And you're willing to testify to all of this in court yes Nia said without hesitation I'll do whatever it takes to make sure he's held accountable. The officer nodded his expression softening slightly you're doing the right thing Miss Carter we have enough to charge him with assault theft and animal cruelty. The evidence you've provided along with your testimony will make a strong case Nia's shoulders relaxed slightly though the weight of the ordeal still hung heavy how long until. It goes to trial she asked that depends the officer admitted the wheels of Justice can turn slowly but with charges like this. It should move quickly you'll be contacted by the prosecutor's office soon James leaned against the door frame his arms crossed we'll make sure she's ready.
The officer gave a small nod of approval good we'll be in touch as Nia and James left the interview room the chill of the stations seemed to recede slightly. Outside the city was still awake its hum of activity a reminder that life moved forward even after nights like this feel better. James asked as they stepped into the night air a little Nia admitted but it's not over yet Jared's still out there thinking. He can win I need to see this through and you will James said firmly wek make sure of it Nia looked at the leash. In her hand her resolve hardening for Max she said softly for us as they climbed into the car and drove away.
Nia felt a flicker of Hope the fight wasn't over but she wasn't alone Jared would face Justice and she would be there every step of the way. The days following Jared's arrest passed in a blur of paperwork phone calls and meetings Nia sat in the prosecutor's office her hands clasped tightly. In her lap as she listened to Ellen Morris the sharp eyed assistant district attorney assigned to the case Ellen was in her late 30s. With a calm yet commanding presence that put Nia at ease despite the daunting task ahead this is a strong case Ellen began sliding a folder. Across the desk toward Nia we have your testimony the police reports and the veterinary records for Max combined they paint a clear picture of Jared owens's actions and his intent.
Nia opened the folder her stomach tightening as she saw photos of Max's injuries alongside a written report from Dr Patel the bruises on his ribs. The swelling the way he'd struggled to breathe it all came rushing back stoking the anger she'd tried to keep in check but a trial isn't just about evidence. Ellen continued the defense will try to discredit you paint Jared as a victim of circumstance or argue that the injuries to Max aren't as severe. As they seem we need to be ready for anything James seated beside Nia leaned forward what's the strategy how do we shut that down. Ellen nodded pulling out a legal pad filled with notes first we'll focus on establishing a timeline Nia your testimony will be crucial here you'll describe.
The events in the park the theft the threats and how Jared escalated to physical violence we'll use the Vets testimony to corroborate. The extent of Max's injuries what about Jared past James asked does he have a record Ellen's lips pressed into a thin line. He does a history of minor offenses bar fights public disturbances nothing major but it establishes a pattern of aggression we'll use it to show. That his actions were deliberate not a one-off mistake Nia took a deep breath her resolve solidifying what about what he said in the storage unit. The things about people like me Ellen's gaze sharpened we'll include that it speaks to motive his hostility wasn't random it was targeted.
But we need to be careful how we present it to the jury we want them to focus on the facts not just the emotions. Nia nodded her hands gripping the edge of the folder I'll do whatever it takes I want the jury to understand what kind of person. He is you're doing more than that Ellen said her tone softening you're standing up for what's right that's not easy but matters as the meeting continued. Ellen walked them through the trial process from opening statements to cross-examinations Nia's nerves ebbed and flowed as the reality of the situation sank. In but James's steady presence beside her helped anchor her he asked pointed questions ensuring they understood every aspect of the strategy when the meeting ended.
Ellen gave Nia an encouraging smile we'll be in touch to finalize everything before the trial you're doing great Nia keep that strength. Nia thanked her voice steadier than she felt and left the office with James outside the cool air wrapped around her a welcome reprieve. From the intensity of the discussion she clutched Max's leash tightly in her hand her resolve firm you're ready for this James said his voice calm and sure. Jared doesn't stand a chance I have to be Nia replied her jaw tightening for Max for myself for anyone he thought he could hurt. As they walked toward the car Nia felt a sense of purpose solidify within her the trial was coming and she would be ready.
Jared had underestimated her before but he wouldn't do so again the courtroom was a stark contrast to the chaos Nia had endured in the days following. The attack its polished wooden benches and high ceilings seemed designed to exude order but the tension in the air was palpable. Nia sat at the prosecution's table her hands resting on Max's leash which she had brought with her for strength James sat behind her in the gallery. His quiet presence a constant reassurance Ellen Morris stood at the front of the courtroom her voice clear and confident as she delivered the opening statement ladies. And gentlemen of the jury this case is about accountability on that fateful evening Jared Owens didn't just hurt a dog he attacked trust safety.
And dignity the evidence will show that his actions were not only Reckless but intentional and we ask you to hold him responsible. Nia watched the jury's faces searching for any sign of empathy or understanding some nodded slightly While others remained impassive their focus shifting between. Ellen and Jared who sat stiffly at the defense table his lawyer a wiry man with sharp eyes scribbled notes but gave no indication of his strategy. When it was time for Nia to testify her pulse quickened as she stood and walked to the witness stand she took the oath. Her hand trembling slightly as she raised it settling into the chair she glanced at Ellen who gave her a small nod of encouragement Miz Carter.
Ellen began her tone warm but professional can you tell the court what happened on the evening of the incident Nia recounted the events. In Vivid detail her voice steady despite the flood of emotions she described the peaceful walk with Max Jared's taunts the escalating threats and the moment. He had attacked her dog her voice faltered briefly when she spoke of Max's Yelp the sound etched into her memory but she pressed. On why didn't you just walk away Ellen asked gently I tried Nia replied her gaze unwavering but he blocked my path he wasn't just threatening me. He was trying to humiliate me to make me feel like I didn't belong and when Max tried to protect me Jared took his anger out on him.
Ellen stepped closer and how has this affected you and Max since that day Nia took a deep breath Max is healing. But it's been hard he's always been my protector my best friend seeing him hurt like that knowing someone could be so cruel it's something. I'll never forget I'm here today because I want to make sure Jared Owens doesn't do this to anyone else Ellen nodded her expression. One of quiet respect thank you Miss Carter as Ellen returned to her seat Jared's lawyer Rose adjusting his tie as he approached the stand Miz Carter. He began smoothly you seem very emotional about this incident isn't it possible that you overreacted misinterpreted Mr owens's intentions Nia's jaw tightened.