Saving Forever - Part 4 Read Online Free PDF Page A

“During sexual harassment suits, unsavory allegations come to light, and in many cases companies – or hospitals in this case – will settle quickly to avoid bad publicity. This hearing should not have become a public fiasco, but it did. As much as I tried to close the doors to it publically, I apologize in not succeeding.” He took his reading glasses off and folded his hands again. “In some instances, cases must go to trial to reach a verdict. Juries can then choose to send a message to corporate defendants by handing down multi-million dollar verdicts, or in some cases to lone plaintiffs.”
    Laura’s dramatic inhale echoed across the room. She leaned over to her lawyer and whispered in his ear.
    The judge glanced at her before putting his reading glasses on and picked up a sheet of paper. “They can also decide in favor of the defendant.”
    Charity’s heartbeat echoed inside her ears. They were going to trial. This nightmare was going to be dragged out even longer. Every inch of their lives, her father’s, the hospital was going to be put on wicked display for the media to attack like a pack of vultures. She bit her lip.
    “I’ve listened to both sides of the parties invoiced in the hearing,” the judge continued, oblivious to the thoughts running inside Charity’s head. “I do not find this hearing needs to go to trial.”
    Charity blinked, unsure she had heard him correctly. Did that mean…? She glanced at Elijah from the corner of her eye, but the doctor face he wore revealed nothing.
    “Dr. Elijah Bennet is held in high regard at the hospital, by his staff, his patients and those around him. Dr. Scott Thompson has treated this hospital like his own child. The board has already put new practices and by-laws into place to prevent this sort of misunderstanding from happening again. I, and the city, can appreciate the efforts being put forth.”
    Elijah squeezed Charity’s hand and she caught a glimmer of a smile trying to peek through his unreadable face.
    The judge turned his attention to the accuser and her lawyer. “You cited,” he began, shuffling through a few pages in front of him and slipping his reading glasses up his nose again, “that Dr. Bennet chased you down, he would make unprofessional comments while working with you, while alone and with other staff in the room.” He set the paper down. “The list of allegations goes on and on. However, I am confused because you have not shown one piece of evidence to prove any of this. The incident where Dr. Thompson saw the two of you seems to have been a set up by you. Patients, staff and others have all said the same thing, Dr. Bennet and his fiancé, Charity Thompson, have been the victim of your shenanigans.”
    Laura stood and jabbed a finger at the judge. “You’re in with them! You dirty piece of sh—”
    Her lawyer pulled her back into her chair before she could finish.
    The judge banged his gavel. “One more outburst like that and I’ll find you in contempt of court.” He inhaled and waited a moment before speaking again. “It is my findings that the charges against the hospital, the allegations against Dr. Bennet are all false. There is no evidence to show otherwise. Taking this hearing to trial will only waste the tax payers and this city time and money.” He stared down the bridge of his nose at Laura and her lawyer. “You shot Ms. Charity Thompson. She chose not to take you to court. I suggest you be reminded of that as you fulfill the requirements of that settlement. There is still a restraining order in place.” He lifted his gavel and cleared his throat. “I find the defendant, Scott Thompson Hospital, and also Dr. Bennet, cleared of all the charges.” He banged the gavel down in one final thud. “Hearing adjourned.”
    The bench Charity sat on shook as all of them jumped up. Their attorney quickly shook hands with each of them. “I’d like to get this out to the press right away. This is the one time, I’m glad