"On the day of the abduction when he showed up at my house. I know I shouldn’t have gone along with it, but I was desperate. I thought maybe if Tina’s dad talked to her, she might come around"

"Did you know he was planning to take Miss Kennard to North Carolina?"

"No. But when I found out, I figured she’d be with her family"

"And when you were questioned by the police, and later by Miss Porter, why did you not tell anyone that you in fact knew where she was?"

"I made a huge mistake, but I was just so desperate to get Tina back. I thought, if everyone just left her alone for a few days, maybe she’d change her mind. I didn’t think any harm would come to her"

"And when you were in the registry office, you witnessed the acts of violence committed by Mr Kennard. If you hadn’t realised what he was planning, why did you not try and stop him?"

"I was in shock. And I’ll admit, I hate Miss Porter, I hate her for taking away my fiancee. I should have done something, but I didn’t, and now I have to live with that"

"Thank you Mr Young, I have no further questions at this time"

"Your witness Miss Buckley"

"Thank you your Honour. Mr Young, you appear today as part of a plea bargain, is that correct?"

"Yes it is ma’am"

"And what are the terms of your plea"

"I pled guilty in return for a five year sentence"

"And would you have testified if it hadn’t been part of your plea agreement?"

"Yes, I honestly would. I love Tina and I deeply regret the suffering that she’s been through. I owe it to her to tell the truth"

As Henry finished his testimony, Tina took Bette’s hand in hers and squeezed it.

"That concludes the prosecution’s case your Honour" Joyce stated, putting down her papers.

"Thank you Miss Wishnia. Jurors, you are excused for the day"

The jurors left the court and it was the turn of Faye Buckley to ask for a motion of demurrer, that is for the case to be dismissed due to a lack of evidence, as was usual trial procedure. The Judge immediately denied the motion, and indicated that the defense must be ready to proceed with their evidence the following day.

Outside the court, Tina stood with Bette and her mother and waited to speak with Joyce. The prosecutor approached them, seemingly pleased with the way that the trial had gone so far.

"So how do you think it’s going?" Bette asked her.

"I’m quietly confident. I can see what Faye Buckley’s trying to do, but I just can’t see her convincing the jury that Mr Kennard’s actions were justified"

"Will he take the stand?" Tina asked quietly.

"It’s highly likely. It’s the only way that he’ll be able to put his excuses across"

"Do me a favour and tear him a new one, will you?" Bette asked, only half joking.

"I’ll do my best"

They said their goodbyes and Bette and Tina headed home while Jackie returned to her hotel. They had offered her the guest room at the house, but Jackie had declined, saying that the two women needed to be alone to deal with the impact of the trial.

"Babe?" Tina asked as they walked into the house together "Do you think we could just get a take away tonight?"

"Sure T, whatever you want"

"I just want to snuggle up with you and not move until tomorrow"

"That sounds perfect"

And they did just that. The take away was delivered to the house and they ate it sat side by side on the sofa. When they were finally full, Bette laid back on the sofa and let the blonde lie between her legs with her head rested on her chest.

"Do you honestly think they’ll convict him?" Tina wondered out loud.

"I have faith in our justice system T. I can’t see how anyone could have any doubts as to his guilt after everything they’ve heard"

The blonde seemed satisfied with the answer. She had to trust in her girlfriend’s confidence, and knew that she couldn’t let herself be plagued by fears. With any luck, she would have her closure in a matter of days.