there was no evidence. 

As we took brake, declared by the judge, I met Caleb outside for some fresh air.

"Your doing great in there."  I said, wrapping my arms around him.  He rested his head into my hair.

"Only because your here love."  That made me laugh and I pulled back a bit.

"You were born for your line of work.  Your taring them apart in there.  Everyone see's it.  Luis doesn't stand a chance.  Not that he ever had one  to begin with that is.."  He gave me a chase kiss and smiled.

"But I'm not winning yet."

"But you will."

"Only if I pull out the big guns and play the cards right."  Raising a brow I tried to read his expression.

"Do you have ....big guns?"  He chuckled and bit the lip I just pouted. 

"You should know."  Laughing lightly I slapped his chest.  This felt natural.  The way it was supposed to be.  I didn't have to force happiness in this mans arms...but I had to know what he meant.

"I'm being serious."  He nodded and ran his hands up and down my arms.

"I know...and I do.  But it wasn't legally obtained.  Have you noticed Jason's not here yet?  I've been stalling, but getting the jurse on our side."  Looking around, it suddenly hit me that I hadn't seen him for awhile.  "He's processing the warrant as fast as he can.  Making sure that the evidence found was legally attained.  Otherwise its void."

"Wha-"

"We went to his house last night."  Looking around he made sure no one was near of ear shot."  I had too."  And I understood.  Didn't like it.  But I understood. "I have to put him away Harper."  He whipped my checks.  "Please don't be upset."  I whipped at my face myself and found that I was indeed crying.  

"I'm not upset.  It's just..that I..I didn't know you really could-"

"Love you this much?"  I nodded as he finished my sentence.  "I love you Harper."

"I love you too."  Pulling me in the, whipping my tears, he kissed me.  His lips soft but firm on mine made my stomach feel tight with longing.  I never wanted this to end.  I loved the way he kissed me.

"You've changed my world for the better.  Now its my turn to topple yours."  A crooked grin on his face he kissed me again, then drew me into his arms and just held me.

We stood there for the duration of the break.  

In comfortable silence.  We didn't need words as long as he held me.

By the time we had to go back in I noticed Jason shuffling our way, a huge box on his arm.  He approached us and Caleb released me, helping carry it.  They seemed to have a silent conversation, and it made me want to know what was in the box.  Turning their gaze on me I felt all of a sudden like I should have moved away.  And quick. 

"Harper..."  Caleb took my hand in his free one, and started leading us back up the steps to the hall. "I'm going to be putting you up on the stand as my next witness."