Chapter 37

Because things went better at court that day, Penelope wasn't as upset as the night before. She was a lot calmer. The family decided after dinner they would all watch a movie. Both boys were picked up by their parents on the way to Casa Rossi. Penelope had a strong craving for Chinese, so they put in an order and it was delivered. No one decided to tease Spencer about his inability to use the chopsticks this time and easily gave in to his request for a fork.

They enjoyed their dinner as the boys regaled them with funny stories from the last few days. They all made themselves comfortable in the living room as they watched one of Henry's favorite movies, 'Finding Nemo'. By the time it was over, the boys were sound asleep on the floor and the adults were all exhausted. The Hotchners and the LaMontagnes headed home to tuck in their little ones, while Spencer decided to spend the night at Casa Rossi.

They all promised to meet at the mansion at nine o'clock in the morning, so they would be together when the verdict came in. At the end of court that day, the prosecutor informed Penelope and the gang that they wouldn't have to report to court until she notified them that the verdict was in.

Everyone else split up and went their separate ways to get a good night's sleep. Penelope was exhausted but relaxed from an evening spent with her family. She and Derek changed into some bedtime clothes and climbed into bed. They snuggled with each other and made out for a little bit before they both settled down for the night. Penelope managed to only have one nightmare throughout the night. Derek was able to calm her down pretty quickly and both fell back to sleep easily.

Morning came and everybody was awake by seven o'clock. All of them were showered, shaved and dressed by eight o'clock. Dave and Fran were the first ones to make it downstairs, so they decided to make a good hearty breakfast for themselves, Penelope, Derek, and Spencer. Their breakfast consisted of eggs over easy, bacon, sausage, home fries, toast, muffins, fruit, freshly squeezed orange juice and coffee. Spencer was the next one down and helped set the dining room table and then went off to inform Derek and Penelope that breakfast was ready.

By the time they made it to the dining room, all the food adorned the table. They helped themselves and enjoyed their meal together with some light talk.

When the Hotchners and LaMontagnes rang the bell at exactly nine o'clock they'd already finished eating, cleared the table and the dishes were clean. Now, all they could do was wait. They each found something to occupy themselves with to kill time.

At eleven-forty, Penelope's phone rang and the prosecutor let them know that the jury had reached a verdict. However, the judge decided to wait until lunchtime was over and wanted all involved parties in court at exactly one o'clock.

The family decided to make lunch simple and decided on Fran's fresh homemade chicken salad sandwiches. They also enjoyed a side salad to go along with them. They pretty much ate in silence as their minds were all consumed with the upcoming verdict.

They were out the door at twelve-thirty and headed to the courthouse. They made it to the courtroom with five minutes to spare. Everyone took their seats and waited for the judge. This time, Savannah was already seated at the defense table awaiting her fate. She still couldn't resist glaring at Penelope the entire time they waited. Derek and Penelope ignored her as they sat there squeezing each other's hands.

At last, the bailiff instructed everyone to rise for the entrance of the judge. She came in and took her place on the bench. After the room sat back down, she instructed the bailiff to escort the jury in.

Once they were in and seated, the judge looked over to the foreperson and stated, "Do I understand, Madam Foreperson, that the jury has reached a verdict in this case?"

The foreperson raised up from her seat and answered, "Yes, your honor we have."

"Please, hand the verdict over to the bailiff."

The bailiff made his way over to the jury box and retrieved the piece of paper holding the verdict from the foreperson. He then quickly crossed the room and handed it to the judge. She looked at it and nodded her head.

The judge asked for the defendant to rise for the verdict. Savannah and her lawyer both stood up and faced the jury.

"Madam Foreperson, in the case of the State of Virginia versus Dr. Savannah Hayes, how do you find the defendant?

The entire family was on pins and needles as they waited for the reading of the verdict. Derek gave Penelope a quick hug and kiss and then they held their breath as they waited anxiously to hear what the jury had decided.

The foreperson cleared her throat and began to speak loudly and succinctly, "In the above and entitled action, we the jury, find Dr. Savannah Hayes, guilty on all counts."

The courtroom was filled with many "Thank gods" and 'Yeses!" Everyone could breathe again.

The room was then filled with shrieks and expletives from Savannah! You damn idiots! Are you frigging kidding me? It's all that fat cows doing! She is a freaking whore! She's a bitch and doesn't deserve to live! Nooooooo!"

Before anyone knew it or could react Savannah jumped over the railing and was charging for Penelope with her arms outstretched. "I'm gonna kill you now, you fat bitch! He was mine, not yours!"

The first two that sprang into action were Derek and Spencer, with Hotch and Dave right on their heels. Derek and Spencer managed to push her away and tackled her to the ground. Two of the court officers reached them at this point and during the ensuing melee, they were able to get her into handcuffs. The two court officers thanked the guys and dragged Savannah to her feet. All the while, Savannah continued to screech and curse at Penelope. They finally managed to get her out of the courtroom with her kicking and screaming the whole way.

Penelope was temporarily shocked and then as soon as Derek put his arms around her, she began to sob. Derek ran his hands over her back to try and comfort her. He softly cooed to her, "Shhh! It's ok, baby! It's okay. It's all over now, don't worry I'm sure she will be going to prison for the rest of her life. She can't hurt you anymore. I love you, Sweetness!"

The judge came over as Penelope began to calm herself. All that could be heard now was her sniffling and an occasional hiccup.

The judge placed her hand on Penelope's shoulder, "I'm so sorry about that, Ms. Garcia. That should've never have happened. Please accept the court's apology. You didn't get injured, did you?"

Penelope looked over at the kindly judge and shook her head. "Thank you, Your Honor. She never got that close because of Derek and Spencer. I'll be alright."

Penelope asked the girls to take her to the ladies' room, so she could fix her face. JJ, Emily, and Fran all accompanied her and gave her a hand at pulling herself together.

Ten minutes later, they emerged from the bathroom all laughing at something Emily had just said. Derek rushed over to his girl, "Feeling better, Princess?"

Penelope smiled at him, "Actually, I am! Thanks, Angelfish."

Their lips met for a quick kiss and then he hugged her. "I'm glad, beautiful! Let's go home."

"You don't have to tell me twice."

When they got home and the more time passed by Penelope was relieved that the trial was finally over. She decided that they all should celebrate the rest of the day. Everyone wholeheartedly agreed as they surrounded her with nothing but love. Dave started the barbecue and whipped out some wonderful steaks and hot dogs for the boys. The entire family enjoyed the impromptu celebration long into the night.

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