Revenge Chapter 25
The trial itself lasted more than a month and slowly but surely turned into a media circus. At first the case had been interesting for journalists because it went about a passionate murder, but soon everyone realised that this went much deeper, the hatred that Angel had felt against Spike and the obvious obsession he held for Buffy was something else. Perhaps something had been wrong in his head from the beginning and had his sending to jail finished this, but of course, he wasn't around to ask or to research.
After Buffy's testimony, she became a well-known media figure, against her own will. Photographers camped outside her house as well as outside the courtroom to catch a glimpse of her, what they would rather have was if she visited Spike, so they could at least get a photo of the two star crossed lovers together. They wouldn't get it however, since Buffy hadn't visited her boyfriend, as he had asked of her. Now, on the last day of the trial, the jury would claim her verdict.
"Mr. Carrington, please… try to be patient."
"They have been in there for hours, how can I be patient?"
"It is good, it means they don't all agree with each other."
His lawyer tried to talk some sense into Spike ,but it was no use. He was pacing around as good and bad as possible with the chains around his ankles and his face was set in a strained state of nervousness. The orange jumpsuit was still quite new as it had been exchanged for this trial, so that the pictures of him would set him off as a criminal of the worst kind. That was Spikes own opinion however and nobody had cared to ask it.
"Are the journalists still out there?"
"You know they are."
"God."
Spike sighed, this had taken so long. He had barely even recovered from the testimony of Buffy, had tried to strangle his own lawyer, but refrained from doing so at the last moment because he still needed him. And Mr. Smith was a lot smarter than he had first seemed to be, because it Buffy's testimony had probably caused some doubt amongst the jury members. Some of the women, whom Mr. Smith had selected in the jury, had felt for the young woman, he could tell.
"Mr. Smith, Carrington."
The door opened and the guards took their place beside Spike, letting him walk into the room again. The judge was seated and both Smith and Spike took their place swiftly, they wanted to get this over and done with. A few cameras flashed and the judge grimaced, cursing himself for not abandoning the cameras on this trial. Of course he couldn't have known what an impact this would have in the beginning.
As the jury entered, everyone held their breath. What would this give? A victory or a pure defeat. The newspapers had speculated about this, giving Spike a few chances that he was going to make it without getting life in the process, but nobody knew for sure.
"Will the defendant please rise."
With a deep sigh Spike stood, together with his lawyer. The judge gestured towards the president of the jury, who would read the verdict aloud.
"Has the jury reached a decision?"
"We have, your Honour."
A police officer took the decision, written on a piece of paper, towards the judge without looking at it. The judge took a glance at it before reading it aloud.
"On the first question, if the defendant William Carrington is guilty of the murder of the victim Riley, the jury has answered: Not Guilty."
A gasp went through the crowd, but many had suspected this as it had been quite clear who had done this. There had been evidence enough that Angel was the murderer of Riley and not Spike, fingerprints and all.
"On the second question, if the defendant William Carrington is guilty of the murder of the victim Angel, the jury answered: Guilty."
Spike lowered his head. This is what he had feared and hoped against hope that it wouldn't happen to him. He would accept his punishment however, he had done wrong and there was nothing else he could do. The judge looked at him and nodded.
"William Carrington, you are found guilty to the murder of Angel, but we grant you a milder sentence because you acted in self defence. This was a clear given thanks to the good work of the justice court. The time you have served now, will be a part of your punishment, together with community service and a conditional punishment of five years. One other misstep and you will be back in prison, young man."
Spike glanced up, had he just heard right? He had been found guilty, had he not? Why wasn't he being dragged to prison right now? What was going on? His lawyer smacked him on the shoulder and congratulated him.
"Mr. Carrington! You are a free man!"
"Free… What? How?"
"Didn't you hear? They blame it on self defence… your punishment is small and you won't have to go to prison."
It was thanks to the testimony of Buffy, that much he knew. His head in his hands, he slumped in the seat which had been his home for the previous few weeks. The crowd had been stunned for a few mere moments, some with hatred in his eyes towards the young man, others overjoyed that he was released.
Spike's uncle and aunt flew into his arms and hugged him like there was no tomorrow. He was looking for someone else however, someone he couldn't find. Where was Buffy in all this? Camera's flashed again, reporters stood there with their small booklets, asking questions on which he didn't even know the answer. He mumbled something to get rid of them, walking through a crowd of people, some moving out of the way for him. Only in the backroom of the courthouse, it was quiet.
"Dress yourself, honey… you can go home now." His aunt said softly.
"Where is Buffy?" He asked, the first and only thing he asked.
"She didn't want to come, honey, she was too scared for you."
