AN: Ok I don't know a thing about the American legal system, so this is kinda based from the English system, but mostly made up, cuz honestly I got no idea. Plus I have no idea what they would ask in a trial. Sorry that the sentencing is pretty much completely unreal, but its for the purpose of the story.

The next day.

9.30am

Samantha sat in the courtroom with Danny on one side of her and Martin on the other. Vivian, Jack and Paula were also seated along the same row. Martin was holding her hand comfortingly. Danny and Martin had picked her up this morning and the entire car ride had been spent in a nervous silence. Samantha anxiously chewed on her bottom lip, not wanting to see Riley and Atkins again.

They were brought in a few minutes later, handcuffed. Their eyes

immediately searching the room, seeking out Samantha. Once they caught sight of her, Lisa Atkins glared hatefully, whereas James Riley looked Samantha up and down, making her feel extremely uncomfortable. When he saw Martin holding Samantha's hand protectively, he smiled a malicious, twisted smile. Samantha shuddered and looked away, feeling sick to her stomach. Martin squeezed her hand harder, and Danny smiled at her comfortingly.

"All rise." called one of the attendants as the judge came in.

Everyone stood, Samantha a bit shakily, while the judge walked in and took a seat on the stand at the front.

"Be seated." he called again.

"We are here to discuss the sentence for the defendants James Riley and Lisa Atkins. Both have pleaded guilty to the kidnapping and torturing of Agent Samantha Spade. We are here today to determine the sentence for the two. If the prosecution could please run over the evidence, then the sentence will be decided by myself as the judge."

The time passed in a blur for Samantha. With every minute that passed she felt herself growing more and more nervous. Hearing the prosecution going over what happened to her, made her feel physically ill. Martin sat next to her, his eyes darkening with anger hearing what had happened.

Suddenly something caught her attention. "I would like to call Samantha Spade up to the stand."

It didn't register with Samantha immediately, until Martin whispered to her that she had to go up. She shakily got to her feet and walked slowly to the stand, feeling everyone's eyes on her. Especially her two tormentors. She sat down, nervously fidgeting. She went through the process of swearing to tell the truth and everything. One of the members of the prosecution, the woman who was probably just slightly older than her smiled and stood to approach the stand.

"Agent Spade, we just have a few questions." she said.

Samantha nodded.

"You were held hostage for 14 and a half hours, is that correct?"

"Uhhh, yes I think so." said Samantha. "Honestly I wasn't really aware of the time."

"Were both the defendants present at all times?"

Samantha shook her head. "Umm...She, Lisa, wasn't there for a bit, she left the cabin and the next time I saw her was in the house on

Oakwood."

"Were they both responsible for your injuries?"

Samantha nodded again, "Yes, but most of them, the major ones were done by Riley."

The woman nodded, her colleague writing what the answers were on a pad of paper. "We have the doctors report here, your Honor." she said to the judge passing him the reports.

"Thank you." said the woman to Samantha. "I think that is all we need."

"Agent Spade, please be seated." said the judge.

Samantha sighed relieved and made her way back to her seat. As she sat down her she was given comforting smiles by the others around her.

"If there is anything else the prosecution wishes to ask, please speak now." When they shook their heads he continued "Court will resume in half an hour after the sentence has been decided."

Samantha inwardly groaned, she could wait any longer. "I'm going to get some fresh air." she said standing abruptly.

"You want some company?" asked Martin.

Samantha shook her head. "But thanks anyway." she said. She turned and walked to the door, ignoring the stares. As soon as she was out Martin and Danny exchanged concerned glances.

30 minutes later, they were all seated back in the courtroom. Samantha had come back about 5 minutes before, and was sitting anxiously awaiting the sentence.

Once everyone had settled down, the judge began. "We have gone over all the evidence we have, and taken into account the fact that both the defendants pleaded guilty, and there are no previous offences of this nature. Lisa Atkins, as most of the injuries weren't caused by her and the injuries that were, were superficial. We charge her with common assault and battery, which would be 6 months in jail with a mandatory 1 month without parole. However as kidnapping is included, the sentence is increased to 8 months with a mandatory 8 weeks without parole, plus

10 weeks community service when she is out."

There were several murmurs from the courtroom, most people disagreeing with the sentencing.

"Silence please." said the judge. "James Riley, as there was intention for harm, temporary loss of consciousness, extensive bruising and cuts requiring stitching, also a charge of rape and kidnapping. we sentence him to 10 years with a mandatory 12 months without parole."

Samantha sat stunned when the judge announced the sentences. It was finally over, but the thought that Lisa Atkins could be out in 8 weeks put shivers up her spine.

"Take the prisoners away." said the judge.

Riley and Atkins were taken by the guards, as they passed where

Samantha was sitting, James stopped in front of her. "Bet you're

happy." he sneered.

"Look just go." said Martin.

"Got yourself a knight in shining armour huh? Where was he when you needed him?" he looked at Samantha leering. "You had her in the sack yet?" he asked Martin.

"Come on." growled the guard holding him, and dragged him away.

Lisa, who had stopped behind James when he stopped, turned to look at Samantha. "8 weeks." she said. "Just you wait." Before she too was dragged away.

Samantha sagged against Martin feeling emotionally and physically

drained.

"Come on let's get you out of here." said Martin. "Danny, you want a lift?" he asked.

"Sure." said Danny. "You guys coming?" he asked Jack and Vivian, who were looking at Sam sympathetically.

"Yeah." said Vivian.

"Why don't you all take the rest of the day off?" interrupted Paula.

"Really?" said Jack looking at her.

"Yes go ahead. You all deserve a break." she said.

"Thanks." said Samantha smiling.

"Alright bye guys." said Martin.

Danny, Martin and Samantha walked out of the courtroom followed by Vivian and Jack.

"Here we are." said Martin arriving outside Samantha's apartment after having dropped Danny off at his place.

"Thanks." said Samantha distantly.

"Are you alright?" asked Martin. "You've been very quiet since we

left."

"Yeah I'm fine. Just got a lot on my mind."

"Well they're locked away now. You've got nothing to worry about." said Martin.

Samantha smiled bitterly. "Only 8 weeks." she said. "She could be out then. You heard what she said."

"That's even if she does get parole." said Martin. "Look don't think

about that, just focus on the fact that they are locked up now."

"You're right." she said, trying to push the doubts to the back of her

mind. "Well I'm going to take a walk before I go in."

"Okay." said Martin. "Don't be long, it's starting to rain. Plus Danny

wants us to go out and celebrate."

Samantha smiled, "Okay. I'll call you." she said getting out of the

car, and walking down the street. Her shoulders hunched, and her hands jammed in her pockets to ward off the cold.

Martin watched her go. He had tried to act positive for Samantha, but he was worried about what Lisa had said. 8 weeks was too short, what if she did get parole? Would she come after Samantha like she implied. I won't let anything happen to her, he vowed. He decided to go for a drive to clear his head, to get rid of any negative thoughts.

Samantha walked down the street, her ears and nose going numb, and water trickling down her face. The thought of 8 weeks running through her head. She didn't particularly want to go out, besides what was there to celebrate? Sure, it was over for now, but it would never truly be over, not as long as she still had the memories.

The sentences seemed too short to her. After everything they had done to her, they could be out in either 8 weeks or 12 months. The thought of that caused her to shudder. The rain was a lot harder now, soaking her to the skin. She didn't notice the cold or the rain, she just walked in a daydream, she didn't know how long and she didn't know where. She had dealt with the legal system before and found it unfair, in cases they had solved. But she hadn't really realised the possibility of it happening to her. She was incredibly glad that they locked away now, but what would happen when they were out. As if suddenly aware that she was still walking she looked at her surroundings, the rain obstructing her vision. Where was she? Then she saw it, the bookstore, The Table of Contents. She hadn't dared go in there since. She stood on the corner just staring across the street. A familiar car pulled up next to her, and honked the horn. It was Martin on his drive. He rolled down the window, "Samantha, get in." he ordered. "You're soaked through, come on I'm taking you home."

Numb, Samantha got in the car.

"Damnit Samantha." said Martin turning up the heating. "What are you trying to do? You'll catch pneumonia."

She turned towards him, the lost look on her face breaking his heart.

He reached over and hugged her, not caring that that he would get wet.

"Let's go." he said, pulling away and turning the car around.

"I'm sorry, I just had to think." whispered Samantha, so low that

Martin almost didn't hear.

He smiled. "Don't worry. We just have to get you home before you catch anything."