Caden had yet to find a new job since he had quit his last one. Thus, leaving Kurt to have to pick up a second job. Using his writing abilities he got himself a job with a news paper. He didn't do much but observe high profile court cases since he was only part time. He walked into his supervisors office with a half-hearted smile.

“Here is the article for tonight's print,” Kurt said as he pulled out a folder that contained the article he had to write on a murder case. His supervisors smile lit up her old face and she stood up scanning it. She was in her fifties and had graying hair but she was still full of life and did a lot around the building.

“Another nice job, Kurt. I'm so glad to have a gifted writer like you with us. I also have another case for you to do. The first hearing is today at ten. I got you a spot because this story is huge!”

“What's it about?” he asked intrigued.

“A domestic violence case. The man is being prosecuted with his girlfriend's death. He apparently beat her around and one night it got out of hand and she was found dead. It's been all over the news and the paper.”

Kurt bit his bottom lip and took a deep breath. He closed his eyes and sighed. Of course this case would have to be a difficult one.

“Kurt? Are you okay?” she asked concerned.

“Yeah! Yeah...I just have an old friend who was in a bad relationship...”

“Do you want me to send someone else in?”

“No, it's okay. I'll be fine,” he said forcing on his best smile. She nodded and left her office. Kurt turned and followed her. He walked down the stairs and out the front doors to get to his car. He got in and text Caden quickly about going to a case and he turned the volume off. He turned his car on and put his music on for the ride. He nibbled at his muffin, not having the appetite to eat much more. When he got to the court house he showed his parking pass and parked.

He checked his phone to see Caden had text him back but he ignored it. He walked into the court house, his tag around his neck. Walking into the court room the case would be in he took his seat in the back. There was already a man at the prosecutors table. He had black hair that was gelled back in a neat style.

Before he knew it, the court room had filled up. From spectators, to obvious family and friends of each party, and the media in the back of the room. Kurt got his stuff out and got ready. His recorder sat on the bench next to him so he could replay everything and catch quotes and key points.

Kurt waited for the case to start patiently. The woman he usually sat by was next to him. She had a bagel in one hand with a coffee and her binder in the other.

“Ugh, awful morning.”

“Why?” he asked amused.

“Jim had a bad night. I didn't want to leave him alone so I sat up with him. I was running late today and my boss had my ass out for it.”

“I'm sorry, Linda...” Kurt replied sadly. He reached over and put a hand on her shoulder. Linda was in her thirties, married with two young kids. Jim, her husband, was going through chemo and had been sick for a while. Like Kurt, she worked two jobs to support her family.

“Thanks...it's the road to recovery so today may suck but eventually he'll be okay and cancer free and we can be a family again,” she replied. Kurt nodded and jumped as they asked for the people to rise. Following the procedures Kurt eyed the people up front. The man who was being charged was tall and lithe and couldn't be older than 25. It was so sad that a man like him would be here.

Sitting down, Kurt looked at the prosecution and defense. Two lawyers each team was never uncommon and he was surprised that they were all pretty young looking. One man stood up and walked to the center of the front of the room and turned to the jurors. Kurt's breath hitched in his throat and he felt the bile rising.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Mark Hiddle was having a quiet night at home with his girlfriend when things got bad. They were celebrating a two year anniversary that night, her hopes bright for their future. Stacey Townsend could not have been happier. He had a few drinks and Stacey said she was going out the next night with her best friends, Tyler Crown and Lydia Werk. At that time, Mr. Hiddle turned on her. He hit her, beat her, talked down on her the whole time. She was found the next day by her two friends but it was too late...Ms. Townsend was dead. She was taken before she could marry, start a family, watch those kids grow. Before she could graduate and become a vet. Mr. Hiddle is being charged with her murder. And, after all of the evidence is displayed before you, you will also find him guilty of murder,” the prosecutor opened and turned around. Kurt's hand flew to his mouth. The eyes weren't looking at him but he would never be able to forget them or that face.

He looked to his right to creep out of the room but he couldn't. He was trapped in and he didn't know what to do. An elbow hit his side and he looked at Linda annoyed but she looked down.

'Kurt? Are you okay? You look pale...' was written on Linda's tablet.

'I don't feel so good' he wrote sloppily. She grabbed his arm and they stood up. Linda's co-worker looked at them worried but moved to watch their stuff that was sitting on the bench. Out of the court room, Linda led him to the front and out into the cloudy day. It smelled of rain and Kurt took a deep breath.

“Are you having a panic attack? I didn't know you had anxiety...”

“I don't...” Kurt replied.

“Well, that looked like it. Kurt? Is it the case? Is it getting to you?” she asked concerned. Kurt had told Linda about Caden and him. She did not like Caden at all and encouraged him to get out while he could but Kurt ignored her.

“You could say that...”

“Was it the lawyer who stood up first?”

“Maybe...” Kurt replied, hoping to avoid the topic but he knew he wouldn't be able to.

“Kurt. Tell me, please. What's going on?”

“The man...that was my ex...”

“Blaine?

“Yeah...” he replied feeling the bitter sting of the tears. There was no way Blaine could be here! How long had he been here? Was he looking for Kurt? Why didn't he even call? Kurt ran a hand through his hair, annoyed, and closed his eyes. A pair of arms wrapped around him and he cried into her shoulder.

“It's okay, Kurt. I promise it is.”

“I don't know...I really don't know...”