We got out of the car. My father, my mother, Jacob and myself. Justin parked next to us, being at the courthouse for a separate court case.
“You ready?” My dad asked me. “I know this is hard, but I know you’ll do great. You probably won’t even have to get on the stand today, but we still have to be there.” He explained. I nodded. My heart was racing, and by dress clothes were somewhat uncomfortable. Polo shirts and dress pants aren’t really my thing! I was still freaking out though. My adrenaline rushed through my body. Jacob grabbed my hand.
“It’ll be okay Twi.” He assured me.
“Yeah… right.” I said. We entered the courthouse. Police officers, guards and lawyers all strode about, in a chaotic yet orderly fashion. It was strange to me, but I accepted it for what it was; court. We walked through the security gates and were patted down by officers. I felt uncomfortable, since I was wearing some of my more thick diapers today since I was stressed and would probably go more. My mother decided to stay behind and watch Jacob, after being greeted by a very familiar nun.
“Dad, is police Chief O’Doyle here too?” I asked.
“Yes he is Tristian. Actually, I think that’s him right over there. Why don’t you go say hello while I go find out the courtroom number, okay?” He asked.
“Sure.” I said scampering off to the very Irish, very large, very intimidating man sitting down on a bench. He looked up and spotted me and waved, motioning for me to take a seat next to him.
“Hey there Tristian, how are ye?” He asked.
“Nervous!” I responded, forcing a laugh.
“Well that’s no surprise lad! You have to see some of the people who did terrible things to you! But you know what? If I was in your position, I’d be way too scared to come! You’re a very brave lad!” He said.
“R-really? You think so?” I asked him.
“I swear it on the holy book!” He said, raising his right hand.
“Wow… thanks!”
“Don’t mention it. Oh, I almost forgot something!” He said, digging through his pockets. When his left hand came out, he used his right to cover my eyes. I waited only a few moments before the veil of secrecy was lifted, as I felt a heavy object hanging from my neck on a necklace.
“That’s something my grandfather gave to me, and I want you to have it.” He said, pointing down to the heavy metal pocket watch. I opened it up, and looked inside. Within the watch, was a picture of my dad and me.
“Your dad gave me that picture to give to you in this watch. I hope you like it.” He said.
“Police Chief O’Doyle…” I began.
“You can call me Gavin lad!” He said cheerfully, patting my back.
“Thank you so much!” I said, hugging him. I let go of him just as my dad returned.
“Alright, let’s go.” He said. We walked around the bend, and up six large doors. My dad pushed the door open. There were a few people and some people from the media. I recognized that AJ and Geremy’s fathers were there, both with notepads. They waved to me and I waved back. We sat down near them, and my dad talked to them, as well as Gavin.
“So how long till the case starts?” Wolf said.
“Not too long. I think it’ll be starting in about two or so minutes.” Gavin said.
“That’s good then! Adam was supposed to be home early and I forgot to give him to key to the house!” He said chuckling.
“Locked your boy out of your house, eh? You’re coming’ with me sir!” Gavin joked. My father laughed along with them at this joke. After another string of jokes that only made me feel more nervous, the Judge began to walk in. The bailiff spoke.
“All rise for the honorable judge Stark!” Everyone rose, and then sat down once we were told too.
“Bailiff, bring in the defendants.” He said. The bailiff knocked on a door, and just moments later, I saw them; Terri and Nick. I was scared. My heart raced even faster; and then faster still! Not even my dad’s warm embrace did I feel safe. Terri and Nick stood behind a large desk on the right side of the court room, while a lawyer sat on the left side.
“Case number one two three six six nine. State versus Nick and Terri Anella. How do you plead?” The judge asked.
“Not Guilty!” They stated.
“How does the state feel about the defense’s current standings?” He asked the lawyer.
“Your honor, the state wishes for the defendants to be held without bail.” He said.
“Is that really necessary?” A man said, striding into the court room. “Jake S. Cunningham, I’m the defendants lawyer your honor. I apologize for my rude entry and lateness to the court.”
“That’s fine sir, please. Why should your clients not be held without bail?” He questioned.
“Sir, my clients are merely accessories to criminal mischief, and were being held at gun point from afar! They had nothing to do with the incident besides being threatened into caring for Tristian Hawk.” He said.
“How does the state feel about this?” The judge asked.
“We disagree your honor. As you will come to find, we have extensive evidence to support that the defendants have connections to the Italian mafia, and have a sufficient amount of funds. They could get up and leave at any time, given the chance.”
“That’s reasonable mister… Wellington, is it?”
“Yes sir.”
“I can see your distrust for these two is high, and I can completely agree with it. You will find that reason, and logicality, are two things that I like to see in my court room. The defendants, Nick and Terri Anella, will be held without bail until a ruling has been made by the court in good standing. Let the record show that these two are not to be trusted. Case dismissed.” He said, smacking small hammer down on a block of wood. It was over.
“It’s over…” I said, breathing heavily. My father got up, and stood in front of me in the aisle.
“Today was just to see what the bail would be, but you need to know that you’re going to be totally okay!” My dad said, kneeling down some and hugging me.
I couldn’t see behind my dad, but I could hear.
“HE’S GOT A GU”- Was all I heard before a loud CRACK sound was made. Then I heard the judge.
“OFFICERS! FIRE! Shoot hi-“I heard; then another loud crack. I heard the judge begin to moan in extreme pain. Next, I felt something. Something very odd; not fear, but realization. The realization that I was probably going to die here.
“If there is a god… I’m going to make sure you feel this pain!” I screamed in my head. I felt something that I had only felt once before. I felt a warm trickle come dripping onto my body and head. It was warm, but cold, at the same time. Then I heard another crack. This one hit me though. I felt myself flying backwards.
“This is it… I’m done. Why here, why now? Why? Jacob… Rebecca! AJ, Geremy! Mom… Dad?” I thought quickly in my head as I fell backwards. Then I realized something. I wasn’t bleeding. No… the wind was merely knocked out of me.
Time sped up, and a million lifetimes passed in a single second. I was scared. People were moving and there were more shots fired. I blacked out. The next thing I remembered was a police officer standing above me. It was Gavin. He was screaming, but I couldn’t hear him. It was like my dream that I had had right before I met Terri and Nick. Every sound sounded as though if it was muffled, like I was underwater. It was… strange. The only other thing I remembered was a severe pain in my chest.
I awoke in a hospital bed. Dazed, confused. I heard doctors talking to my mother.
“Ma’am… we’re sorry, but your husband is dead. He, and Nick Anella were the only two to die today. We tried our best, but; we had nothing left that would have saved him. He was hit once in the arm, and again in the stomach. The second shot bounced off of this pocket watch your son was wearing, and hit him in the head. He died painlessly.” The doctor assured my mother. She cried. She cried for hours. And hours. And more hours. I was left crying too, but within my own mind. Nothing would ever be the same after that… nothing was. Nothing will be.