Chapter 24- Three Months Later
9th District Justice Court
Downtown Fairhaven
Decemeber 5th
1:30 pm.
"How the jury find the defendant?" The judge preciding asked when he looked at Salvatore Di Bortoli who was standing along with his attorney. The jury of twelve made their desision after hours of deliverating. Izumi, now a detective; sat amongst some of the people that served as witnesses. Also Gianna's parents Enzo and Anita Tagalucci were seating next to her.
One female member of the jury stood up " We find the defendant... Guilty on all counts"
Salvatore only closed his eyes as he heard the veredict.
"Mr. Di Bortoli, based on the veredict handed by the Grand Jury my duty is to deliver the highest sentence possible under law... Hereby you're sentenced to serve four consecutive life sentences without the posibility of parole. This court has adjourned" The judge said before he hit the gable.
People in court cheered as Salvatore was escorted out by the bailiffs.
"We're proud of you... I know Gianna is too" Anita said to Izumi.
"Thank you for doing this" Enzo said as well.
"It was only fair... now we can find closure" Izumi replied.
Everyone was making their way out of the courthouse in the midst of the whole media circus. It was hard for Izumi to leave the building as the army of reporters asked the prosecutor questions about the case and trial.
"Wow... that's the first time I see you wearing formal clothes" Manny teased, he saw Izumi's outfit which consited of a short skirt, a white blouse with a black vest and black high heels.
"You're not the only one who wears three piece suits" Izumi responded.
Some reporters took notice of Manny, and since after Salvatore's arrest, Manny was able to resume his MMA career. These reporters started to talk to Manny.
"Give me a second" Manny said to Izumi before talking to the reporters.
Izumi turned her attention to both Enzo and Anita.
"Your mind is made up... you want to stay here?" Anita asked.
"This is where I'm needed... " Izumi answered.
"Remember what we said in Gianna's funeral?" Enzo asked.
Izumi nodded.
"You're always family to us and whenever you need us, we'll be there" Anita said.
"Thank you" Izumi smiled and hugged both Enzo and Anita.
After Manny talked to the press, he joined Izumi as she walked towards a parking lot building across the street to the courthouse.
"What's next for you?" Izumi asked Manny.
"I'm leaving for Holland tomorrow, I have a fight in a month from now" Manny answered.
"I see... my boss wanted to ask you if you were interested joining the force" Izumi said.
Manny laughed "Me... a cop... I love what I do"
Izumi chuckled too.
"Look, I'm not very good at this but I want to thank you for helping me out... arresting these bastards helped me keep my career" Manny said.
"I'd say we helped each other... you were my partner even if you didn't have a badge..." Izumi said.
In the parking lot Manny parked his black 1970 Dodge Charger.
"Need a lift?" Manny asked.
"So you bought another boat" Izumi teased.
"I'm just curious to know what kind of ride you got now" Manny said.
Izumi pointed at the car parked next to the Charger, it was a brand new red Subaru STI highly modified.
"Not an import!" Manny whinned.
"You'll never see me driving a V8" Izumi giggled.
"Oh well..." Manny tossed his arms in defeat.
"Manny, there's one more thing we gotta do" Izumi said.
"What's that?" Manny asked.
"You won that night but today it will be different" Izumi said.
"Is that so?" Manny turned to Izumi.
"Uhh humm" Izumi took one step closer to Manny.
Manny got close to Izumi and kissed her on her lips, it lasted for several seconds. Izumi was running her hands on his head and Manny was holding her waist. Manny looked at Izumi for a second after the kiss.
"Ready to lose again" Manny said.
"I got something for you" Izumi winked at Manny in a flirtatious way.
Both racers got in their cars and exited the parking garage and headed two blocks away. They stopped at a red light.
"I like you but you're not winning this time" Izumi muttered as she revved her engine. Manny also revved his, unleashing that hellish roar of his V8 engine.
The light turned green and both cars took off into the horizon... no wagers, no pressure. Just the need for speed...
The Junkie's Notes: Thank you for taking the time to check this story out. If this is the first time you read my work, please check out NFS Undercover Chronicles.. that was the first story I wrote about a year ago. Chronologically it takes place three years after this story, in that story Izumi takes on an international weapon and drug smuggling ring. And also be on the lookout for another story I'm cooking up which will be the sequel to NFS Ghost Shadow... One Love!