Following the successful termination of Behnam's false lawsuit against Paulo, the older LaPerm has further complications when his own son files a lawsuit against him for emotional damages. This is the second part where this short series wraps up.

Justice Served - Trial Latter

A furious Behnam slams the door behind himself after just coming back from his court trial. Because of the verdict handed down by the judge, he had to pay the damages to the snow leopard out of his own pocket. Damages… just how much exactly did he necessarily have to pay to compensate? He surely isn't about to pay the snow leopard so quickly and he isn't going to take money out of his account so soon. Behnam needed to blow off steam, but how?

~~~~~

Going for a drive in his light blue Ford SVT F-150 Raptor, Behnam charges down a road, using his truck to burn his frustration. Along the way, the elder LaPerm hisses, "There is no way I am turning back. Absolutely no way!! I'd rather die first than admit defeat! If I can't win in court then I– Whhhooooooaaaaaaa!!!" Not even paying attention to the road, Behnam inclines his head just in time to avoid a construction zone. Upon closer look, it wasn't a constriction zone, but instead a pile-up accident involving four different vehicles. Seeing this snaps the LaPerm out of his angry tirade where he grumbles, "I doubt if anyone is alive from that accident. No use in going fast if you're gonna end up slamming into a dead end."

A sudden wave of nausea washes over the driver from experiencing a flashback where he is younger, raising his own son. Coming back to the present, he pauses at a red light, exhaling sharply through his nose. Was there something going on?

A car horn blades behind the F150 driver, startling him back to reality, "HWAGH!! I must have spaced out there! I don't know what's going on but I need to pull off the road for a bit…" Quickly, the LaPerm accelerates away, passing a newly lit green light in the process before pulling over to a stop. His breathing now increasing, Behnam rubs his head in distress. "What is happening to me!? Is everything I've been doing wrong catching up to me??"

Even if that could be the case, Behnam began to experience a strange euphoria with his own feelings of discontent. Whatever is going on with him, he has no choice but to openly talk to someone. Whoever that may be will set him straight.

Staying on his accelerator for a bit, Behnam resumes his traveling when he notices two vehicles on the side of the road, both of them with their hazard lights on. To his surprise and chagrin, he notices a familiar snow leopard flagging him down for help and he mumbles in discouragement, "Oh great. What does this spotted cat want now?"

Standing behind his red Enzo Ferrari, Paulo is flagging down the incoming Ford SVT F-150 Raptor for additional assistance. Behind the middle-aged snow leopard, a middle-aged Bengal tiger addresses him, "Paulo, you sure you know what you're doing? The guy sued you in court for something you didn't do. Now you're flagging him down to help us??"

While the light blue F-150 pulls over behind the Enzo Ferrari, Paulo stops flagging and turns to the tiger. He assures him, "Just trust me on this, Peter. I know what I'm doing."

Hopping to the ground from his Raptor, Behnam marches directly towards the duo with a scowl on his face, "Listen Paulo, you better have a really good reason for wasting my– hang on a second, is that Peter Frazier??"

The two patriarchs register complete surprise, Peter especially, where the Bengal tiger is left literally scratching his head, "Uh, do I know you? We haven't even met before."

"Who doesn't know you? I've seen you in men's clothing catalogs before and you're a famous supermodel. But to meet you in person is a bonus! You could say I'm secretly a fan of yours." While Behnam reaches out to shake Peter's hand, Paulo rubs the back of his own neck, addressing and acknowledging the two, "Yeah, actually, Peter and I actually appeared on a cover of Men's Health. Plus, Peter is also a four-star military general."

"Had I known that, I wouldn't have sued you." Seeing the snow leopard crack his knuckles in sudden anger, Behnam quickly backpedals, "Aye, don't beat this handsome kitty up just because he looks better than you!"

"That's not the point, Behnam!" Paulo hisses in return. "Do you realize how bad slander is??" No response at first and then the snow leopard jabs a finger directly at the LaPerm, "Since you decided to try and pick a fight with me, I'll give you a real fight - not only will we settle our little matter out of court but I want to see if you can actually fight! Local gym, come when you're ready!"

Behnam huffs and acknowledges the challenge, pointing directly at Paulo, "Don't you worry, I'll be ready! I'll meet you head-on if I have to!"

"Paulo, let's go. It's not worth getting into it with this guy." Peter slings an arm around the snow leopard and proceeds to walk away when the latter reminds him, "Peter, didn't you say your car broke down and you needed help?"

Peter treks back to his disabled car on the shoulder, which turns out to be a McLaren 570S. The dark gray exotic has the mid-engine bay open with light smoke emitting from the vehicle. The middle-aged tiger complains, "So much for a nice loaner, and my 650S is in the shop! I can't get anywhere now!"

"Didn't you say you have a Plymouth Superbird?" Paulo reminded the tiger about his other car, which Peter had remarked about often. When the tiger nods, the striped feline insists, "It's at home. Seriously, I wanted to take a break from driving it. How about you take me home while we call for a tow truck?"

This time, Behnam steps in, invading their conversation while brushing forward to meet them. "I'll handle that - you two stay here."

While Behnam calls for a towing company to pick up the disabled exotic McLaren, Paulo guides Peter to the red Enzo Ferrari parked behind it. When Peter feasts his eyes on the machine, he whistles, "My, my, that's a real beauty! Paulo, how in the world did you acquire such a machine like this??"

Bashful, the 58-year-old snow leopard rubs his head. He frankly admits, "The car was actually a gift to me from my family. I saw the car in a Ferrari dealership one year after it came out and when I told everyone, they worked together to buy it for me. So basically, all of us pitched in to purchase it." Turning to his own ride, Paulo smiles in admiration, "Yep, even years down the line, it is still a beautiful machine."

Peter scratches his chin and adds thoughtfully, "Speaking of that, I got an FXX I use for racing. Don't know why I forgot about that, but I got a sponsorship from Ferrari during my modeling business."

Suddenly, Paulo's eyes grow wide in realization. He recollects, "Peter, do you think we did a partnership with Men's Health together? It's all coming back to me now!"

"Yeah, your mind is clicking again! Now you remember how you really got that Enzo Ferrari! Hahahahahaha!!!" Clapping Paulo on the shoulder while laughing, Peter attests to Paulo's acquisition of his own car, the acquisition still fresh in his mind. The embarrassed snow leopard finally concedes defeat and turns pink, "Alright, you got me, Peter. I thought I remembered but I'm starting to grow more forgetful."

Peter shrugs in return while draping an arm around the snow leopard patriarch. He agrees, "What can I say, Paulo? You're 58 and I'm 56! It comes with the territory! Hell, I'm pretty sure even this guy understands what we're going through!" The tiger even points out Behnam to emphasize his statement.

"Hmm?" When Behnam notices the tiger pointing to him, the LaPerm shuffles to meet him and Paulo when he informs them of the situation, "What were you pointing at me for? I was just going to mention that a tow truck is on the way."

"Oh nothing big. Old Paulo here finally remembers how he acquired his ride." Peter laughs in return, further embarrassing the snow leopard. Paulo, however, grumbles, "Sometimes Peter, I swear your excitement is contagious." The snow leopard then changes topic and addresses Behnam directly, "Say Behnam, when is the towing company coming?"

"Won't take that long - about 10 - 15 minutes, tops." While the housecat rubs his finger claws against his chest, the tiger and the snow leopard exchange glares between each other, Behnam suggests, "How about I give you guys a lift in a real truck instead of those unstable low-riders?"

"Uh Behnam, you might want to watch that because even a lifted truck can have unexpected problems." Paulo warned, giving the LaPerm a suspicious glare. He holds Peter back with an arm against the tiger's chest, having already anticipated a brawl. The comment struck a nerve inside of Peter and if it wasn't for Paulo holding him back, the tiger would have ripped Behnam into pieces.

With a challenging smirk, Behnam retorts, "Sure, but are they durable? Just one single knock and it all falls apart?" While the tomcat laughs in derision, Paulo hisses, "Fine then. Later on, I'll show you what our exotics can do! Right, Peter?"

"Hmph!" Peter nods in compliance, and casts a scathing glare to Behnam. He remarks offhandedly, "I heard about your trial with Paulo - a real sham, if you ask me. And you wonder why you're never well-liked? It is your dusty, dingy attitude!"

Behnam makes an angry face at the remark and hisses, "Who are you to tell me how to act?"

While keeping Peter back, Paulo raises a hand to silence Behnam, reminding the tomcat also, "You would be dumb enough to challenge a judge directly in court, let alone slander a United State Army Four-Star General! You know you could have gone to prison, don't you?"

The tomcat rolls his eyes, "Like anyone will believe what you say." However, the snow leopard affirms, "Then you've forgotten completely about video and recorded evidence." Seeing the disgusted expression on the LaPerm, Paulo withdraws with Peter, guiding him away from the tomcat. "Come on, Peter, let's go. Let's stop wasting our time and get out of here."

~~~~~

By the time the tow truck arrives to haul the disabled McLaren 570S away, Peter and Paulo are long gone, riding in Paulo's own Enzo Ferrari. Meanwhile, things get progressively worse for Behnam in the form of a text and a piece of mail. Both are involving court orders but the text is anonymous. But after reading the text, Behnam nearly chuckles upon recognizing the wording being used. He claims, "So this is it, huh? Another lawsuit? This time by my own son? He'll never win!"

The text message actually reads:

"I've had enough of standing behind the scenes! I'm putting my foot down now, and there is no stopping me! You can try and play the victim all you want, Dad, but rest assured, this time you will fall!"

The tomcat begins chuckling to himself after looking over the court mail. And after reading over the details, Behnam smirks, "Eh, this'll be no big deal for me. If I can just play my cards right, I should be home free."

Disregarding the mail, Behnam crumples the papers and chucks the mail into a waste bin. Then he disappears further inside his house to settle down. Coming into a more private area of his home, whips out his smartphone and proceeds to dial a familiar number. When it picks up, Behnam speaks into the receiver, "Yeah, listen. I need a favor. I have another lawsuit and an impending court date, so can you get a lawyer to represent me? …Thank you, I appreciate that."

Behnam stares out the window upon hanging up, beginning to grow exhausted from what's been going on lately. First his failed plan against Paulo, and then these new mixed feelings he's having, and then this lawsuit against him by his own son, all of it is beginning to take its toll on the elderly LaPerm. The tomcat wipes his face before turning away from the window and departing, not wanting to lose this particular case.

~~~~~

Over at the local law firm, Alessandro and Tobi and just wrapping things up with Kane and his lawsuit. For added company, Roseanne is with them for extra backup. And after finishing up the paperwork for the upcoming trial and the evidence, Alessandro addresses Kane, "Kane, we're ready to go. Are you sure you want to follow through with this?"

Kane is serious; the young tomcat affirms his decision, "Yes I am. No more staying on the sidelines. And I want his friend locked up too. I'm done running away." He is suddenly pulled away by Tobi, who whispers into his ear, "Be glad you didn't end up in my situation, facing murder charges dropped on you by your own parents."

This only makes Kane even more determined to put an end to the long-standing silence between him and his father. His eyes buck from the revelation and the tomcat gently caresses the Maine Coon on the head, causing Tobi to start purring and rubbing against him. This leaves Alessandro giggling at the display, to which he addresses Kane one final time. "Kane, are you certain you don't want to settle this out of court?"

"Reasoning with him won't work on personal means. And he'll always brush off my claims. So no, out of court is not an option." Kane has no problem letting the purring Maine Coon rub against him while he is caressing his head. And after everything that Kane has personally been through regarding his father, the gloves are finally coming off. "I'd rather shame him publicly and in court rather than have another failed conversation."

~~~~~

(🎵 Title Screen - The Need For Speed OST)

Cue a grand mahogany finished door opening up to reveal a big courtroom…

Day 1
Court is now in session!
All rise!

~~~~~

Marching into the courtroom, Alessandro, Tobi, and Roseanne take their positions along the defense bench, going over the details and evidence needed for their civil case. A packed gallery is in the background, with whispers being exchanged among the crowd. But no one noticed who's on the prosecution side yet.

"I honestly cannot believe I have to waste my time being here when this could have been settled out of court!" The three lawyers raise their heads up to see a muscular tawny furred dog with an annoyed scowl on his face. The American Bully isn't happy to be here, clearly showing his frustration.

"Sergeant Major Stoko?? Huh, never imagined you being here in this civil case!" Being the only one on the defense team to actually recognize the American Bully, Alessandro addresses the dog respectfully in military terms.

"Please! Same to you Sergeant; only if it was under more favorable circumstances! And just call me 'Garlits', okay? No need for formalities, Alessandro." The dog addresses the snow leopard lawyer in return, reminding him they're in peacetime, not wartime.

"Okay, Garlits, we'll talk later, I suppose. The judge is coming now…" Agreeing to talk with the dog later, Alessandro falls to a hushed whisper when the judge appears, strutting towards the high stand. And when he takes his seat, the trial begins with the gavel slamming down, commencing the start of the case.

(🎵 Cold Fusion Power - Morphadron [Need For Speed Porsche Unleashed OST])

"Court is now in session for the civil trial of Filla vs. Filla! Are both sides ready?" Announcing the proceedings, the doberman judge checks both sides to make sure they're ready, sighting both parties by chance. And with this being a civil case, Florentine also takes notice of the plaintiff and the defendant.

"Defense is ready, Your Honor!" Alessandro rings out the condition of his side, with Tobi and Roseanne standing by and attentive. Even Kane is in the background, giving a courtesy wave to the doberman judge.

Noticing the young tomcat waving at him, Florentine gives the LaPerm an endearing smile while acknowledging the defense, "Your client is in high spirits, Mr. Eriksson. Are you all ready?"

"Yes we are, Your Honor!" Tobi announces from the defense side. Once this acknowledgement is made, the dog prosecutor clears his throat while smoothing out his burgundy suit, "The prosecution is ready, Your Honor!"

"Ah, you must be Sergeant Major Garlits Stoko!" The judge claims in surprise. With a smile of admiration, the judge slips, "Mr. Eriksson told me about you and I want to thank both of you for your service in the Army."

"Duly noted, Your Honor." The dog has a bored expression on his face; sitting beside him with a scowl is Behnam, also not happy to be in court. Yet Garlits urges the judge, "May we continue with this case?"

Nodding at the acknowledgement, the doberman judge assumes, "This seems to be a family matter on child abuse charges. And from what I was sent concerning the details, it seems there is a lot to uncover." This time, he addresses the defendant directly, settling his eyes on the older tomcat.

"Mr. Behnam Filla? You may be in danger of losing your job here. Do you know how serious these claims are?" Judge Vagaday lays down the risk of Behnam's career, well aware of the charges being filed against him. But he sees no sign of change from the older tomcat.

Scoffing at the claims, Behnam rebuffs the charges with a shrug of his shoulders. "Yeah, I'm aware and I don't care. They're all fake anyway, so this will all be over in a matter of minutes." Smirking at the judge, Behnam's smug demeanor does nothing but infuriate the defense and the defendant. Even Garlits facepalms in annoyance.

OBJECTION!

Instantly fed up, Tobi points directly to the tomcat, hurling his oppressive outcry, "You wouldn't know a fake dollar from a real dollar if it slapped you across your face! May we remind you, you're in a court of law and the charges are real - you're facing jail time, Mr. Filla!"

In a warning gesture, Roseanne nudges her half-brother in the side with a brisk elbow, shaking her head at him. Tobi brushes it off, rubbing his side. Garlits, however, is in agreement with the defense. "While it may seem so, the kid actually has a point. It is true that my client is facing possible jail time and job loss, but will the defense be able to prove that theory throughout this case?"

Despite throwing an intimidating glance toward the three lawyers, the defense attorneys aren't swayed or intimidated at all by the American Bully. Instead, Roseanne declares, "We'll prove it and use evidence along the way."

With this confirmation, Garlits returns his attention back to the judge and requests to carry on the trial. "Your Honor, we'd like to continue."

The doberman judge nods to the dog's request. "Very well, Mr. Stoko. Since this is a new trial, why don't you call your first witness to the stand?"

Garlits lets a chuckle slip from him where he accepts the proposal with glee. "Very well! The prosecution will bring their first witness to the stand!"

(🎵 Attract #1 - The Need For Speed OST)

Nervously darting her blue eyes around, Ashley Porter gazes around the large courtroom, wordlessly taking in the galleries present. She directs her gaze to the dog prosecutor, wringing her hands nervously. Sensing her fear, Garlits urges her, "From what I understand here, you were involved in the last trial concerning Mr. Filla, correct?"

"Yes, that's right." The female cat nervously stares at the dog, and slowly she begins to relax. Garlits uses this to his advantage and informs her, "We'll need you to state your name and occupation to get this rolling."

"Oh, right!" Ashley perks up and falls into business mode, giving her information to the court. "Ashley Porter - Prosecuting Attorney."

"Okay Ms. Porter, this is Round 2, so this calls for your testimony." The judge informs the female cat of the matter, to which she accepts, "Yes, Your Honor."

~~ Witness Testimony ~~
~~ Post-Trial Aftermath ~~

(🎵 Showcase - The Need For Speed OST)

[center]"I'm not sure what I was doing the day after the trial but Yves and I went out to celebrate. Not like a bar or something, but somewhere in the business district. Then I received a phone call about this trial but I didn't know the voice. What I do remember is something about a lawsuit being filed against someone else and that's it."

The Angora cat just shrugs her shoulders to emphasize her point, leaving the doberman judge blinking in surprise, "So let's get this straight - you and Ms. Moriette went out to celebrate and got a strange phone call from someone?"

"That's it. I couldn't recognize the voice though." Ashley remarked, her ears flicking. She fails to notice one spotted attorney's annoyed expression until the judge points out, "Okay defense team, time for your cross-examination."

Strutting from across the defense bench, Alessandro marches right up to the witness stand to meet Ashley. If there is any reason that Alessandro appeared annoyed prior to this, he has good reason to be annoyed. Right from the start he picks his first line of questioning, tossing his initial starter to the female Angora. "Ms. Porter, you said you received a phone call during your outing with your friend, correct? And do you know any details about the phone call in question?"

"Well, the caller ID I recognized instantly, but the voice sounded different." Ashley taps a finger against her chin while explaining, "From what I can remember, the details involve allegations of child abuse and neglect. Thing is, I couldn't figure out who it was."

"Ashley…" the snow leopard attorney turns blank, staring at her with a deadpan expression. "...that was me."

"I didn't even recognize your voice over the phone cause it sounded so garbled! You sound clearer in person!" Ashley noted.

[b]OBJECTION!

"This line of questioning is getting us nowhere! And so is this testimony!" Garlits objects to the whole thing. First the testimony is deadweight, and now the questioning is weak. Not wanting to sit through a boring circus act, Garlits demands, "If the defense and the witness will stop playing games and wasting everyone's time here, then get on with the real deal! This whole thing is a weak circus act!"

"Mr. Eriksson, Ms. Porter, what is the reason for your testimony and line of questioning?" The judge demanded, giving away his unamused stare.

Alessandro reveals, "Although it was my number, our client requested to speak with her to meet her, so while it was my number, it wasn't actually me on the phone."

"Proving that you basically lied throughout your statement." Garlits gets to the heart of the matter, exposing Ashley's flawed testimony. The dog does his best to play his role as prosecutor, trying his best to shut down the defense any way he can. While Garlits doesn't want to be here, he is at least doing his part to keep his client safe for now.

The judge catches on to a part of Ashley's confession. He requests the Angora cat to edit her testimony, "Ms. Porter, please testify again as to what you really heard over the radio."

EXCUSE ME!

"That was actually me, Your Honor! I requested to speak with the lady cat on the stand to update her on my end of our case." Kane waves once more to the judge in greeting while explaining himself - now of all times? The young LaPerm adjusts his glasses briefly in pause, before slamming an open palm down on the table, his expression now turning serious. "Judge, let me testify! I will blow this case wide open!"

Admiring young Kane for his enthusiasm, Florentino sadly rejects his request. He gives a pitied expression to the young tomcat. "Sorry, Mr. Filla; not right now but you will get your turn soon."

HOLD IT!

"Your Honor, why not let the kid testify now? There's no use for Ms. Porter to explain herself a second time since Mr. Filla revealed himself as the recipient." Garlits suggests to the judge that Kane should testify anyway, despite the initial cross-examination not being performed yet.

Despite having no problems with the request, the judge allows it. "Let's take a brief recess and come back - 15 minute recess before we pick back up!"

~~~~~

(🎵 Pause Screen - The Need For Speed OST)

During the small recess, the lawyers regrouped with their clients to discuss their next plan of action. However, Garlits takes notice of the trio of defense attorneys and strolls over to meet them. He pulls Alessandro aside and whispers in his ear, "Alessandro, I'm not supposed to be saying this but your client has every right to be angry. I don't trust my client - all it takes is one single look.

Garlits continues, "In my career as a prosecutor, I have dealt with many criminal and civil cases, but nothing like this. And who knows what that guy may be hiding."

"So long story short, Garlits, he was suspicious from the start?" Alessandro turns to the American Bully directly, presumably summing up his explanation.

"Bingo!" Garlits points at the snow leopard lawyer in understanding, and assures him and his team, "And we're gonna settle this in court! The less time wasted, the faster we wrap this up!"

While Alessandro watches Garlits retreat away, Kane approaches him and taps his shoulder to get his attention. With the snow leopard facing him directly now, Kane mentions, "I'm finally going to expose my father in court! I can't wait to see his career go up in flames! I still have all the evidence needed for the case!"

The tomcat seems to have a devilish smirk on his face, which is unlike him. Alessandro grows a little disturbed, yet brushes it off. Thinking nothing of it at first, Alessandro considers, "Hmm, we still could have settled this whole thing out of court like last time, but there's no telling with this guy."

"Hmph!" Kane agrees with a firm nod of his head. "Very unpredictable. While I'm glad I'm away from him, I've kept everything in the dark for too long."

"You'll be walking out of here in no time, Kane. Just like I mentioned before, be glad you're not where I was." Tobi comes over and pulls Kane into a hug, rubbing against the LaPerm. While it is an affectionate display, Alessandro reminds the Maine Coon tomcat of the situation. Clearing his throat to get the attention of both Kane and Tobi, Alessandro points upwards to the clock, indicating the recess that will be ending soon. The snow leopard also has a disapproving expression on his face, directing this particularly to Tobi.

"Ehehehe, sorry!" Turning pink in the face, Tobi removes himself from Kane, who later drapes an arm around his shoulders.

~~~~~

Once the recess ends and everyone piles back inside the courtroom, the judge announces the resuming for the civil trial by slamming his gavel down.

(🎵 Psychonaught - Captain Ginger [Need For Speed Porsche Unleashed OST])

"We are now back in session for the civil trial of Filla vs. Filla!" The judge proclaims loudly, his voice carrying throughout the large room. His expression turns from serious to thoughtful when he taps his finger against his cheek, pondering, "Though this trial has just begun, a strange request has been made for the plaintiff to testify."

"I'll allow it, just this once." Finally, the judge grants the request, and with an endearing smile, he allows Kane to come to the stand through the defense. "Defense, you may call your witness to the stand."

"With pleasure, Your Honor!" Tobi responded readily. "The defense calls Kane Filla to the stand!"

~~~~~

(🎵 Attract #3 - The Need For Speed OST)

Kane's tail swings around softly while the young tomcat sits on the witness stand, an inviting, endearing smile on his own face. He is ready for this moment. The prosecutor marches up to him and requests his information for the court to hear, "Okay son, state your name and occupation for the record. This is for the court to hear."

"My name is Kane Filla and I am a florist." Kane remarked, blushing slightly at mention of his occupation. His father just rolls his eyes, sitting in the background with an unhappy scowl on his face. Suddenly, Kane bristles up from seeing his father, promoting the dog to calmly settle the younger tomcat down. "Relax, kid! You'll be out of here in no time!"

"I hope so!" Kane hissed in reply, "I hope he suffers for what he's done to me."

"You know, you and Mr. Blackburn would make a great pair of blood brothers if you two were related. I can see him in you." The judge points out in observation. He gives a smile while requesting Kane to testify. "Anyways, Mr. Filla, you can tell the court about what happened in detail regarding this lawsuit you're filing."

"Certainly!" With his arms folded, Kane has a confident grin; he is ready to put an end to all of this.

~~ Witness Testimony ~~
~~ A Horrible Past ~~

(🎵 Photon Rez - Rom di Prisco [Need For Speed High Stakes OST])

"I never had a good childhood while growing up - in fact, I'm still reeling from the aftermath. I'm also still traumatized by everything that happened. Not only is my father a verbally and physically abusive monster, but he has also driven me to my breaking point. He's alcoholic, narcissistic, controlling, and domineering. He doesn't care who gets in his way. Not to mention he's a cheating, manipulative womanizer. And I also have a surprise for you to show how horrible of a parental figure he really is."

"Dear God, that is the most horrific stage of events I've ever heard. Son, you definitely did not deserve any of that happening to you." The judge clutches his chest, almost on the verge of crying after hearing Kane's expressions. The doberman directs a knowing glance to Tobi in particular, reminding him of the Maine Coon he took in as his own. Even the prosecutor is amazed. However, he begins to speak when Behnam whispers something into his ear, which clamps Garlits' mouth shut.

Drawing a deep breath, the judge carries on with the next process. "Okay defense team, which one of you will take charge in this cross-examination?"

"I'll go!" All eyes then dart to Roseanne, whose hand shot up instantly. The pale blue female steps up to the plate, all while reasoning within herself, 'If I saved my brother, then I can save this one; and expose his father for the fraud he really is!'

"Okay Ms. McCarthy, you may proceed!" The doberman judge rattles his head to clear himself and regain his concentration, allowing Roseanne the opportunity to cross-examine Kane. However, just when Roseanne begins to speak, there is a sudden outcry.

OBJECTION!

"Y-your Honor, I object! My client has nothing to do with these charges! They're flimsy!" A suddenly sweaty Garlits attempts to stall and cancel the proceedings. However, the defense strikes back with Tobi objecting in return and pointing accusingly at the older tomcat, "Flimsy, huh? We'll see about that! And another thing - you're seriously going to let your client dictate your actions instead of listening to your gut from years of experience, especially when said client is a child abuser?"

"Objection overruled, Mr. Stoko. I agree with Mr. Blackburn, who has a point." The judge retains his smile, though his expression is more serious. Vagaday points out, "This is to determine the outcome of this civil trial and from the way things are looking, Mr. Stoko, your client is on the receiving end of a jail term, where all his privileges will be stripped."

Behnam whispers something else in Garlits' ear. This time, the judge takes notice and claims, "I believe your client will have his chance to testify soon since he is being more confidential. He will get his turn once his son is done."

All Behnam can do is sit and wait, but he scowls at the judge and his son. He will have to be patient and sit this one out.

~~ Cross-Examination ~~
~~ A Horrible Past ~~

Standing before Kane, Roseanne starts off her line of questioning regarding one detail that she and her cohorts picked up on during the testimony. While playing it cool, the female lawyer addresses her client. "Kane, you mentioned you have a surprise to show for the court. Do you mind showing us what that surprise is?"

"Oh sure! Here you go!" Retrieving the cell phone from his pocket, he gives this to Roseanne in hopes of adding credibility to his testimony. True to his word, Roseanne makes her way to the center of the room and presses a button on the phone, remembering the message that Kane mentioned to her and Tobi about.

When the recording is played, Behnam breaks into an angry, cold sweat. He hisses, "Where did they get that…? I deleted everything from that phone!"

"Not everything, Mr. Filla. You must have forgotten to erase some stuff there, and that is one of them. Your goose is cooked." Garlits bluntly whispers to his client in return, telling him he is done for.

Even the judge grows interested in wanting to know who is on the recording. Kane fills everyone in on the recording. "That's his coati best friend - he's a child abuser and rapist! He tortured me when I was younger."

Loud chatter fills the courtroom, leading the judge to slam his gavel down to restore order to the courtroom. Even Garlits has enough, where he makes his request known, "Your Honor, I would like to resign. I am done here."

Taking notice of this, Behnam assumes the dog is throwing in the towel for the day. "So that's it, huh? You're giving up completely and not taking me on as your client anymore?"

For the first time in his life, Behnam has never been scared stiff by anything other than an angry dog ready to rip his head off. Garlits whirls on the tomcat, snarling directly in his face. "I refuse to represent anyone who is a child abuser or a sex offender. You are in the makings of such a person and your friend is a scumbag. How dare you neglect your own kid and allow him to be victimized by a stinking pervert! You should be ashamed of yourself! I am no longer representing you in court and you're not setting foot in a law firm ever again!"

In a twisty turn of events, Garlits storms away from the prosecution side and settles over on the defense side, coming to the aid of Kane and his legal team. Poor Behnam doesn't even get a chance to explain himself in court, but his time is coming. He will just have to wait. But with no legal aide taking him up now, his chances at being represented are shot.

Watching his former representative storm away, the angered tomcat sticks up his finger at the dog, much to the surprise and shock of everyone inside the courtroom, including the judge, the defense, and even his own son! He gets up to storm out of the courtroom when the judge calls out, "Mr. Behnam Filla, get back here!"

The same response comes from the tomcat, this time with the judge himself on the receiving end of the finger. Angered, Judge Vagaday directs the dog to bring his former client back. He is not letting this go unpunished. "Mr. Stoko, bring him back! Now he's definitely gonna pay for his actions!"

When Garlits goes to retrieve Behnam and bring him back into the room, the doberman judge stares at the tomcat with a plain, yet seething glare. Folding his hands on his desk, he makes one plain request to Behnam, "Since you want to act so hard and tough, why don't you explain yourself right here and now?"

"I have no need to explain or be around useless scum like this. I am out of here." Behnam's snarky remarks angers the judge and even the dog prosecutor has to restrain himself from delivering a one-hit knockout. But the judge reminds Behnam, "Mr. Filla, this is a court of law, not a movie theater; not a circus tent. And how dare you flip off the prosecutor and even a judge on top of that! If you were smart enough, you'd actually wait your turn to testify before the court but since your dumb self decided to flip off Mr. Stoko and myself, I am holding you not only in contempt of court, but also obstruction!"

"Obstruction or not, this dumb dog said he's not my lawyer anymore. I want a lawyer who sticks by their client no matter what! I'm not setting for this!" Behnam attempts to play the victim here, being offended. The judge only grows more infuriated, seeing through his temper tantrum.

"And what am I supposed to do about that?" Florentino reasoned with Behnam, "That is something you and Mr. Stoko should handle privately, not publicly in court. And you do not disrespect an attorney! Since you like running your big mouth and throwing temper tantrums, how about a $2000 fine added to the total damages you're being sued for? That, and a 25 year sentence?"

"Are you really going to throw me in the slammer?" Behnam smugly asks the judge.

"On charges of child abuse, neglect, endangerment, and domestic battery, I can and I will. And your perverted friend will join you so you two can get to know each other more." Florentino bluntly remarks, observing Behnam's expression carefully. In the background, everyone is looking confused while Kane just watches attentively. But the color on Behnam's face drains at realization of what the judge meant. Before the older tomcat can even plead, the doberman cuts him off, "No amount of pleading or begging will save you today! You are hereby stripped of your job privileges, you will reimburse your son on this lawsuit, and you are going to prison! Take him out of my sight!"

"You're making a huge mistake, Judge! I will be out soon!" A pair of guards escort Behnam out of the courtroom amidst the cat's tirade, leaving a tense silence in his wake.

Melting in his seat, Kane meows in relief. He no longer has to worry about his father being around him again, especially after what just happened. Although years of abuse won't be able to make up for the lost years of his life, Kane remains forever grateful to his team and the judge. And with the proceedings ending on this bombshell, the judge proceeds to give the closing statement.

Shaking his head, the doberman judge proceeds to speak, "I think we all can use a breather after this one. On the one hand, we have an abusive, narcissistic man revealed as a domestic violence suspect who is now exposed for the fraud he is, and on the other hand, we have a perverted aggressor as the friend of said man."

Florentino settles his eyes on Kane, where an endearing smile comes on his face. "Young man, you remind me of my adopted son in so many ways. And it will be a bonus for Tobi to have an extra friend in his circle, someone he can closely relate to and monitor the most. Therefore, I have a surprise for you that we can discuss in my chambers once this trial is over."

Taken aback at first, Kane is surprised to hear of this revelation by the judge himself, his admiration growing even more from learning that Tobi is his adopted son. The young tomcat turns mildly pink in the face and out of appreciation, he accepts the judge's offer with a heartfelt thanks. "I appreciate it, Your Honor. Thank you."

"Good. Now I will be moving on to the verdict." Moving to the end of the trial, the doberman judge goes on to deliver his verdict, "In this civil case, the plaintiff is awarded the full amount of damages owed to him by the defendant! The defendant himself will also pay a $2000 fine for contempt of court and spend some time in prison for his actions! Case closed!" Florentino then bangs his gavel, thus ending the trial and signifying his verdict.

(🎵 Win #2 - The Need For Speed OST)

Confetti falls in celebration while the gallery cheers in celebration along with the defense, prosecution, and the plaintiff himself. Kane is especially excited to share his joy, hugging Tobi in the process while celebrating. Roseanne and Alessandro are equally happy along with Garlits, who observes in admiration. Even Ashley is excited to celebrate the verdict, coming over to hug Kane in the process. With the trial proceedings over, the court is adjourned.

(🎵 Callista - Saki Kaskas [Need For Speed High Stakes OST])

With the parties filing out of the courtroom, Kane follows with his legal team, draping an arm around the Maine Coon lawyer. Seconds after filing out of the courtroom, Florentino calls out to the two tomcats, once again addressing them by direct name, "Tobi, Kane, I would like to see you both in my chambers! This will be a private discussion!"

Overhearing the judge, Roseanne glances at the doberman and pauses to face Tobi, who insists, "Roseanne, you guys go on ahead. I'll be back later. The judge wants to see me and Kane personally."

"Okay brother, we will see you later!" Waving goodbyes to each other, Roseanne departs from the courthouse while Tobi and Kane stroll to the judge's chambers. Just what kind of surprise does Florentino have in store for Kane??

TO BE CONTINUED…

~~~~~

Behnam and Kane Filla belong to Sunnahal from ToyHouse; Florentino Vagaday, Ashley Porter, Tobi Blackburn, Garlits Stoko, Roseanne McCarthy, and Alessandro Eriksson belong to me!