A little holiday treat for all you out there. Thanks for reading my story.

Only one more chapter after this.

Supreme Court – People vs. Hector and Juan Alvarez

Now it was Mackenzie's turn to be in the hot seat. This was the first time she'd been this close to the two men responsible for everything wrong with her life since her testimony. Since them, she had been steadily improving. She no longer had to sleep with her bedroom lights on and door wide open. She no longer flinched whenever a man came near, She no longer freaked at the sight of a needle. She still didn't like going into small, enclosed spaces, but neither did half of the country.

In everyone's opinion, she was doing great. Everyone's but her own. As is typical of kids trying to get their parents to notice them, Mackenzie had unreasonably high expectations of herself. Now, sometimes she met and even exceeded these expectations. Other times, she did not. This was one of those times.

"All rise." The bailiff instructed as Judge Petrovsky entered the courtroom and sat down at her bench.

A commotion came over the courtroom as people again took their seats. Shuffling and talking came and grew. Even the officers by the judge's bench joined in.

Judge Petrovsky slammed down her gavel, instantly silencing everyone. "I will have order in this court." Everyone sat down without another sound. "Tensions are running high here and I will not have anyone making a mockery of my court." She paused for a moment giving people, as well as herself, time to calm down. "Now, has the jury reached a verdict?"

Mackenzie looked at the defendants out of the corner of her eye. Just that quick glance was enough to send a bone chilling shiver down her back.

Serena took her hand. "Are you okay? If this makes you feel too uncomfortable . . ."

Mackenzie shook her head. "No. I have to do this."

The jury foreperson quickly rose to her feet. "We have your honor."

Now it was Mackenzie's turn to keep telling herself to breathe.

"The defendants will rise."

The defense rose slowly, their previous cockiness now completely gone.

"On the first count to the defendant, Hector Alvarez, rape in the first degree, how does the jury find?"

"We find the defendant guilty."

"On the first count to the defendant Juan Alvarez, rape in the first degree, how does the jury find?"

"We find the defendant guilty."

Tears welled up in Mackenzie's eyes and her mind clouded over. She was so overwhelmed and relieved that after the first two verdicts were read, she could only pick out bits of what was being said.

"Kidnapping?'

"Guilty."

"Assault?"

"Guilty."

"Drug Trafficking?"

"Guilty."

"Possession with intent to distribute?"

"Guilty?"

Judge Petrovsky nodded and let a small smile show. She turned to Casey. "Good work counselor."

Casey smiled. "Thank-you your honor."

"Court in adjourned."

The defendants' side of the courtroom cleared out in an instant, but the prosecution side lingered. Everyone made their way through the gate to congratulate the new five-star attorney.

Despite the crowd, Mackenzie had no trouble getting through to Casey.

"Thank-you so much Casey."

Casey smiled. "Come here kid."

A reporter somehow managed to sneak in and snap a few candid pictures.