Walter took a giant swig of water and looked at the front of the court room. His adam's apple bobbed as he forced the water down and then muttered his favorite quote, "No man is invincible, therefore no man knows that which would make him invincible." It's rare a man faces his own mortality, today he knew that he ran the highest risk of his life. With a stern and stoic look on his face he took the bag of fake passports, his orders on file, and a folder of everyone that was involved with the operation that put Brian in the cross hair.

It had been a busy day already, losing trackers, changing cars, and eventually just walking the remainder of the way to the public court. He told Brian that he would be here, his word was his bond. Walter just hoped that he'd be able to make the date with Mia later. "Maybe after today I can look in the mirror and like what I see." Walter pushed the doors open and made a beeline to the court room. As he pushed the door open he knew that the session already started.

Brian hadn't slept one minute that night. He was way to nervous in a very bad way because he knew that the trial today would determine whether he'd join a long number of criminals he had put behind bars or walk away a free man. The latter was highly unlikely with a lot of evidence still pointing his way.
The whole night he felt like simply starting his engine and driving as far south as he could and never return. At least he'd be free but with two kids on the way he simply couldn't afford running plus, as Dom had stressed, running ain't freedom.

With these words in mind, an empty stomach but his best suit on Brian turned the door handle of the court room, where he was greeted by his lawyer who assure him that everything would go down very smoothly and he didn't need to worry. From his own experience he knew the man was full of shit. Nothing would go down smoothly. His only real chance was the man that had brought all this mystery upon him.

When he sat down at the heavy wooden desk he slightly turned his head and let his tired, blue eyes scan the room for Walter. Would he really show?

Over the last few days, Dom felt exceptionally compelled to find Brian. He had given up on Vince since he got literally no leads on him. But, by some asking around and looking at convicted and awaiting trial felons lists, he spotted Brian's name. Brian apparently didn't know how to stay out of trouble with him gone. Maybe this was why Mia was so harsh in her words towards him.

On the day of the hearing, he didn't make any attempt to contact Brian, nor did he announce his presence. He just walked in, took a seat three rows down from Brian, and sat motionless, the whole time wondering what kind of shit Brian got himself into this time. He looked a little different, maybe that was because it had been five years since he last saw him, but Brian looked like he had been to hell and back. He prayed to God that he would get a chance to talk after this was over.

Walter stepped into the court room and closed his eyes taking a deep breath. He opened them to see Brian up front with his lawyer and then began to scan the audience for anyone suspicious. His eyes fell on the back of the shiny bald head he used to look for years ago, this couldn't be good. Silently he moved to a seat beside him. "Last place I'd expect to see you at." He addressed Dom casually waiting for the judge to call for the open stand. If he wanted Brian to walk free he couldn't do anything showy.

Dom was in a bit of a trance until he felt the presence of another beside him. The moment he spoke, Dom immediately recognized the voice. "Yeah? And why's that?" He stated, making a pretty certain guess at what Walter was eluding to. "I would have to say the same to you." He then looked over at him with a bit of grin. It was good to see old friends again. That being said, why would Walter be interested in Brian's trial? He didn't recall them knowing each other that well, and he wouldn't think that their types would've buddied up very well. (OOC: Please correct me if I'm wrong on their history).

Walter shrugged, "I'm kinda the reason he's here. After you got locked up I needed someone with street cred." He crossed his arms and eyed Brian from afar. "NSA needed a set up to take down some of the their dirty laundry. I was suppose to use Brian for the patsy, plant some bogus evidence, nothing that would trace back to him. Kinda like how we kept the phone calls from being traced back when you used to jack the trucks. Well some guy got sent out after Brian with a stick up his ass and didn't beleive the evidence was a plant. So, I'm here to face the music. Not going to let the kid hang for something that isn't his fault, not with a child on the way anyways." He smiled sickly, "I'm cruel, not heartless." He laughed.

(OOC: I'll run with it lol.))

Brian sat in the front row of the show that was about to happen filled with a bad sort of nervousness and anxiety.
The judge wasn't here yet but the court room was filling with people. Mira and him had agreed that she'd stay away to prevent her from going into labor right there and then. yet Brian turned around to see whether she had come anyway. After all the woman had a mind of her own. Instead he spotted a familiar bald head in one of the back rows. He actually had to do a double take because last thing he knew his friend had been sentence to life.
What was even more important was the man next to him...Walter. For a second a wave of relief washed over Brian. He had actually shown...but what for? To take the blame or dig him an even deeper hole?

Dom shot Walter an aminous glance when he opened his comments with claiming he held responsibility in this, but he listened intently to what he had to say. He was annoyed that Walter had chosen Brian as his scapegoat, though he didn't know all the details as to why he did what. Nonetheless, he had to take displeasure in how it played out. Sure, they employed similar tactics back in the truck jacking days, but at least they kept their shit contained. "By the looks if it, it became a hell of a mess." Dom turned his head back to face Brian, who just turned his head as well. He probably saw them. "I hope you have an escape plan." He stated nonchalantly.

Walter laughed, "Are you kidding me? I'm not walking away from this one. It's a public trial and the media are all over it, nothing short of a nuclear detonation is going to hide this one." He had to stop the laughter short as the judge entered the room. The officer on the side of the room addressed the court.

"All rise for the Honorable Judge Mason."

Walter shook his head and whispered under his breath, "It's show time Dom...I would have stood up for you too if I was around when you faced the court."

********

The judge looked around at the group, "Please sit, we are here to address the state versus Brian O'Conner on the several accounts of manslaughter, thirteen accounts of grand theft auto, felony speeding, drug and arms trafficking, conspiracy against national assets and kidnapping. How does the defendant plead?" The cold eyed judge stared directly at Brian and his lawyer.

(OOC Figured I'd play the judge, Brian you can play yourself and the lawyer?)

Brian's attention was on the judge immediately after he entered the room. He felt frozen in his seat and incredibly anxious, yet he had to get up to honor the judge. Next to him his sleezy slicked back lawyer put a lot more confidence on display than the long list of offenses should allow.
One or two of them could possibly be dropped, one maybe taken away by Walter, if he decided to go through with his offer but all of them? Not a chance in hell.
Brian's chest felt tight, so did his throat and it was almost impossible for him to speak so his lawyer replied with a smile. "Not guilty, your honor."
Brian had had a few discussions with the man about what they should plead for and he had adviced him a few times to at least go for 'guilty of theft and speeding' but Brian claimed that he hadn't stolen a damn thing...the speeding was the least of his concerns and probab ly the only thing he'd been guilty of ever since he was able to reach the pedals of a car.

No he just sat, his face frozen, blue eyes fixed on the stand in front of him, waiting for his lifetime sentence.

(Can't leave you guys just hanging like this)


The judged droned on going back and forth between the prosecutor and the defendent when finally Walter looked at Dom and smiled, "Well, I guess it's time I do my part." Walter cleared his throat and stood up,

"Your honor; My name is Walter Kavanagh and I have been brought up many times during these procedings but havn't stood up to your questions. It's been a battle of wills, I wish to turn myself in on all accounts that Brian has been accused of. In this folder I have with me is a record of all blackmail used, plants of evidence and the persons who hired me to make it all happen. May I please approach the stand?"

The crowd began to murmer before the judge made a motion for the guards to escort Walter to the stand. The short trip seemed to take longer then it should have to Walter but then things came into sharp focus as a loud crack snapped him out of any last thoughts he might have.

Walter's knees buckled and gave out from under him shortly after the bullet exited his chest and sprayed blood over the judge. He didn't really care though, he had the evidence that would get Brian off and he pushed it away from him even as people began the first aid treatments. He looked at Brian from between the group rushing around him. "I told you I'd be here..." He whispered before lapsing into darkness with a smile on his face.




(P.S. I'm not dead just in a coma.)

Dom stood silent as Joker spoke to him briefly before the judge entered. He couldn't decide whether to be pissed off at him for this, or hold gratitude towards him for what he was about to do.

Dom sagged his head as the charges were read off. That was far worse than he would've ever anticipated. And here Walter was claiming he could make things right. Sure...whatever. All he knew was that he was put away for life for less than that.

"Don't make a fool of yourself." Dom stated as Walter rose and began his journey through the pews. As he maybe could've expected, Walter delivered his confession clearly and quite convincingly. So one of his buds was going to walk out of here, and his other bud would take his place in the cell. Cruel world.

What was otherwise a rather still place erupted in chaos as the sound of splitting air and exploding gunpowder filled the airspace. Claiming Walter as it's victim. Dom shot looks everywhere, especially the balcony, to find the assailant. He was no where to be found. Dom then hastily stepped out of his chair and made his way to Walter, but was held back by medical personal. Whatever he missed during his five years in Lompoc, this shit was deep.

The time has come. Now it would be decided whether the ex-cop would rot in jail for the rest of his life or walk away a free man, which seemed highly unlikely. With every step Walter took Brian's heart was beating faster, yet he remained seated without a motion on his face until Walter spoke up.
The relief Brian felt at the man's words, who took responsibility for almost everything that Brian was on trial for, was overwhelming. It felt like a month long journey of running and hiding and fear suddenly came to an end.
Unfortunately the happiness only lasted a brief moment because the unthinkable happened. out of nowhere a shot tore the air and Walter off his feet. before anybody knew what was going on the man collapsed to the ground.
Without hesitation Brian jumped up, first looking for the shooter but then pushing through to Walter who was immediately circled by a crowd, only to catch his last words. "I told you I'd be here."
The men trying to stop the bleeding pushed Brian back but he still reached for Walters shirt and replied. "Thank you."
Then somebody pushed him away so hard he had to give in and stand back to watch them try to help the man...in vein.
For a moment Dom was right by his side and their eyes met.
"What's going on?" Brian wondered about his friends presence. "Why are you here?" Shouldn't he be in jail?

It only took two or three minutes until two medics arrived to take care of the Walter and take him away. Whether he'd live or die was unclear.

Guards filled the room closing it off to determine who had fired the shot while the judge announced. "The trial will be delayed until the identity of the victim and the new evidence has been reviewed. Please remain seated."

Brian stayed where he was with his eyes glued to the puddle of blood. Walter must have known he was risking his life.

Dom watched in anguish as medics surrounded his friend. It didn't look good, that shot was right through him. He said a silent prayer as he was carted off and then turned his attention to the purpose of him being here. It should've been a good feeling, a relief in a way, to see his long time friend after so many years. But under these conditions in this circumstance, it wasn't.

"Five years, O'Conner, and the best you got is 'why are you here?'" He rolled his head towards Brian. "Looks to me like you got some shit to clear up here, then we'll talk." With that he walked back towards his place as the judge called for everyone to remain in their seats.

The people in the room were searched and released one by one but no weapon was to be found, which made them check the windows and finally find a bullet hole in one of the windows facing another tall building, from where the shot had been fired.

Brian's mind was racing as to what evidence Walter had actually handed over before he was gunned down and whether it would be enough to proof his innocence.

Finally everybody was allowed to leave the premises and a new date was set for the trial. "You're free to go until further notice. Please note that you may not leave the state of California for the time being."
Brian nodded and said a quick goodbye to his lawyer who seemed awefully confused. Obviously the man had thought he was actually guilty and now had to actually work to get his ass free.

Outside Brian stepped next to Dom and gave him a brotherly hug. "Good to see you, bro. But last time I checked you got life. What happened?"
he offered Dom a smile to let him know how happy he was for his friend to finally be a free man.

Dom had to hold back the nerves as he was searched by the guards. Hopefully his escape wasn't publicized among law enforcement, and these guards didn't somehow recognize him. Soon enough though he was released, and waited a few yards from the stairwell leading to the court house.

As he waited, his mind blew through the most recent events, why they happened, and what this meant for the future. Brian appeared free for now, but at the potential cost of Walter's life. To say he had mixed feelings would be a serious understatement.

Finally, Brian showed up with a seemingly upbeat mood. Of course Brian would ask the million dollar question of how the hell he was a free man, and frankly, Dom hardly understood it himself. "Mia's antics, or maybe even charm, apparently set me free." Dom shrugged. "Beyond that, well I still have to have some talks before I find out the gears behind this."

"Walter told me his side of your scuffle, what happened while I was gone?" Maybe it was an attempt to change the subject, but it was a genuine question, something he was pressed to find out.

Still completely shook up from Walters confession, the shooting and finally walking away a free man...at least for now, Brian had to take a moment to process everything before he offered Dom a brotherly hug. "It's so good to see you're free and I'm assuming it's legal since you showed up in a court room." Brian had no idea how this was possible. "I thought maybe your case has been rolled up but you say it was Mia, huh?" Mia's name brought up more feelings that Brian ever wanted. The way she had come to help him in Tokyo and then vanished when she realized he was with somebody else and had a baby on the way. It just wasn't right.
"How is she doing?" Brian wondered.

Then Dom asked about what happened and Brian could only sigh. "Long story, bro. The short version is that Walter framed me. He made it look like I shot a whole bunch of people on a boat, stole some expensive cars and had drugs in my car. All the evidence pointed to me so I could only try and run but I a federal agent cought up with me in Tokyo and here I am." He motioned for the door behind him. "Until an hour ago I thought I'd be joining you in Lompoc."

To some degree, Dom could read in between the lines from what he was told and piece together exactly how he got out. He was pretty confident he knew what went on, but he didn't feel the liberty to spill that info out to anyone, not even Brian.

"Something like that, yeah." Dom grinned and returned Brian's embrace. Brian asking how she was doing reminded him of how bitter she seemed towards the name "Brian" when he brought the ex-cop up. He knew as much about there previous years as some random guy on the street would, so he was careful to not make assumptions. "I've seen her in better moods." He shrugged. "She's been real reserved with talking about you." His eyes looked into Brian's as if he was pressing for an explanation.

Predictably, Brian's story was much harsher than Walter's innocent version. Dom couldn't put it past Walter to pull something heinous like that, and considering he showed to owe up for it, he must've had the guilt trip himself. "Tokyo? Sounds like you had some fun while I was gone." He smirked.

Hearing Dom say Mia was reserved about talking about him didn't really surprise Brian much although he hoped she had just moved on and not taken his new relationship so personal. He looked at his dark shined shoes when he answered. "That doesn't surprise me." Looking up at Doms stern dark eyes he almost crinched. "I guess she didn't like me being in a relationship and having kids with somebody else." What could he do though? That's how it was. Did Dom know that it was Mia who told Brian that she didn't want him around any more though? Brian wasn't sure.

"Fun's a little different, bro. It was kinda like the fun you must have had in Lompoc. Getting shot at and driven off the road before being arrested isn't really among my top ten fun things." He raised a brow and started walking.

"Remember what I told you when you first started dating my sister?" Dom couldn't help but grin at the memory of those words. "You break her heart, I break your neck." He clapped him on the shoulder. So Brian was dating someone else, now he was starting to make a little sense of how and why Mia reacted towards his name.

Dom matched Brian's walking pace and took a good look at the outside world which was still a little foreign to him. "Well, you're still here. So if nothing else it created some lasting memories, right?" He sure knew he held some lasting memories from lompoc.