CHAPTER EIGHTY-SEVEN
(part three)

Friday early afternoon — 1:15 P.M.

“Mr. Blanchard, are we ready to hear the verdicts?” the Judge asked.

After arriving early, they had spent the morning waiting for the defendant. She and her attorney had attempted to renegotiate her plea bargain. Today! After three weeks of nonsense, she’d decided she wanted the plea. The victim’s advocate said she was abusing the victims. Their office filed some special form on Jill, Katy, Paddie, and Honey’s behalf. The District Attorney was furious. Listening to the Judge, Jill could tell that the Judge was angry too.

“Let us proceed,” the Judge said. “Have you reached a verdict?”

“Yes, your honor,” the jury foreman stood. He gave a piece of paper to the bailiff.

Jill watched the tiny slip of paper move across the room. Jacob grabbed her hand. Sucking her thumb for the first time since last summer, Katy snuggled further into Jill’s lap. The little family braced for the verdict.

The Judge’s dark fingers made the piece of paper seem bright white. The Judge gave a small nod.

“I’d like to poll the jury,” the Judge said. “Do you agree with this verdict?”

One at a time, the jurors stood to say, “Aye.” When the last juror sat down, the tension in the courtroom raised a notch.

“To the charge of assault with the intent of murder, the verdict is…”

Jill thought she would pass out.

“Guilty!”

Jill wanted to cheer and scream but she knew she’d get thrown out of the courtroom. Breathing deeply to control her excitement, she heard:

“Guilty.”

“Guilty.”

“Guilty.”

“Guilty.”

“Guilty.”

“Guilty.”

The step-sister was found guilty on every single charge!

EVERY CHARGE!

MJ covered Honey in a hug. Jill and Katy hugged Jacob until Paddie begged to come up. With Katy on one hip and Paddie on the other, Jill hugged her brother, Steve, and sisters, Megan and Candy, and mother, Anjelika, until she ended up back in Jacob’s arms.

The Judge pounded her gavel to gain order. Finally, everyone sat back down.

“The jury has requested special circumstances,” the Judge said. “Even though I am not a fan of the death penalty, I’m sorry to say that special circumstances are not allowed in this case. Somehow Honey Lipson managed to survive, so we are unable to entertain the death penalty in this case. That said, I will determine sentencing in two weeks.”

With another pounding of her gavel, the Judge adjourned the court.

“Let’s celebrate,” Honey said.

“Let’s!” Jill replied.

“I guess that’s our cue,” Jacob patted MJ on the back.

The happy group left the courtroom to celebrate their victory.

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow…