This chapter is dedicated to JoanaMarisaLopes. Thanks so much for following this story and your many votes.

35 - The Light Bulb Goes Off  

Nate's POV

I decide to go home when Marcus rests his case after Kade's testimony and the proceedings are postponed until the next morning. It is not even two o'clock and I should really catch up on some paperwork but just can't get myself to do it. Court was exhausting and I long for some quality time with Mitch and Marie.

Rena's chances of winning were torn to shreds right in front of me and it is quite unfair considering what she has been through. I still haven't figured out the trigger that made her snap and it drives me nuts. Secretly, I had hoped that Kade's testimony and the phone recordings would shed some light on the matter but I am still as clueless as before.

Rena has never struck me as a girl who just randomly lashes out, especially not at Brent Parks who she was submissively dependent on. I would have understood if she had killed him during one of his physical abusive episodes but she never even fought back, so what changed on that particular day? I am certain that her refusal to share the truth is her form of self-punishment because deep down, she doesn't want to deal with her choices.

In many ways, I just want to forget about the whole ordeal and find my obsession quite puzzling. I had plenty of abuse cases before but somehow, this one touches me more than the others. It could be Rena's young age and the severity of the violence that causes me feel sorry for her but maybe it is just the challenge to get to the bottom of things since she blew me off.

When I get home, Mitch is in the yard, playing with his football.

"Daddy, you are home early." He seems delighted.

I hug him, tousling his hair. Marie is sitting in the Hollywood swing and relaxes, her stomach even bigger than when I left this morning.

I plant a kiss on her mouth. "Hey honey, how was your doctor's appointment?"

"Great. Two more weeks to go. I'm right on track."

That's at least one thing I don't have to worry about. I hold my hand to her belly and feel my little daughter kicking. "Any more crazy name ideas?"

"Actually, I like the name Rena."

I freeze, staring at her. "How did you come up with that?"

"Oh, I was reading about this girl in the paper who is on trial for murder but the name sure is pretty. Don't you agree?"

I give her an unsure smile. "Uhm. Have to think about that one."

I could just fess up and tell her that Rena is my client and I would find it strange to name my daughter after her but have always taken confidentiality very seriously.

Luckily, I am saved from further name discussions when Mitch runs up, hugging my legs and making me stumble.

"Play ball with me, daddy?" he demands with his best puppy dog eyes.

He knows they are my weak spot though today, I don't need a lot of convincing. He is growing up so quickly and I don't want to miss out. After the football, we move on to soccer and later watch a cartoon on the television. He is cradled in my right arm while Marie is lying comfortably on the couch on her side, her head propped on my lap. Life can't get much better than this. I am privileged to have these two people in my live who I love to pieces and one more little one on the way.

I don't want Marie burdened with the chore of fixing dinner and we order takeout. Chinese, everybody's favorite. I feed my wife with the spring rolls while Mitch stuffs himself with sweet and sour chicken. I swear I have never seen a child eat that much and that quickly. If a stranger saw him, he would swear we don't feed him.

His bedtime is soon after dinner and I tuck him into bed.

"Read me a story, daddy."

I grin. "Which one would you like?"

"The one with the princess and the happy ending."

Happy Endings. Something Rena doesn't believe in. I start on the 'Beauty and the Beast' and even make up some mild scary voices to keep him interested. We read an extra chapter because he is so excited.

"I love you, buddy." I kiss his forehead and turn off the light when he finally stops nagging.

Marie is slouched back in her seat when I get back downstairs, starting on some popcorn.

"I'm exhausted. Maybe we should go to bed soon?" I suggest.

She heaves her swollen feet onto the couch. "You are not getting off that easy, Dr. Sullivan. I expect a massage since I feel like a bloated walrus. After all, you participated in the production of this child as much as I did."

Her comment gets me thinking about Rena again. I was missing something.

I start rubbing Marie's ankles. "Honey, imagine I wouldn't be the great guy I am but quite mean and abusive. Is there any way you could snap and say..." I hesitate. "kill me?"

She squints at me. "What kind of question is that?"

"Well, sometimes, it's hard for a man to get a full grasp on the female psyche and I thought you could give me some insight."

She gives me a doubtful look. "In what type of scenario is this murder taking place? I mean, are you pointing a gun at me or something?"

"Nope. I'm deep asleep in the bed after a pleasant dinner and you just wake me and slice me open."

She frowns. "Just like that?"

I nod.

She thinks for a moment. "Sorry, I can't help you on that one. A woman who does that must be a total psychopath."

I was afraid of exactly that answer - it's the picture Marcus has been painting of Rena. I lean back in frustration, watching my wife as she is engrossed in a book she is reading.

And then it occurs to me. With my next question, I have her full attention but it is her answer that makes me shoot up like a rocket.

"I have to go."

"Where?" She is totally at a loss. "It's almost eight a clock."

"Jail," I yell as I grab my coat.

I have to talk to Rena before her testimony tomorrow.

                                                         xxxx

 Rena's POV

I am still in shock from court today. The truth is finally sinking in - I will definitely lose and be sentenced to death. There is no more doubt in my mind - Kade's testimony sealed my fate. The faces of the jurors said it all and there is no need to prolong the inevitable. I will just tell Mr. Porter to forget it and refuse to take the stand. After all, that's my right as the defendant.

The keys in the door are turning and I am startled. What is it now? Dinner was served and the empty tray removed an hour ago when the night guard checked on me. There is no more reason for them to hassle me.

Thelma pokes her head in. "You have a visitor."

That's a first. Visiting hours are only Wednesdays and Fridays and always in the afternoon. Other than my dad, no one has ever come to see me. Maybe it is Mr. Porter who wants to go through my testimony one more time.

I drag myself on my feet and follow Thelma down the corridor. She opens the door to one of the interrogation rooms and I stop dead in my tracks.

Doc is grinning at me. "I figured it out."

I give him a sarcastic smile. "How to screw me over some more?"

"No. Why you killed Brent Parks."

"Oh, yeah." There is no way he could be telling the truth. I haven't told anyone what happened on the night of the murder though I could recall every single detail down to the way Brent smelled before I rammed the knife into his stomach. "Why don't you enlighten me?"

He points at the chair across from him. "Sit down."

I hesitate. What if this is one of his stupid games and he is trying to trick me with his obnoxious questions?

"I'm really tired, doc and don't feel like talking."

"I was afraid you would say that." His eyes move to Thelma. "Bring in the tray."

She rolls in a trolley, filled with at least twenty flavors of different ice creams. I laugh, not believing he went through all this trouble to bribe me.

"Is that all for me?" I ask, my eyes filling with tears. God – why is he so nice to me?

"It can be if you decide to cooperate."

"And what do I have to do?" The ice cream looks absolutely delicious and I can't resist.

"You have to tell me what happened on the night of the murder so I can validate my theory."

I pucker my lips, he is playing with fire. "Is this off the record?"

He nods. "No tape recording, no monitoring. Just you and me like two old friends."

I decide that the ice cream it totally worth it. If he has no witnesses and no transcript, he has nothing to go by. For all I care, he could take my secrets to his grave.

I grab the container with the raspberry vanilla fudge and open it. "Well doc, you just bought yourself a ticket to the truth."

And for the next two hours, I actually answer all of his questions without giving him any hassle.

                                                                xxxx

Nate's POV

I am still not sure how Rena could have eaten so much ice cream without getting sick. She must have devoured at least a gallon and has managed to open every single container to try all the flavors. A few weren't to her liking and disposed of straight away but most were shuffled almost nonstop into her mouth. I doubt she can close an eye tonight from all the sugar.

But the whole affair has been a success – I got what I came for. Having her testify is a whole different matter, so far she has refused with vigor. She claims the jury wouldn't understand anyhow.

I wholeheartedly disagree. I can't promise her it will make a difference – the law is the law – but it is worth a try. At least it should get rid of the death penalty.

She is still reluctant. "Why is this so important to you, doc? I mean, why do you even care?"

I am prepared for her question and give her a fairly simple answer. "My wife is pregnant. It's a little girl. If something like this ever happened to her, I would want someone to help her. And I sure wouldn't allow her to give up."

She avoids my eyes, surprised by my honest reply. "I took matters into my own hands. I deserve to be punished."

"Rena, look at me." There are tears in her eyes. "I don't generally agree with self-justice but you were backed into a corner and felt justified, at least in your mind. You need to stop beating yourself up and being your biggest enemy. All this - your behavior and your demeanor - that isn't you. It's just a well-played act so that people don't like you and won't feel sorry for you."

She sniffles. "You don't think I'm a bad person?"

I want to take her hand in comfort but know that this could throw her into shock. "Life dealt you a few shitty cards. It's time to get rid of them and dare to take some new ones. They might be equally bad but you'll never know unless you try."

Her smile is almost hopeful. "OK, I'll do that. I'll tell the jury everything and let them decide what I deserve."

I triumph silently. "There is just one more problem we need to tackle. Your lawyer might not want to waste that much time and try to rush you off the stand – that is if he even asks the right questions."

She cringes. "And idea how we can get around that?"

The wheels in my head are spinning and I actually come up with one of my rare brilliant ideas. "How about Pam Fallon?"

She laughs bitterly. "Pam will never defend me. She hates me."

I shake my head. "She really wanted to help you today and was upset that Porter didn't object. She told me after court that you didn't deserve someone like him. Pam may disagree with what you did to Kade but she is an idealist through and through and firmly believes that defendants have the right to the best representation possible."

"Still, isn't there a conflict of interest?"

"Not anymore. Kade's case was dismissed two weeks ago and she no longer represents him. Since you are not an opposing witness in one of her cases, it should be OK."

There is a glint of hope in her eyes. "Will you talk to her?"

It won't be easy but I'm almost certain I can convince her. She was furious about Porter's behavior - called it even disgraceful - and it would help that her nemesis Marcus was the opposing counsel.

"Don't worry. Try to get a good night sleep and be ready in the morning. Smile for a change and try to dazzle. You are fighting to take back your life, don't forget that. Don't let Brent Parks win in the end."

That does it. My words finally ignite a fire in her eyes - she is ready for a good battle. I just hope she won't be disappointed. 

So Nate finally figured it out - too bad he is not sharing. How about you? After reading this chapter, have you figured out Rena's motives? And what do you think of the idea of Pam representing her? Do you think she will do it?

We are approaching the finish line - only one more chapter before we take our final trip into the past and learn all about the day of the murder. It has been quite a ride and I want to thank all of you who have been sticking it out so far. You guys have been amazing.

As usual, please comment and vote. Interacting with my readers is my favorite part on WP so don't be shy. I want to hear from you XD.