Andrew smiled as he ran the juror's words through his head. They made perfect sense, and the angel of death was definitely relieved.
"Andrew and Monica were on they way to the firehall and the victim on her way to work at the little store gas station. We have enough proof that our two suspects were headed there. For instance: Tess who works at the firehall and is filling in for the regular coordinator. And we have evidence that our victim was on her way to the gas station. Her friend who works there with her, claimed to just have called her and tell her that she had to come in a little earlier that morning. It was already busy. Now, to get to the crash, the couple who was pulled up next to the Dahlines was waiting for the stoplight to turn green. The young man who was waiting to turn behind our victim claims that the light had just turned red when our victim turned. Therefor, Mr. and Mrs. Dahline are found not guilty. Our victim rushed the red light and now remains responsible for her own death. But I do ask that Mr. and Mrs. Dahline make sure to be careful…"
He again smiled. He and Monica weren't at fault and that really brightened his day.
"Thank you, Father," he whispered. "Thank you so much."
"Andrew Dahline," the guard said, motioning for him to step outside of the private room. "You are free to go. Here are your clothes and Monica will be sent immediately back to the hospital for further ado."
"Yes, sir," Andrew said eagerly. He shook the guard's hand and headed to the bathroom to change. As he was coming out, he caught sight of Monica being wheeled out in a wheel chair to the transport. He ran to catch up to her. He decided to ride with her; she might need a little comforting.
Bobby panted as he ran through the wood, wondering when he would reach the other side of it. He guessed that his pursuers had surrounded the forest. Eventually, he would be caught and thrown into jail. It had been such a long time. Had they given up on looking for him? He was probably famous by now. His name would be in headlines and his face all across the TV. He liked it like that. Hopefully, he was a role model for some kids out there. Maybe they wished to be like him: Bobby, The Crime Stealer That Got Away.
Suddenly he stopped at the sight in front of him. He reached down and scooped up a shimmering object that reflected the moonlight. He right away recognized it.
"Miss Sydney Burns," the judge asked. "Aaron Nelson, and Ron Timothy, do you three know why you stand before me today?" All of them except for Aaron nodded. Sydney, trying not to be noticed, elbowed her obstinate friend in the arm. Aaron, apparently in his own world at the moment, shook his body awake and nodded. "Good," the judge proceeded. "Then we will begin the trial." Aaron scowled and mumbled something under his breath. "Do you have something you would like to share with us?" the judge asked impatiently. Aaron froze, realizing his mistake.
"No, your honor," he answered shakily.
"No, really, Aaron Nelson, please, tell us what you were saying to your friends. It really can't be that secret if you were willing to be punished for speaking." The judge grinned as Aaron stuttered out some 'no's' and 'not really's' to the congregation. "Well…go on," the judge ordered. Sydney rolled her eyes when she realized that Aaron would rather stand there all day then answer to someone that spoke to him like that.
"I didn't say nothin'!" he stormed. The judge's face became red and he slammed the hammer onto the platform in front of him.
"Oh, really? Well, then why did I see your lips move and hear mumbling from your tongue, boy?"
"I said that being here was really dumb and stupid and there was no reason for this!" Aaron finally spat. The judge took a last fling of his hammer and the congregation was silent.
"We will see," the judge said, straightening his collar. "We will see."
Aaron glanced over at Sydney who was rolling her eyes and casting him a disgusted look. She then turned her gaze to Ron who for some reason beamed with delight. She gave him a why-you-so-happy-look. He gestured to his throat and then pointed his finger towards her. Her eyes widened and she realized what he was getting at. She lifted her shoulder up to her neck, pretending to scratch it, but really was feeling for something. She let a silent gasp.
"My necklace is gone," she whispered to both of her friends on either side of her. She was lucky and let out a sigh of relief when the judge didn't see her.
Tess was startled to feel a hand upon her shaking back. She looked up to see Sam standing there, an unhappy look on his face. Tess' face was tear stained and her makeup running from her dark eyes. She tried to smile at her friend and supervisor, but just couldn't manage one. Instead, more tears rolled down her dark cheek.
"Sam," she stuttered. "Do you know…"
"Yes, Tess, yes I know." Sam sat down next to her. "But that doesn't mean that we can sit around and pout all day. And anyway, if you've heard the latest news, they were found not guilty."
"I know, but I am still so worried about them! I can't imagine what else could happen to them! What should we do now?"
"Pray," Sam said gently. "That's the only option left."
It was warming up and he didn't like that. He was on one mission and one mission only. Whatever that mission was, was for him to know and the world to soon find out. He had been called out on a case-it was an ordinary one too…but that would soon change. The secret behind this mission was so sacred that only five people knew about it.
"Ryan," Jim said. He motioned to a building on the corner. Ryan let the fire truck skid to a stop, the sirens still blazing. The house was on fire-that was how it was every time. But this time, the outcome would be different-much different.
Ryan smirked and cast a sneaky glance at his partner. They both tapped each other six times on the hand, signifying that they were ready.
"Okay guys," Ryan hollered to the back of the truck where all the other fighters held on. "It's time," he almost laughed. "It's really time," he whispered to himself and Jim.
