The Verdict Is In

 WDLC News special report. Live from Doll County Courthouse, Barbieville Mayor Rose-Grace Pike is making a prepared statement regarding Barbieville's Deadly Driver case.

Rose-Grace: Just moments ago, Paris Malfoy, once a respected professor at the local university, was found guilty of all charges.  Homicide victims included his own wife, historian Helena Malfoy, and County Parks Employee Charlie Lake.  Other charges include human trafficking, fraud, and grand theft auto.  Malfoy will be serving at least twenty years, at which time he is eligible for parole. I will not be taking questions at this time. 

Andre: Do not respond to any questions.  Walk directly to the vehicle.

Malfoy: You were supposed to get me off, you lousy little -- 

Lynch: Considering public sentiment, you're lucky to have avoided The Chair. 

****

It's evening by the time Rose-Grace gets home.  

Mace: We saw you on the news.  Looking pretty good.

Rose-Grace: Lynch brought him out and the entire mob forgot I existed.   (chuckles)  I'm not even sure how I ended up being the one to make a statement.  Usually it's one of the attorneys.  I'm just glad it's finally over and I can get back to normal.

Candy: I snuck out in disguise and came right here.  Pike said I can crash on the couch tonight, since your windows are far enough from the road to deter reporters.  

Rose-Grace: According to the police radio, crowds are congregating at your building and The Tor.  You can see them in front of James and PJ's place, too, but so far no one's complained there.  They're like vultures. 

Candy: Making all us ethical photojournalists look bad.  

Taylor: Hey, Mom!  Did he get The Chair? 

Rose-Grace: You know we don't even have a death penalty.  I came in here to tell you I spoke to Halfsies.  They don't have the funds for paid employees, but they said an internship is possible.  

Taylor: Internship is a good start, I guess.  Okay if I stop there after school tomorrow to work out a schedule?  

Rose-Grace: Just remember, your schoolwork comes first.  Keep the grades up. 

Rose-Grace: You left your homework this late?  You know better than that. 

Stacie: I've been working on this all day, Stepmom.  Life in ancient Rome was crazy!

Rose-Grace: Life in modern Barbieville is crazy, too.  I'm gonna pour me a glass of wine and soak in a bubble bath.  Which might be something they did in ancient Rome.  Although my wine isn't kept in lead urns.  

Lies and Gossip

 Zenobia and Boudicca have been summoned to Judge's Chambers.

Judge: It is unusual for me to speak directly with witnesses, but both attorneys have agreed provided they are present.  What I want isn't evidence, per se.  It's context to help me decide on sentencing. Both of you had obvious reactions to your father's testimony, which intrigues me. 

Zenobia: If Mom knew about my van, she wouldn't have kept quiet.  She would have told me and encouraged me to prosecute the thief.  If there'd been drugs in it, she'd have seen to it I was prosecuted. She was very into teaching us that actions have consequences. 

Boudicca: I'm beginning to think Dad needs psychiatric help.  That entire scenario sounds more like him protecting the family name than anything she would have done.  

Zenobia:  You were always more forgiving than me.  The man is a liar, plain and simple. 

Andre: Your Honor, I have to object.  Miss Malfoy is accusing my client of perjury.

Judge: Objection noted.  Is there anything else you'd like me to consider? 

Boudicca:  He's always been more concerned with the family's public image than with our own feelings.  He wanted to legally disown Zenobia a long time ago, but Mom wouldn't hear of it.  Personally, I think he's the one who hid the vehicle away.  Whether he's lying or delusional I'll leave to the experts. 

Zenobia: His first-born was supposed to be a lot of things I'm not. But none of that really bears on the case, except the van.  And the question of why it was in hiding doesn't change the fact that he used it to do what he did.

Judge: I'll take Boudicca's advice and consult with the professionals already on the case.  Thank you for your time. ladies. 

**** 

As a result of this meeting, the keytar player for Sarcastic Fringehead is late for rehearsal. 

Zenobia: Thanks for waiting, guys.  Talk to me about anything that's not my dad, please! 

Whitney: Finnick was telling us he doesn't think Maddie Sulu needs guitar lessons and Nakoma wants to punch Esperanza in the nose.

Tanner: I wanna punch Esperanza in the nose.  Just because she gets you so worked up.  

Whitney: I just worry that she might be right.  Even just a little. 

Tanner: Well, she ain't right.  If I had a problem with our relationship, I'd talk to you about it.  

Nakoma: It's not just you, anyway.  She's spreading tales about Finnick and Mattie, too.  Among others. 

Zenobia: It's just gossip.  Do you have any ideas how many times the gossip mill's had me pregnant?  

Nakoma: Mattie is a minor.  Finnick could get arrested. 

Zenobia: Nobody's gonna get arrested based on gossip.  Investigated, maybe, but not arrested.