The Darkness of the Past on Trial (Part 4)
The DARKNESS of the Past
on Trial

Part 4: Granted or Denied?

As night gave way to morning once more in the Midwestern city, Angie awakened early once more and quickly went to the exercise room to take out her anger and frustrations on that sandbag, which had helped only partially the day before.
This time, though, her fuming anger from the previous night's strange dream had spilled over. "I want you make you suffer, Fallon, just like you made my parents suffer so…needlessly!" She punched harder and harder into the sandbag until, with one powerful right hook, it gave way and burst, all the sand falling out of it.
"Oops," said Angie, feeling rather embarrassed. "That wasn't supposed to happen. Oh, brother, Ashley's gonna kill me if I don't clean this mess up." Stepping back, she concentrated on the magical power within herself and starting mending the busted sandbag, slowly getting all the sand back into it. As the bag grew heavier, her power was feeling a little strained, so with one big push, she placed the hook of the bag back in its proper place. "There," she said with a relieved sigh. "That's better."
"You're telling me," said Ashley, who stood at the door, "and I wouldn't kill you for breaking the sandbag."
The female magician turned and faced her best friend in complete shock. "Oh, Ash, um, look, I didn't mean to damage the sandbag; I—"
"Relax, Ang." Ashley then walked up to her. "I know how upset you are about this mess, and believe me, if I had the same situation, I probably would have enough to break that sandbag, too. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if that's what I may do myself if my mother gets caught and goes to trial." She then put her face down.
"Ashley, don't torture yourself like this. It's not your fault for what happened to your mother."
Rita then entered the room. "Angie's right. We've all had to face difficult situations, but we'll get through them together, with help from each other and our friends."
Out on her perch, Marshall, in her morphed hawk form, awakened and noticed the three women in the room together. :As the old saying goes, "There is strength in numbers." Mrs. Wisland is right about facing these weird situations, but Angie's the one with the greatest struggle right now.:
Rita then took something out of her pocket. "Um, Angie, I think this is something you should now have. Nancy gave me this Iowa quarter, one of the first minted in 2004. She gave each of us one in the wedding reception just after their ceremony. I know she would want you to have this."
The niece looked at the beautifully crafted quarter. "Oh, it's gorgeous." When she took the quarter, she closed her eyes and started seeing visions of happier times between her parents before she was born. "I see them…smiling," she said softly. "They were so happy together, and their love is a bond that can never be broken, even in Heaven."
"Wha—?" said a very confused Ashley. "What is she talking about?"
Rita looked at her. "Don't you know? Angie has the power of telemetry, too."
"What's that?"
"According to what Ace told me, she can touch an object and tap into its memories and the owner or owners. She must be seeing Bob and Nancy in their past."
"Wow, how awesome." Ashley was dumbfounded by her best friend's ever increasing magical powers.
When the visions faded, she opened her eyes and smiled. "Thank you, Aunt Rita. I'll keep this quarter close to my heart always." She then noticed the mat. "Um, excuse me, but would you mind if I went through my daily meditation before breakfast?"
"Angie," Ashley said with slight laughter, "you don't have to ask me for anything. You're my best friend."
"Yeah, but I did damage the sandbag."
"Girlfriend, you need to stop being apologetic all the time. Now, do what you need to, because this is gonna be the toughest day ahead, since we're the only two people left to testify, that is…if you are going to testify."
"I thought it over last night, and I've decided the best thing to do is testify, not only for the sake of my parents, but also for myself. The question is, will what I say set them both free…or send them back to prison?"
"It's up to the board to decide," Rita answered truthfully. "All you will do is explain how the loss of Bob and Nancy has affected you for over seven years, and we both know it's more than you've really wanted to show."
"I know, Aunt Rita. I'll have to be careful about not getting too emotional again. I have the feeling I did something strange yesterday, but I'm not sure exactly what it is I did."
Ashley and Rita remembered the voice from the previous day, the one that said not to react to what they had seen from Angie's own mind.
After glancing at each other, they gave Angie time to herself again so she could be ready for the most difficult day, possibly of her whole life.
As they left the room, Rita said, "Ashley, how come Angie doesn't know about the sending of that image, but the rest of us do?"
"I don't know, Mrs. Wisland. It's very strange. Angie didn't realize what she had done after Barry's outburst yesterday, but I seem to…remember hearing that voice somewhere before."
"Really, where?"
"Well, when I reunited with Angie in Electro City, I was going through a hard time after knowing about my mother being Faceless. There, I learned that Marshall was also going through some tough times herself, and even took out some of that pain and anger on Ace. Ace was able to get her calmed down with a little magic, but she—wait a minute. That's it! That's why I remember the voice from yesterday so well. It's Marshall! She must be somewhere in the area, but why?"
"Why else? To keep an eye on Angie. Marshall must know something we don't."
:You've figured it out correctly, Mrs. Wisland,: said a different female voice in the two ladies' minds. :Look outside the kitchen window, where you will be eating breakfast soon, and watch for a red-tailed hawk.:
Ashley easily recalled the hawk from the previous morning's breakfast. "The hawk…that's Marshall. She followed Angie all the way here."
Back in the exercise room, Angie took her place on the mat and began her meditation. "Mom, Dad, this is it…the hardest day for me to come. Now I really need some guidance."
In her mind, she pictured herself in the living room as she sat between her parents on the sofa.
"Honey," said Robert, "we know you're facing the most difficult situation yet, and we're here to guide you through, you know that."
At the kitchen, Ashley and Rita looked outside the window and noticed the red-tailed hawk.
"Marshall?" said Ashley curiously. "What are you doing here? Why did you follow Angie here to Mason City?"
:I did so because I have become extremely concerned about her inner being. Her soul right now is a completely tortured mess, which will only get worse if she doesn't acknowledge a part of herself.:
Rita became concerned. "What do you mean by that?"
:There is a part of her she has kept locked away since the time she lost her parents, perhaps even longer because she kept getting picked on and beaten up as she was growing up. She's kept a lot of that inner anger buried away, and I fear that anger will explode out of her soon.:
"What? How? When?"
:I cannot answer any of those inquiries, Mrs. Wisland, for the answer must come from within Angie herself. However, even after this parole hearing, she will not recognize that anger or…darkness within herself. Ashley, you remember what I went through, right?:
"Of course I remember. It seems Angie's going through the same situation herself, but she won't tell anyone, not even those closest to her."
:I know she's currently in meditation and speaking to her parents. I have explained to her parents of her situation, but I'm not sure they want to tell her what is going on as of yet.:
"Why not? They're Angie's parents."
:Maybe so, but all three of us were disturbed by a dream she had last night, where she was squeezing the life out of Bradley Fallon because he is taking this hearing too lightly and is believing the fact she's a celebrity will make it easier for him to be free. In the meantime, she's still a bit blinded by wanting so badly to have Harry Rogers be free for only one reason: his family. She wants Rogers to be with his family so badly she did consider not wanting to testify. I have learned she will testify, though. The thing she fears most right now is the Rogers family will hate her if Mr. Rogers does not get his freedom. Both of you must be there for her. She knows this will be no victory or defeat, whatever the outcome.
:In addition to that, I plan to surprise Mr. Fallon just before the hearing's over. Whatever you do, though, do not let Angie know I'm here. She doesn't know I followed her, and I want her to know myself.: Her voice had a slightly wicked tone.
Rita looked and said, "I assume you're not going to be easy on her, right?"
:Absolutely not. Angie must see the light somehow, but she will be very difficult. I will be watching the remainder of the hearing from outside on the tree. Just one other thing: Have there been snakes around?:
"Around here," Ashley started to answer, "just small garter snakes. I think there's quite a few near the courthouse. All rather harmless, why?"
:Let's just say it'll be part of the surprise for Mr. Fallon. Trust me.:
"Okay, whatever, Marshall. Mum's the word. We won't say anything."
:Thanks, Ashley. You, too, Mrs. Wisland.:
"I can't believe I'm doing this," said Rita, "but if it's to get through to Angie, go for it."
Back in the exercise room, Angie continued her spiritual conversation with her parents.
"Mom, Dad, I had a wild dream last night, where I was somehow strangulating Brad Fallon. Why would I do something like that?"
The parents looked at each other and knew the true reason, courtesy of Marshall.
"Um, Angie," said a nervous Nancy, "We know for a fact how angry you really are at Brad Fallon because he's not taking this hearing very seriously. He also thinks your star reputation which you've obtained will get him out easier."
"That doesn't surprise me anymore," Angie said with a slightly angered tone. "That man thinks this is nothing but a joke to him. He thinks he doesn't belong in prison for the claim that it wasn't his fault. He didn't have to engage in road rage!"
Robert tried to comfort her. "Whoa, Angie, you need to calm down for a minute. It's okay that you're angry. It's also okay you're taking out your irritation on that sandbag, despite actually breaking a 500-pound sandbag with one very big punch."
"Yeah, that was rather embarrassing," she said with a half-smile.
"No, sweetie. You're just frustrated at Fallon for being a little too lighthearted about this parole hearing. What about Rogers?"
"I know he deserves to be with his family right now, but what I say when I testify could send them both back to prison."
"You've decided to go through with it after all," said Nancy.
"Yes, Mom. I think it's best if I do so not only for you, but also for me. It may not bring any closure to this mess, but at least I can get some of this off my back. The only thing I have to remember…no physically attacking the prisoners and no magic unless it's absolutely necessary, a last resort."
"Good, Angie. You are angry, yes, but you do have at least the common sense to refrain from anything in a courtroom. You know the consequences if you did anything physical."
"I'm not just worried about myself, though. There are a lot of other things to consider as well, but I have to face the situation. I must be strong for myself right now."
"We understand. Well, I think you'd better get yourself out of your meditative trance and face the day ahead…a tough one."
"Right. I love you, Mom and Dad."
"So do we, pumpkin," said Robert happily as he joined Nancy in a group hug, "so do we."
Angie awakened herself and got to the kitchen where Ashley and Rita were enjoying George's hot cakes again.
"Hi, Ang," said Ashley. "You feeling okay?"
"I'm fine. Let's eat. I can't testify on an empty stomach."
After a good laugh, all three women ate their breakfast and quickly made themselves more presentable. As for Marshall, she was feasting away for breakfast on a small field mouse and a pigeon.
Within the hour they were on their way to the courthouse, with Marshall following above the car again.
All the people from the previous day, except Sheriff Webster and Dr. Worth, were present in the room once again.
The prisoners took their places once again, and the three-member board all entered the room to take their seats at the front.
Angie and Barry glanced at each other, and Angie noticed Barry's light smile…a pleasant surprise to her, considering how he was the day before.
Barbara Williamson slammed the gavel into the table and said, "This parole hearing is back in session."
Barry raised his hand and said, "Um, excuse me, can I say something real quick?"
"Um, yes. You have something to say before we resume the testimonies?"
"I do. I just want to say…I'm sorry for the way I acted yesterday. I guess I was too angry to think."
Williamson smiled at the boy. "I understand, Barry. It's always hardest on the children in these situations."
Barry then turned to Angie. "Miss Jacobs, I'm sorry to you, too."
"It's okay, Barry," Angie said calmly. "We're both going through a lot right now."
"Good," said Williamson. "Now that the tenacity has been settled, let us return to the matter of the hearing. We wish to call Ashley Brighton to the stand, please."
Ashley took a deep breath and took her seat next to the board.
"Miss Brighton, you were very close to Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs, correct?"
"Yes, I was. They treated me like I was a part of the family. I could never really get along with my parents because they were wealthy, but they only thought of themselves. They were selfish and greedy. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs were more like true parents because they cared about their daughter that much, and they liked me because of who I was, not how much money I had."
"When did you learn about what happened to the Jacobs couple?"
"Well…it first began at 8:30 that night. Angie called me up and asked if I had heard from her parents. I hadn't, so I didn't worry about it yet. A little over two hours later, though, she called me back, in tears. When she said her parents were killed in an accident, I knew I had to rush over to Angie's house fast to keep her comforted. I saw her so upset at herself because she wasn't there with her parents. I stayed with her every step of the way through this very hard time."
"Now, the Jacobs couple named you as Angie's legal guardian until you both split away to go to college, right?"
"Yes. Since I was 18 and legally an adult, I was given custody of Angie by means of the will they had written up. If anything happened to them before I was 18, Rita Wisland would have had custody of her at the time. Because Angie was only 17 at the time and emotionally distraught, she wasn't quite able to live on her own. I was able to help her be calm and be ready to go away to college. The hardest thing was when we had to split up to go to college." Ashley started to cry. "We had been close friends for at least 11 years, and now we had to separate from each other. I knew it was going to be tough, but I didn't know if she would ever survive college on her own. I know she has, though, and beyond that."
Williamson gave Ashley a tissue to dry her eyes. "Thank you, Miss Brighton. You may step down now."
"Thank you."
Outside, Marshall felt very sad for the first-grade teacher. :Poor Ashley. She's had a difficult time of her own, with her mother being Faceless and all. She'd rather be with her best friend than her mother, which is completely understandable right now. Her mother has marked her for death, but Ash is completely determined to continue her teaching career, no matter the risks. She has the support of the entire city to back her up.
:Now it's time for the "calm-and-collected" one to take the stand. Let's see if she can keep herself composed through her own testimony.:
"The board would now like to call Miss Angela Jacobs to the stand. Please come forward, Miss Jacobs."
Angie was very nervous as she stepped toward the stand. She looked at the two prisoners and noticed Fallon being somewhat angry with her because she had decided to testify after all. She then noticed Rogers nodding at her, a sign that she was doing what was best for her family…and herself.
When she seated herself, she asked for a minute to center herself. After she got her focus, she said, "I'm ready now."
"Good. I know this is a difficult thing for you to go through. No matter a person's star status, this is still difficult. Now, Miss Jacobs, please tell us about the relationship you shared with your parents."
"My parents, God bless them both. I loved them so much because they were willing to let me be myself, even if I weren't the most popular person in the world. In a way, I didn't like being popular at all. The love for my family always came first in my life, and I've never regretted that. I never have, and I never will. We did everything together as a family…go to baseball games in either Minneapolis or Chicago, the College World Series in Omaha, shopping…it didn't matter. I had fun because I was with my parents. Their love will always be with me, no matter what."
"Now, tell us, Angie, what were you doing the night of the road-rage accident?"
Angie explained that after dinner, she tried on the prom dress she was to wear three days later to the special event. She then remembered the corsage was not part of the outfit. "Mom and Dad accidentally forgot to pick up the corsage from the grocery store, so they went to go get it. I couldn't go that night because I had too much homework, but they knew I was responsible enough to stay in the house myself."
She then stated that after one hour, they had failed to return, but considering it was deadline night for corsages and boutonnieres, she let that go. Then, two hours had passed, and still no sign of the family car in the driveway. "After I called Ashley, I went back up to finish my homework. By 9:30, I was done, but when I went down to check, there was still no sign of the car. Just barely over an hour later on, the phone rang. I answered it, and…got the news I didn't want to hear. I didn't believe it when Dr. Worth told me my parents had been killed. I got so angry I took the prom dress and tore it up completely."
Marshall was hearing this for the first time. :Oh, Light. There was a point where she got very angry, but it was directed at herself for not being with her parents. She took out her aggression by destroying the prom dress, but I wonder why her magic didn't work at that time.:
"Why did you tear up the dress?" Williamson asked curiously.
"Because it was a reminder of what had happened. Ashley decided to take me to the hospital just to see if the bodies were in fact Mom and Dad. They…were." Angie then started to cry. "Instead of going to the prom on that Saturday night, I attended my parents' funeral instead that morning. I didn't even bother going to the prom at all that night.
"It was the hardest time of my life because Ashley and I were both valedictorians, which meant both of us would deliver speeches to our graduating class. I wanted so much for Mom and Dad to be there to hear my speech, but I lost them."
Rogers was saddened by what he heard from the female magician. I was a major factor in that. Oh, Angie, I'm so sorry. I hope you are able to forgive me.
"I didn't think I could get through college on my own, but somehow, I managed to do that. It hasn't been easy for all this time, but at least nowadays I don't have to face this alone."
The hawk outside squawked. :That's true, Ang. You don't have to face this alone, but then…I think you're afraid of being completely alone, which is why you've concealed this darkness within your soul. I'll find a way to get through to you yet.:
Williamson was satisfied. "Thank you, Miss Jacobs. You can step down now." She handed Angie a tissue to dry her eyes.
Ashley and Rita came up and hugged her tightly.
As soon as all three took their seats, Williamson started a speech. "All the major parties have testified, and this hearing is almost completed. However, there is one last thing that must be done. Miss Jacobs, please stand."
Angie did so without the slightest hesitation.
"You now have one last opportunity to say whatever you feel to the two prisoners. Let me warn you, though, that you cannot attack them physically, or you will find yourself under arrest for attempted assault."
"I understand. I already took out my frustration on a sandbag at Ashley's house this morning, so I'll be all right here. I won't attack them."
"Very well. Miss Jacobs, face the two prisoners, and just tell everything you want. Take your time."
Angie turned and looked at the two inmates, one with a truly guilty conscience and the other with almost no conscience at all. After about 10 seconds, she took a deep breath and spoke, "Gentlemen, you both took the two people I loved the most away from me. All Mom and Dad were doing was to pick up my corsage for the prom. Until about a year ago, the very mention of the word 'prom' would send chills down my back and trigger pain in my heart, for I was sadly reminded of when I had lost my parents. It took some friends to convince me that prom night could still be special in someone's life, even if it's years after the fact.
"The pain of knowing my parents are physically not with me still hurts a lot. What hurts even more is that…this all could have been prevented if neither of you resorted to using road rage on each other. Mr. Fallon, you could have easily gotten in contact with your girlfriend at the time and say, 'Traffic's tied up at the moment, so I may be a little late.' You don't rule the road, and you had absolutely no business trying to force others to move aside just so you could get to your date. A simple phone call would have been easy because she would understand the situation. Everyone who drives must use a road to get to where they are needed, and all must share the road, no matter the situation.
"As for you, Mr. Rogers, you were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. You were only trying to get home when Fallon decided to instigate the matter. You just reacted like a lot of people would have…angry. When he started playing around on the road and made you upset, you just took him on, never knowing what was going to happen. I wouldn't be surprised if you had at least 100 different scenarios in your mind at the time, but the critical one didn't come until the last split second, when it was too late. Unlike Fallon, though, you admitted your mistake and accepted the consequences of your actions like a human being. I know you're angry you aren't with your family right now, and I understand if I'm to blame for that."
:Hmm, Ang has put some thought into this final statement,: Marshall noted.
"Now, what I have testified and what I have said here will either set you both free…or not. On the other hand, there are some other things I have to consider, too. For instance, what if you both engaged in road rage again? Not with each other, mind you, but with someone else? Mr. Fallon, would you risk another person losing a family—or even him dying alongside his family—just to get somewhere on time? And Mr. Rogers, what would have happened had your family been in the car with you at the time?"
Rogers found himself surprised. All this time, I didn't even consider that happening…the risk of hurting or even killing my family if I do that again. Angie's right; I never thought about my family being involved.
"A lot could have been done to prevent this from happening," Angie stated sadly. "Unfortunately, there's no way I can return to the past and change things. All I can do now is hold on to the loving memories I'll always have with my parents. That's all I have to say. I'm finished."
Williamson admired Angie's determined spirit and refrain from physical harm. "Your parents have raised you well, Angie. I know they would both be proud of you now. You may be seated."
"Thank you." Angie slowly sank into her seat.
Marshall was also pleasantly surprised about Angie's refrain. :She didn't show any aggression, but then she knows doing so would have easily gotten her in trouble with the authorities.:
Just then, she spotted a regular-sized garter snake on the window. :Oh, boy! Lunch!: In her hawk form she swooped down from the tree and grabbed the snake just as she smashed right through the window screen!
Everyone in the room was startled to see a red-tailed hawk holding the garter snake so tightly in its talons.
She landed in front of Fallon and continued holding the live snake. Piercing on the reptile with its sharp beak, the snake soon died, and she started eating it. With a wicked tone, she thought to Fallon, :This is you, my friend.:
That caused him to become extremely nervous instead of his cocky and defiant self.
However, Angie somehow also heard the thoughts from that hawk. Marshall! What are you doing here?
:I'll have to explain later, Ang. I'll see you back in Electro City.: The bird soon took off through the window and quickly started flying west again.
Fortunately, with the open range, Marshall shifted into the most powerful of flying creatures, the vulture. :I'll be home in no time flat. Angie will probably return by this evening.:
Back in the room, Williamson became a little anxious herself. "We'll take a recess to consider the decision and…clean up the mess that hawk left behind. We will have a decision by 1 p.m. and reconvene at that time. Until then, we are now in recess." After slamming the gavel once more, everyone started leaving the room.
Fallon, though, acted like he was still defiant. "Ha, that hawk didn't scare me."
"Oh, really?" questioned Rogers. "Seems to me that hawk came here for a purpose: to make you see the light of this whole situation. You'd better be prepared because I don't think we'll get that parole."
"Shut up, old man!" he yelled. "I want that parole!"
Outside the room, the Rogers family along with Angie, Ashley, and Rita stood together.
"Listen," started Angie, "I know we're all facing a difficult situation right now, and we'll all be nervous about the decision, no matter what that may be."
Barry nodded in agreement. "Yeah. Um, Miss Jacobs, I—"
"Please, Barry, just call me Angie."
"Anyway, Angie, I just want to say that if Dad ends up going back to prison, I won't hate you for it. I saw your parents' grave yesterday afternoon just after you left, and…I know why it's been harder on you."
"I understand. You're lucky to still have your father to see at all." She then gave Barry a warm hug. "How about we all take in lunch together, my treat."
Emily could not pass up the offer so tempting. "Wowee!" she said excitedly.
Everyone enjoyed their lunch at the café near the court house.
Angie, though, could not shake the fact Marshall had followed her 1500 miles. What was Marshall thinking? I mean, she does have the right to go places, but this parole hearing was a personal matter. She had nothing to do with this. If and when I find her, I'm gonna have a long talk with her about privacy.
When 1:00 came, everyone returned to the courthouse and anxiously awaited the final decision of the board.
As soon as Fallon and Rogers returned to their seats, the three-member board all entered the room.
Williamson thumped the gavel once more. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached our decision. Will the two prisoners please rise?"
They stood up with slight hesitation, as they were both nervous about the judgment.
"After hearing all the testimony with emotions running very high at one point, we considered what was said, especially from Angela Jacobs herself, since it was her parents killed in the crash. She showed that even though she is a celebrity now, the pain of the past before she became a star still haunts her today. It took great courage for her to come here and tell her story.
"When she mentioned other possibilities in her final statement, it did get us thinking as well. How does anyone know if you two will not do road rage again? What if families get involved in the middle, like the Jacobs couple were? How many more lives could be lost as a result of the road rage?
"After taking everything into consideration, it is the decision of the board that you both are not yet ready to return to society. Parole denied." She slammed the gavel once more.
Rogers put his face down in shame because he would not see his family at home for another seven years.
Fallon became extremely embittered by the decision. "What!? How could I be denied!?" He then turned to Angie. "You stupid little brat! You were supposed to use your star status to get me out of prison! How dare you do this to me!"
When he started trying to reach over and grab Barry's throat, Angie concentrated with the magic in her heart. "NO!" she yelled as she put her arms forward.
In a matter of seconds, Fallon found himself frozen in place, with his hands less than six inches away from Barry's throat. "I…can't…move! What's…going on!?"
Angie looked at him angrily. "Don't you dare lay a hand on that child! He had nothing to do with the accident, you worm!" She then noticed the surprised look on Williamson's face. "My apologies for having to do this, but—"
"No need to apologize, Miss Jacobs. I think magic as a restraint is a good idea. Bailiffs, take Fallon and return him to his cell."
The security guards took Fallon away from the scene with such ease, considering he was still unable to move.
Rogers then looked at Williamson. "Ma'am, may I speak with Angela before I'm taken back? I promise no physical harm."
Williamson understood his intentions. "Yes, you may. Go ahead."
He came up to the female magician. "Angela, I want to thank you for protecting my family from Brad. They didn't have anything to do with that accident, but what's to say they may or may not be involved with me if I did it again? You are a wise young lady, and I know your parents would be proud of you."
Angie then put her face down in shame. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Rogers. I wanted you to be back with your family."
"It's not your fault, Angela. You only told the truth about that night, along with how hard it's been on you for all these years. I'm not angry with you because I won't be home with my family. They can still visit me on a regular basis."
"But…what about that riot I heard about from your wife yesterday?"
"It was on a different side of the prison. The side I'm at doesn't have the most violent offenders."
"Oh. I guess I worried over nothing about your safety."
"It's okay. I understand. You know, I don't think we should be forgiving each other without first forgiving ourselves. I'm still struggling to forgive myself for what I did—"
"While I'm doing the same because I wasn't there with my parents. Makes a lot of sense to me."
The prisoner and the magician hugged each other tightly, for although they were bonded by a terrible tragedy, they did come to understand each other and what they both had to endure for over seven years.
Rogers then went over to hug his family closely. "Sorry, guys, but I'm not coming home."
Barry hugged him. "It's okay, Dad. I understand this thing a lot better now. I can still see you once a month, right?"
"Of course you can."
"Bye, Dad."
"Bye, son. Cassie, take care of them as always."
"I will, Harry. I love you."
As Rogers was escorted out of the room, he blew a kiss to his wife, making sure they would never forget each other.
Mrs. Rogers and her family then came up to Angie. "Angela," said the wife and mother, "this probably didn't bring closure to any of us, but I think it did bring all of us closer together. When you decide to make a return trip here, you're more than welcome to come visit us."
Angie smiled. "I'd like that, Mrs. Rogers. Thank you." She then noticed her watch. "I'd better head back to Ashley's and pack in a hurry. I want to take the earliest flight back to Electro City."
George came along and said, "The car is already set, Miss Jacobs, and I also went ahead and packed your things for you. Your luggage is already in the car. I can take you straight to the airport."
"Thanks, George. You're a lifesaver." She then turned to Mrs. Rogers one last time. "Well, I have to go, but if you or your family need anything—"
"Don't worry, Angie. We've made it this long, haven't we?"
"Yes, you have. A family's love cannot be easily broken, not even with prison bars. Take care of yourselves, all of you." She, Ashley and Rita soon left with George to the car and quickly went to the airport.
Able to book a flight within 10 minutes, Angie looked at her best friend one last time. "Ash, will you be okay?"
"I'll be fine. Now, get home safely."
"Thanks. Aunt Rita, take care."
"I will, Angie," Rita said while hugging her niece. "You do the same, though."
"Right. Time to go home. Bye, guys, and thanks again!"
As Ashley and Rita waved good-bye to the female magician, both wondered if what Marshall said was true, about the real state of Angie's soul.