Chapter 21

As the trial was adjourned for the day, Eric had decided to go back to Forrester to get the weekīs work done. He didnīt plan to work for the rest of the week so he wanted to get everything over and done with while he had the time. His latest designs had been done for a couple of weeks already, and only the last changes were needed and he had put Lucinda in charge of making sure the changes he wanted was taken care of. Now he just had some paperwork left for the day. He looked through his desk but the contract he was looking for was obviously not in his room. He went to the door and saw Megan by her desk.
"Megan, have you seen the Louvier document?" he asked.
"Brooke has it" Megan informed him. Eric headed over to Brookeīs office and knocked at the door. No one answered. He felt the doornob and the door opened, he walked inside. He started looking for the document he needed.
"Where has she put it?" he wondered aloud. As he lifted the folder placed upon a pile of documents he had taken out of a drawer, he saw a signature he recognized. "What the...?!" Eric said shocked. "Stephanie was right. It was Brooke"...


Bridget and CJ were eating lunch downstairs at Insomnia after the lunchhour was over. CJ was only picking on his food and Bridget realized what was on his mind.
"You want to go visit her?"
"Who?" CJ asked as he looked up at her. "Deaconīs sister. Dina. You feel responsible for her accident, donīt you?"
"I AM responsible, Bridget. If I had showed up or at least called her, she wouldnīt be fighting for her life right now".
"There is no way you could have known what was going to happen. You canīt beat yourself up. What happened was a tragedy, but you canīt blame yourself. I am sure Dina donīt."
"But Deacon is. He swore heīd kill me if Dina didnīt make it".
"She wonīt die. Sheīll be okay, at least physically."
"But mentally... I have to go see her. I have to tell her how sorry I am."
"I am not so sure itīs a good idea. If Deacon sees you heīll go off at you, I know he will."
"Then let him. But I am going to see Dina. I have to apologize."


Brooke entered the Forrester building and headed for her office. She noticed the opened door and looked inside. She was relieved it was only Eric.
"Eric, what are you doing in here?" she asked with a smile. Eric turned around with a look that made Brooke lose her smile. "Whatīs the matter with you?" she asked worried.
"I was just wondering the same thing. What is the matter with me? I trusted you, Brooke. I thought you were a honorable woman. I thought you respected me."
"What are you talking about? Of course I respect you."
"No you donīt. You stabbed me in the back. You went to the tabloids with what I told you in confidance. Do you want revenge on Stephanie so badly that youīd even use this information you knew I didnīt want anyone to know about?".
"Eric, I am not sure what you are talking about"
"You donīt even know... I am talking about Stephanieīs affair with the damn poolboy. I thought I made it clear to you how sensitive that was, and you go straight the the press with it."
"No, Eric. No I didnīt do that"
"Donīt lie to me. I know it was you. You left proof behind" Eric said as he held up the document he had found. Brooke grabbed it from his hand and studied it. A document of her approving a big and expensive fabric order that Eric had had problems with.
"I donīt understand" she told him.
"That signature, is that yours?" Eric wondered.
"I guess. Looks like it".
"Iīll never forget this Brooke. You stabbed a knife in me."
"Because I signed this...?"
"We both know it was more than that. You bulldozed right over me. You knew how I felt and you went right ahead with it anyway."
"I didnīt know this mattered so much to you, but I still stand by my decision, Iīm sorry".
"I didnīt think youīd stoop this low to get revenge. I canīt believe you could sacrifice me like I didnīt matter. I donīt know you anymore. I donīt know who you are."
Brooke had tears in her eyes, she couldnīt believe how Eric was talking to her.
"No, no. Donīt think waterwork is going to work this time. Not anymore. I wish to hell you didnīt own 51% of this company or I swear Iīd kick you out myself."
"But I do own 51%. I make the final decisions. If you donīt like them, then I am sorry. But you will just have to live with them!"
"Live with them? Iīd rather give my share of this company to the devil himself than to be bossed around by you. Go ahead, fire me. I donīt care. Youīve single-handed ruined the last bit of this company I held dear to me. This place is not a family company anymore. This building is worthless to me. You take it and do whatever you want with it. As of now, youīre out of my life!" Eric yelled and slammed the door behind him. Brooke couldnīt help but start crying, in anger and hurt. That was it. She was done with this. It was time for revenge. No one would ever treat her like she was worthless ever again!


Stephanie was at Thorneīs hospitalroom. Thorne was deeply asleep as Stephanie held his hand in hers. She couldnīt help but remember when Thorne had fallen down from a tree and needed stitches on his sliced eyebrow. Thorne had been screaming and crying as the doctors had examined him and he refused to get stitches. Stephanie had encouraged him, making him out to be a big boy if he could go through with the procedure. She had been by his side and held his hand like she was now, making sure he was secure and how sheīd never let anything bad happen to him. Thorne had obeyed the doctors and been a good boy. While grabbing hold of his momīs hand, he got the stitches and realized it didnīt hurt so much anymore. He was safe. Stephanie was now sitting holding his hand just like she did all those years ago. Maybe he would still feel safe, she thought. She couldnīt prevent the caraccident from happening, but she was going to make sure he would recover, even if she couldnīt be there with him much longer.


CJ walked into the hospital and headed towards the room he had been told Dina was in. He couldnīt see Deacon anywhere around, so he decided to walk in. Dina with her big bandage around her neck was asleep. CJ placed the flowers he had bought her on the bedside table. He looked down on Dina again and shook his head. What had he done to her? Dina started to wake up as she felt someone in the room with her.
"Hello?" she whispered.
"Hi" CJ replied as he took a step closer.
"What are you doing here?" Dina asked.
"I needed to see how you were doing".
"Not so good, as you can see" Dina whispered.
"I am so sorry about that"
"You blame youself?"
"I know it wasnīt my fault, but yes. I do blame myself".
"Good. You should" Dina whispered a little louder. CJ didnīt know what to say. "Go now" Dina whispered.
"No, I canīt leave you like this."
"I have my brother here. Go before he sees you here. I donīt want him to go to jail for killing you". "Why did you stood me up? Why didnīt you show?"
"I was with Bridget. We had had a huge argument as you know, and we started to talk and I forgot about the time".
"You forgot about me. Itīs okay, you can say it. I wonīt be offended. We hardly know each other."
"Thatīs true. But itīs not an excuse"
"No, itīs not. I nearly lost my life because you forgot about me. CJ, I donīt ever want to see you ever again. Please go".


Eric returned to the Forrester mansion and found Ridge in the living room. Ridge followed Eric with his eyes and noticed how angry Eric looked as he was pouring himself a glass of whiskey.
"What happened?" Ridge asked.
"I am not sure you want to know" Eric said and took a sip of the Whiskey.
"You had another argument with mother?" Ridge guessed.
"Not your mother. With Brooke."
"Brooke?" Ridge asked stunned.
"I found out she informed the media about your motherīs affair with that damn poolboy."
"She admitted it?" Ridge asked shocked.
"Oh yes, and she told me straight to my face that she didnīt regret it" Eric said and took another sip.
"What exactly did she say?"
"She threw it in my face that she owns 51% of the company and she will do whatever she wants. We have no say. You know Ridge, I trusted her. I must be the biggest fool in the world. I honestly thought she respected me enough as a friend and as the father of her children to keep this to herself. But no. Her wish to get back at your mother for their past arguments weight heavier. She was willing to sacrifice everything just so she could have her revenge. She sacrificed her relation to me. She stabbed me in the back, and she doesnīt regret it even for a second."
"Are you absolutely sure?"
"There was no way of misunderstanding it, Ridge."
"What has happened to her?" Ridge wondered. "She looked me in the face earlier and actually suggested to me that mother is guilty of killing Tim"
"She did what?" Eric asked infuriated all over again.
"Sheīs going to testify against her tomorrow"
"Brooke is willing to throw your mother in jail for a crime she didnīt commit. You have to talk to her Ridge. Make her see that she will lose everything if she goes through with this."
"I am on my way" Ridge said and left.


"What the hell are you doing here?" Deacon roared as he walked into Dinaīs room.
"CJ was just leaving. I told him I never want to see him again" Dina whispered to Deacon.
"So why are you still here, huh?" Deacon pointed his finger to CJīs shoulder.
"I have to make her see that I never meant for this to happen. I feel terrible about it".
"I bet you donīt feel as terrible as you will when I am through with you" Deacon spit. "You almost caused an innocent girl to lose her life. Do you have any idea what she went thought while waiting for you to get there? She will never be the same again!"
"I know she will have scars, Iīll never forgive myself".
"Oh boo-hoo. This isnīt about you! This is about her. I donīt care how you feel. I care about making sure she is okay. And thanks to you, she may never be okay again. You have no idea how she feels. What your selfish actions has caused her. I wish I could make you feel her pain."
"Dina, believe me. I want to make this up to you. I donīt know how but Iīll do anything."
"There isnīt anything you can do" Dina whispered.
"Let me at least try. I canīt live with myself otherwise" he said as he started walking over to her, but Deacon pulled him back and shoved him to the wall just as Bridget entered the room and screamed as she saw what was happening.
"Bridget, get CJ the hell out of here. Heīs caused enough pain" Deacon told Bridget. CJ was reluctant, but followed Bridget out.
"Youīll never have to see him again" Deacon assured Dina.


"Brooke?" Ridge yelled out as he entered her house. Brooke came out of the kitchen within a few seconds.
"You saw Eric?" Brooke asked.
"Yeah. I couldnīt quite believe what he told me".
"Not you too, Ridge. I did the right thing. I had every right. Why canīt you see that?"
"You canīt even begin to understand what you did. You have no idea how betrayed dad feels."
"By dad you mean Eric?"
Ridge gave her a stern look of a warning not to go there.
"Look, Ridge. I am your boss. Like it or not, I own 51% of the company. Your mother has been at my case for so many years now, and I will not let anyone else boss me around. I am finished with that. I refuse to be the victim anymore."
"So youīre becoming the vulture instead?"
"I donīt see it that way."
"Well I do. You totally stabbed my father in the back. You didnīt care how he would feel. You just wanted to see my mother humiliated.
"No, I didnīt. Thatīs not why I did it. How can you even think so?"
"Then why did you do it?"
"For for company. I honestly think this was the best decision I could have made. I am sorry if you and Eric donīt understand, but it was my decision to make and I made it."
"This is not going to work".
"What isnīt going to work?"
"Us. You and me. Weīre not going to work. I think itīs time you and I realize that what we had is over. Weīve been fighting hard, but is it really worth it anymore?"
"Are you dumping me over this?"
"How do you think we can get past this? My whole family has been turned upside down lately. And you are certainly not helping."
"You really canīt expect me to kiss up to Eric and especially Stephanie. Weīre never gonna get along and you need to understand that. She hates me. She may be the boss of the family, but like it or not, I am the boss at Forrester."
"I know you are. You never let us forget that. Everytime we have a dispute you pull some childish act at the company to make us suffer. Enough of that. This isnīt worth it anymore. My family is in deep jeopardy and I need to do something. I have to set it straight. My children wonīt grow up in this chaos. I am sorry, Brooke. But I have to let you go. I canīt do this anymore" Ridge said and left. Brooke was feeling kicked to the curb. She refused to start crying. She fought not to let out tears.
"If this is how you want it, fine. Have it your way!" Brooke said with a revengeful look in her eyes.


The next morning arrived and Shannon was the first one to take the stand in the witnessbox.
"Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God?"
"I do"
"Please state your name and occupation"
"Shannon Davis. I donīt have an occupation".
"Mr McCain, you may proceed"
"Thank you, your honor. Miss Davis, how do you know the defendant, Mrs Forrester?"
"I am involved with her stepson, Rick Forrester"
"Would you like to tell the court what happened on the evening of December 7th of last year?"
"I was with Rick at Mrs Forresterīs guesthouse. I was living there temporarily at the time".
"Why was that?"
"My mother had just passed away and Rick offered me to stay there for a while".
"So Mrs Forrester took you in to her home?"
"Yes, she did".
"Can you tell us what happened that evening? What happened before the shooting?"
"As I said, I was with Rick in the guesthouse. We were sharing a romantic evening".
"And then what happened?"
"I heard a loud noice comming from outside. I wanted to check it out but Rick told me it was probably Mrs Forrester slamming her cardoor. I ignored it, but then I looked out and I saw Mrs Forrester standing by the pool, looking down. We went outside and thatīs when we saw the body in the pool" Shannon said as Russell Baxter were making notes.
"The body of Timothy Cameron?"
"Yes"
"What happened next?"
"We were shocked. Mrs Forrester didnīt respond to us at first. I saw a gun next to her. Then the police arrived."
"So let me get this straigh. You heard a loud noice and you saw Mrs Forrester by the deceaced and you saw a gun next to her."
"That is correct"
"This noice. Do you suppose it could have been a gun?"
"Objection! Leading question" Russell said.
"Overruled, answer the question please" the judge ordered.
"It was loud enough to be, yes. I didnīt think it was a cardoor slamming shut because it wouldnīt have been so loud.
"How long after the noice you heard was it before you saw Stephanie Forrester by the poolside with the gun?"
"About a minute, or two".
"Did you see anyone else around? Hear anyone else?"
"No, I didnīt"
"Was anyone in the mainhouse?"
"Only Mrs Forresterīs son Thorne Forrester"
"And he didnīt see or hear anything either?"
"No, he canīt. He is sick right now"
"I am sorry to hear that. I only have one more question, Miss Davis. Do you believe Stephanie Forrester shot Timothy Cameron?"
Shannon was put on the spot. She didnīt think she would get that question. What was she going to say?
"Iīll ask again; do you believe Stephanie Forrester shot Timothy Cameron?"
"I donīt know..."
"Itīs an easy question. Do you or donīt you believe it?"
"Maybe"
"No further questions" McCain said and went back to his table.
"Mr Baxter?"
"Thank you, your honor" Russell said as he got up and walked over to Shannon.
"Miss Davis, for how long have you known Stephanie Forrester?"
"About 2 months now"
"Have you spent much time with her?"
"No, I havenīt"
"But you feel like you know her well enough to say sheīs a cold blooded murderer?"
"Objection your honor!" McCain shouted.
"Sustain"
"You mentioned it may have been up to two minutes between your heard a noice and when you saw Stephanie Forrester outside your window. 2 minutes is quite a long time. You suppose someone else could have pulled the trigger, left and then Stephanie Forrester walked up to the pool and found Mr Cameron?"
"Objection!"
"Overruled"
"I think that is possible, yes" Shannon admitted.
"You also mentioned your mother passed away. How did she die?"
"Objection, your honor. What has this got to do with the case?"
"I was wondering the same thing myself. Where are you going with this, Mr Baxter?"
"Youīll see if you let me proceed"
"Fine, overruled. Continue Mr Baxter"
"How did your mother die, Miss Davis?"
"In a caraccident?"
"Would this be the same accident that Mrs Forrester was in herself?"
"Yes, it was"
"What caused the accident that killed your mother?"
"2 cars colliding"
"Which two cars?"
"A man and Mrs Forrester"
"So Stephanie Forrester was involved and indirectly caused an accident that killed your mother?"
"Yes"
"Do you feel anger towards my client, Miss Davis?"
"Objection!"
"Overruled"
"I feel anger about the accident yes, but I donīt blame Mrs Forrester. It was a horrible accident and I wish I could blame someone, but I canīt" Shannon said obviously very uncomforable talking about the accident.
"Thank you Miss Davis, no further questions" Russell said and went back to his seat.


"So you found the fingerprints of Stephanie Forrester on the gun?" McCain asked the Forensics witness.
"Yes, we did"
"Where on the gun?"
"On the handle"
"What about gunpowder residue?"
"There were traces of residue on Stephanie Forresterīs hand"
"Which hand?"
"The right one"
"What about the bullit? Did the bullit that killed Tim Cameron come from Mrs Forresterīs handgun?"
"Yes, it was a clear match".
"Thank you, no further questions"
"Mr Baxter"
"You only found residue on Stephanie Forresterīs right hand?"
"Yes, but that isnīt strange. It just means she handled the gun with her right hand"
"One thing you said had me wondering. You only found traces of residue on her hand, not her clothes. Not even her sleeve"
"We may have missed it. Or maybe she had pulled up her sleeves. There are many explainations"
"Do you know how fresh the fingerprints on the gun were?"
"They seemed quite fresh, but I canīt give you a timeline"
"So it is possible those prints got there hours or even days before the shooting?"
"Itīs possible"
"Were there any signs of a physical struggle between Mr Cameron and Mrs Forrester?"
"No there were not"
"No further questions"
Russell returned to his seat. Stephanie leaned over to him.
"Thatīs it? Youīre not going to ask anything else?"
"I donīt have anything else to go on. We donīt want to look desperate. The jury will think weīre just grasping at straws and that is the last thing we want them to think."


Next day, it was time for Eric to testify. Eric walked up to the witnessbox and smiled at his wife, trying to reassure her that he would come through for her. He was confidant he could help. Russell walked over to him.
"Mr Forrester. How long have you been married to the defendant?"
"All together, 32 years"
"After 32 years of marriage, you find out your wife has had a short affair with your poolmanager. How did that make you feel?"
"Angry... Hurt"
"How did you find out?"
"I walked in on them" Eric said humiliated to be revealing such private things before a jury and an audience. He spotted Sally sitting amused and very intruiging. Eric wished he could just get rid of her.
"You walked in on them. That must have been shocking, humiliating, no?"
"Of course it was"
"How did you feel about Mr Cameron?"
Eric hesitated for a little while before he put on his indifferent face, because he didnīt want to let everybody know just how deeply he had been affected and how furious he had really been. It wouldnīt help anyone if he flew into a rage.
"Itīs safe to say he wasnīt one of my favorite people" Eric finally said.
"Did you resent him?"
"Yes"
"Did you want him to punch him?"
"Yes"
"Did you want to attack him?"
"Yes" Eric admitted but he now felt where Russell was going with this and realized what the next question would be.
"Did you want to kill him?"
Stephanie looked appalled at her attourney. She had asked him not to pull any stunts with Eric, and here he was doing the one thing she asked him not to do.
"Objection!"
"Overruled"
"I ask you again, Mr Forrester. Did you want Timothy Cameron dead?"
"Yes" Eric finally admitted.
The reporters allowed in the room started whispering.
"My my my...." Sally said.
"Order in court. I will have no interruptions by any of you" the judge told them.
"I have to ask, do you have an alibi for the evening Timothy Cameron was shot?"
"No, I donīt" Eric admitted. He was getting annoyed with the attourney.
"Where were you?"
"I was on my way to my sonīs house in Bel Air"
"What had you done before that?"
"I had been at my office, talking to my wife"
"Was this a calm rational discussion you had?"
"Not really"
"Did you still have access to your house that day?"
"Yes"
"Do you know where my client keeps her handgun?"
"Yes"
"No further questions"
"Mr McCain?"
"Mr Forrester, did you kill Timothy Cameron?"
"No I didnīt"
"Were you at the house during the shooting?"
"No, I wasnīt"
"When did you find out about the shooting?"
"When my son called me on my cellphone and told me"
"No further questions"
"You may step down now, Mr Forrester"
Eric stepped out of the witnessbox. He exchange a quick look with Stephanie and then he walked out of the courtroom instead of staying like he had promised her. Stephanie gave her attourney a cold stern look which told him he had been way out of line. Russell looked professional and held his head up high. He had done his job.


"Nick?" Brooke said surprised as she opened her frontdoor.
"I was just checking in to see how you were doing?"
"You heard"
"Heard what?" Nick asked intrigued.
"Ridge. He broke up with me."
"No, I didnīt hear that."
"Come in" Brooke told him.
"Broke up with you forever?"
"I think so"
"Iīm sorry"
"Are you?"
"I am sorry that youīre hurting. But I do feel youīre better off if I am honest with you".
"You can be honest. Actually, I am beginning to think you might be right."
"Good. You deserve better, time you start realizing it"
"Are you are what I deserve?"
"You said it, I didnīt. But I could be, if youīd let me"
Brooke turned away.
"I didnīt mean to put you on the spot. Especially right now. Call me" Nick said and was on his way out.
"Nick, wait" Brooke said. Nick stopped and turned around to face her.
"What?"
"Take me away"
"From what?"
"Everything. The Forresters, the company - everything. Take me away"
Nick stroke her cheek and they fell into an embrace. As they let go, their faces met. They looked each other deep in the soul. Brooke closed her eyes and felt drawn to him. She let her be sucked into the temptation and their lips met slowly but determinded.
"Take me away" Brooke whispered...


Christina Payne arrived at Marone Industries and took the elevator up to the executive floor. She was met by a secretary.
"Hello, my name is Christina Payne. I am here to see Mr Marone"
"Hold on" the secretary said and pushed the intercom. "Mr Marone, a Christina Payne is here to see you".
"Who?" Massimoīs voice said.
"Your daughter-in-law" Christina said out loud as she bent over the desk.
Massimo broke the connection and a few seconds later he walked out of his office.
"Nice to meet you" Christina said with a smile.
"Please, come in" Massimo said. They walked into his office.
"I assume Nick hasnīt told you about me"
"No, he has not. But as you may know, I havenīt known your husband for very long".
"So Iīve heard."
"What brings you by here?"
"I just got here to LA and wanted to get some connections. My father-in-law for one"
"You just got to LA? Dominick has been here for some time and you just got here?" Massimo asked.
"One thing you should know about me and Nick is that our marriage isnīt like any other. Actually, it wonīt be a marriage for much longer."
"Youīre separated"
"I guess you can say that. We were never really together in our marriage. Actually, weīre just two friends seeing each other casually"
"I donīt understand"
"We only got married on an impulse. It was never serious between us."
"I see."
"Enough about me. What about you? I donīt know much about you except for what Nick told me".
"And what did he say?" Massimo smiled curiously.
"That you were a ruthless shipping tycoon"
"Ruthless huh?" Massimo laughed.
"But a teddybear at heart, right?" Christina smiled.
"Iīll let you judge yourself"
"I hope I will get the chance to. I should go now, I just wanted to introduce myself and meet my infamous father-in-law. Hope weīll meet again someday"
"How about at the Marone anniversary party I am holding?"
"Am I invited?"
"You are now. Bring your husband"
"I will, thank you"
"Expect an invitation"
"Thank you. It was a pleassure to meet you"
"The pleassure was all mine".
Christina walked out of the office and as she was headed for the elevator, Ridge came walking in her direction. She could immidiately feel her heart starting beating faster. She had never seen Ridge so close in person, the man she had had a crush on for years. As he came closer and closer, Christina wondered what she was going to do. Say something to him? What should she say? Her brain didnīt come up with any good ideas in the couple of seconds she had time to think and she finally just turned around, saying nothing while he passed behind her back. She watched him walk to an office at Marone and realized he was working there. He noticed her when opening his door and quickly gave her a polite smile. She smiled hopelessly devoted at her dreamman while watching him disappear into his room. She wondered for a moment if she should go there to knock on his door, but suddenly realized how stupid it would look. He was a taken man with kids. She would never stand a chance. So why degrade herself in the process? It was hopeless. He was out of her league. Heīd never look twice to someone like her, she told herself and forced herself to leave the building.


"Please believe me, Eric. I had no idea what he was planning" Stephanie told her husband who was sitting silent with a glass of Whiskey in his hand on the sofa. There was a knock on the door and Stephanie went to open. She reluctantly let Russell walk inside.
"Stephanie, Eric" he greeted.
"Youīve got some nerve showing up here after your stunt today" Eric told him.
"I wanted to give you an explaination. And an apology. But I felt this stragedy was needed. We need every little shred of doubt we can get. If I can make the jury feel that there is a possibility that Stephanie was set up, then we may have a chance".
"I was set up" Stephanie clarified.
"You know that, but the jury donīt know it. Eric here seems like a likely suspect considering the circumstances, so he seemed like a logical choice"
"You are giving us bad press. The media will eat this up" Eric said.
"I realize that, but isnīt Stephanieīs freedom more important than bad press?"
"Whatīs next? Are you going to pin some evidence against me?"
"No. I am done with you. I just wanted to show the jury that there are other possibilities. I wanted to plant a little doubt in their minds. Hopefully they ate that up."
Eric shook his head, but realized he had a point. Still, he was non too happy with the tactic of using him in the process.
"What happens tomorrow?" Stephanie asked.
"Brooke Logan will be called"
"This will get ugly" Stephanie sighed.
"Youīre right" Eric said.
Stephanie looked surprised at Eric. She had expected him to say something in defence of Brooke, that maybe sheīd come through for Stephanie.
"I found out today that Brooke was behind tipping off the media."
"I knew it" Stephanie said.
"Wait, hold on. What are you talking about?" Russell wondered.
"I told Brooke that I found Stephanie and the poolboy together. Then it reached the press, an anynomous tip from a signature looking like a BF or LF. Today I saw that signature on one of Brookeīs signed documents at the office. She admitted to me it was her signature on it."
"So she made sure it got public. She may as well have set up the entire murder!" Russell said. Both Eric and Stephanie looked stunned at him.


It was the next day and time for Brooke Logan to testify. The court was set and Brooke was called into the courtroom. She took a deep breath and walked inside. Sally who was yet again sitting as a spectator couldnīt help being intrigued. She leaned over to Clarke sitting next to her and whispered that this was going to get very interesting. Clarke agreed. Brooke was sworn to honesty and the prosecutor walked up to her after all formalities were taken care of.
"Miss Logan, how do you know the defendant?"
"Iīve been her daughter-in-law and I am also her boss" Brooke stated. Stephanie rolled her eyes.
"How would you descibe your relation?"
"Strained. We have never been very close."
"And how long have you known each other?"
"A little over 20 years".
"And during these 20+ years, have you ever seen a side of Stephanie Forrester that has in any way frightened you?"
"Several times"
"Would you care to describe one of these moments?"
"Your honor, what is the point of this?" Russell Baxter answered as he was standing up behind his table.
"We are trying to establish the character of Stephanie Forrester from a family memberīs prospective" McCain interrupted.
"Iīll let you hear this witness, Mr McCain" the judge decided.
"Thank you. Now, miss Logan. Can you describe a moment where you have seen a fearful side of Stephanie Forrester".
"There was one day when I realized just how far Stephanie would go to get rid of me from her family. We were up in the family cabin. She had just found out that I was involved with her son and she was very angry. She confronted me and attacked me. She tried to strangle me, having her arms around my neck. I was paralyzed with fear. Iīd never seen her like that before and it really scared me."
"What happened next?"
"I almost lost consciousness and she let go"
"Did it end there?"
"No, it didnīt. She came after me with a knife, ready to stab me. But her son came between us, thank god, and he got her to drop the knife."
Stephanie sat quiet in her chair and just stared at Brooke. She quickly looked over to the jury. She could see in their expressions that Brookeīs testimony had affected them. Just typical, Stephanie thought to herself. She could hardly remember what had happened in Big Bear. Still today, it felt like it had all been a bad dream. She must have been driven to the edge, and no one could drive her as far as Brooke could.
"She came after you with a knife?" McCain repeated shocked. Stephanie rolled her eyes at his acting.
"In your mind, is it possible that Stephanie Forrester could threaten someone with a handgun?"
"Yes"
"Even pull the trigger?"
"If she was angry enough, yes"
"No further questions" McCain said and returned to his table.
"Mr Baxter?"
"Thank you, your honor" Russell said and walked out to the courtroom floor.
"Miss Logan, let me ask you, how many ex-husbands do you have?"
"Objection. How is this relevant?" McCain asked.
"I assure you, your honor. This is as relevant as McCain believed Miss Loganīs testimony today is"
"Proceed"
"I have 3 ex-husbands" Brooke answered.
"Does these men have something in common?"
"Theyīre Forresters"
"All of them?"
"Yes"
"And how do they relate to Stephanie Forrester?"
"My first husband was married to Stephanie, and the other two are her sons"
"So you have married all men in Stephanie Forresterīs family?"
"Yes"
"You think that is a reason why you and my client have a strained relation?"
"Stephanie hated me before I got married to her sons"
"Why was that?"
"Because my mother had a relation with her husband"
"Oh, I see" Russell said and quickly shook his head to the jury a little discreet. One of the women couldnīt help but smile, obviously smitten by the charming attourney.
"Tell me, Miss Logan, when did you find out about the affair between my client and the deceaced Mr Cameron?"
"When Eric Forrester told me. He had just found out about it and needed to react, and I happened to be there"
"And what did you do with that information?"
"Nothing"
"You didnīt tell anyone?"
"No, I didnīt"
"Is this your signature?" Russell asked as he showed up a paper in a plastic wrap marked as evidence.
"Yes" Brooke replied a bit stunned as to why they would have her signature as evidence.
"And you swear you kept the information to yourself?"
"Yes, I did".
"Then how come your signature with the story of Stephanie Forrester and Timothy Cameron ended up at the desk of the editor of a gossip magazine?"
"I donīt know" Brooke answered surprised.
"No further questions"
McCain had nothing more since he didnīt know where Russell was going with that piece of evidence. Brooke was free to go.


It was now Thursday and time for Stephanie to testify herself.
"Can you tell the jury how you got to know Timothy Cameron?" Russell asked.
"I had been out one evening and had a rather unpleasant argument with my husband. I walked down to my pool to unwind and thatīs when I ran into him. He had been late to clean the pool earlier on the day. We started talking".
"Was this the first time you met Timothy Cameron?"
"I had of course seen him by the pool before, and greeted him a few times. But I had never really got to know him better than that before, no".
"And what happened?"
This was the part Stephanie rather not ever mention again, especielly before a crowd. But she really didnīt have a choise in the matter. She quickly met Eric uncomfortable look in the audience. He obviously wished he didnīt have to be there for what she was going to say. Pam Douglas put her hand on his. Stephanie looked away from him and towards Russell.
"He comforted me because I was very depressed"
"Did you end up in bed?"
"Yes" Stephanie replied damning him quietly for not letting "comforting" be enough.
"Then what happened?"
"My husband came home and he realized what had happened".
"How was his reaction?"
"He was naturally very upset"
"Then?"
"He left. Then I asked Mr Cameron to leave too"
"And did he?"
"Yes"
"When did you see him again after that?"
"When I found him floating in my pool. He was dead"
"He had been shot with your handgun. How do you explain that?"
"I canīt."
"Did you know your gun was missing?"
"No, I didnīt"
"Where do you keep your gun?"
"In my night-stand"
"Who more than you know where you keep it?"
"My entire family, my maid, and in-laws and former in-laws"
"So it is quite known?"
"Yes"
"Do you keep it locked in?"
"No"
"So anyone who have access to your house have access to the gun as well?"
"Yes"
"When you arrived back home that evening, do you hear anything? A gunshot, anything?"
"No, not a gunshot. But I heard something coming from the poolside. I thought maybe someone was there, so I went there"
"What about the gun? Where did you find that?"
"It was on the ground. I didnīt see it was my gun at first because it was dark outside. I picked it up and recognized it"
"So you did touch it?"
"Yes"
"And then?"
"I reached the pool. At first I didnīt see anyone, but I felt as I wasnīt alone so I looked around and thatīs when I saw the body floating in the pool"
"What then?"
"I bent down and saw it was Tim Cameron. I dropped the gun and thought for a moment I should try pulling him up, but I could tell he was dead".
"Howīs so?"
"There was so much blood in the pool, and he was facing down."
"What happened after that?"
"My stepson and his girlfriend came out of the guesthouse and walked over to the pool"
"How long was it between you found Mr Cameron in the pool and your stepson and his girlfriend arrived?"
"A few seconds"
"No longer than a minute?"
"No. Maybe 15-20 seconds. I wasnīt timing it, so I canīt say for certain, but it wasnīt long. Almost immediately".
"There was gunpowder residue on your right hand. Can you explain that?"
"I didnīt fire the gun. I canīt explain it."
"You carried the gun. How did you hold it?"
"Like you hold a gun"
"Can you demonstrate on this gun?" Russell asked as he handed her a replica of her own gun. She took the gun in her right hand and showed how she had held the gun. She was holding the handle.
"Thank you" Russell said and got the gun back.
"Was it warm when you picked it up?"
"A little, yes. That is why I was curious and walked out to the poolside."
"Was there anything else out of the ordinary you saw that evening when you arrived home?"
"There was a car parked outside the gates of the neighbour. I have never seen a car parked like that before"
"Could you identify this car?"
"No, I didnīt recognize it. And it was dark outside"
"Would you say itīs possible for someone to park the car there, walk into your house, take the gun from your night-stand and walk out to the pool, shoot Mr Cameron and leave without being seen?"
"Itīs possible. The maid was not there that evening. Only my son was there"
"Your sick son?"
"Yes"
"And the doors were not locked?"
"No" Stephanie said and realized they had got to do something about the bad security at the house. Anyone could come and go as they pleased. Even Sally, Stephanie thought as she cast a glare over to her.
"Do you have any enemies, people who you have issues with?"
"Yes"
"Have there been attemps on your own life?"
"Yes"
"You were once shot in your home, were you not?"
"Yes"
"And almost drowned?"
"Yes"
"Do you know if Timothy Cameron had any enemies who want to see him dead?"
"I donīt know him well enough to know"
"Did you kill Mr Cameron?"
"No I didnīt".
"Did you wish him dead?
"No, not at all."
"Thank you"
"Mr McCain?"
"Thank you, your honor"
Robert McCain stood up and walked over.
"Let me ask, these people who has harmed you in the past, where are they now?"
"In prison"
"With no opportunity to break out of jail?"
"Not that I know of, no"
"Gunpowder residue on your hand. You are right-handed, are you not?"
"Yes I am".
"How do you suppose gunpowder residue ended up on your hand?"
"I canīt answer that"
"Gunpowder residue spreads when a gun is fired. And you swear you never fired a gun?"
"Yes"
"Okay, lets leave that mystery for now. There were fingerprints belonging to you on the gun. You admitted touching the gun, did you not?"
"Yes, it was my gun"
"But your fingerprints were also on the trigger. And you never fired the gun?"
"No, I didnīt. But I may have touched the trigger."
"You MAY have?"
"Obviously I did. Most likely when I picked up the gun from the ground."
"Do you have gates to your house?"
"Yes"
"When you arrived home that night, were the gates closed?"
"Yes"
"How do you open the gates?"
"There is a code you press in"
"A code. So not just anyone can get inside?"
"No, but a lot of people know the code"
"People like?"
"We have the same code for our company, so anyone who comes and goes there as well as my entire family knows the code, as well as my maid and gardener and pool-cleaner."
"But no one other than that?"
"A few others too, friends and delivery"
"If you donīt have the code, can you still get inside?"
"If you enter from the neighbours. We only have a fence between."
It got more and more obvious McCain regretted asking about the security of the Forrester mansion so he changed subject.
"What do you think attracted Mr Cameron to you?"
"What?" Stephanie asked surprised and a bit annoyed with the short and in her opinion sleezy prosecutor.
"I mean, you are in age to be Mr Cameronīs mother. Why do you think he chose you?"
"I wouldnīt say he chose me"
"Did he want something in return?"
"In return of what?" Stephanie asked, but she was already guessing what he was meaning.
"In return for sexual favors"
"Objection!" Russell said.
"Sustain"
"Did Mr Cameron ask you for anything?"
"No"
"Did you ever give him anything?"
"No" Stephanie replied insulted. She did not like the man in front of her.
"Did you know Mr Cameron was once arrested by the police for prostitution?"
"What?" Stephanie asked truly surprised.
"Are you sure you didnīt know?"
"Yes, I am sure"
"Did Timothy Cameron ever threaten to make your affair public knowledge?"
"No, he didnīt"
"No further questions"
"Mr Baxter?"
"I have two more questions" Russell said and walked forward.
"Go ahead"
"You say the code to your gate is the same code you use for Forrester Creations. How many people do you suppose have access to this code?"
"Maybe 150 people" Stephanie supposed.
"And also, did you and Mr Cameron ever have a disagreement, if just a small one?"
"No, never".
"Thank you".
The judge explained to everyone how the court would take a break now and will be back with the closing arguments. All rose as he left the room and the court was adjourned. Everyone started leaving the courtroom and the lawyers gathered all their papers. Stephanie remained in her seat. Eric, Pam and Ridge walked forward to her.
"Youīre okay?" Ridge asked.
"Yeah, Iīm fine" Stephanie replied.
"I think maybe we should head back home" Eric said.
"Thatīs a good idea, Eric. Stephanie?" Pam said.
"Iīm coming" she said and got up from her chair. Russell bid them good-buy and the four of them reached the doors.
"You bastard! You let your wife take fall for you?" a voice yelled, coming closer. A young man came up towards Eric and grabbed hold of him, pushing him towards a wall.
"You killed my best friend. I am NOT going to let you get away with it. Youīre going down!" the young man said to Ericīs face as he held a steady grip on Ericīs jacket. A security guard ran up to them and wrestled the young man away from Eric. Ridge and Stephanie stepped between them. Eric was stunned by the attack. Everyone had their eyes on the scene they had just witnessed. Eric looked around himself and back to his attacker. The courtguard was still holding him in a firm grip.
"You damn coward! May you rot in hell" the young man screamed as the Forresters left.
"What the hell was that all about?" Ridge asked.
"Iīm not sure" Eric replied.
"He said he was Tims friend" Stephanie said.
"Forget him. Heīs just reacting to his friendīs death. I am sure he is just looking for someone to blame" Pam said.