Cole felt nauseous. Everyone was gathered in the hallway outside the courtroom while the jury deliberated. Cole thought the worse part would be his testimony, but the waiting proved to be even worse. He thought back to everything he said on the stand. Was he clear enough on his points? Did he leave anything out? It was hard to focus with the way Morgen was staring at him, and her lawyer wasn't holding anything back. He wanted to believe the jury was competent. He wanted to believe they wouldn't forget Lou's statement that Morgen was a professional actress before she disappeared. He wanted to believe they would do the right thing, but he couldn't shake the nagging doubt that lingered in the back of his mind.

Morgen was cold and methodical. She calculated every move and patiently waited for the exact right time. She all but admitted to framing Dareth for the morphine incident, yet he was still facing the possibility of three to five years of prison. The cockpit voice recorder data had a near-perfect confession saying Morgen was responsible for Anna's death, but the authorities still could not pin it on her. Morgen's meticulous planning let her evade capture for twenty years. She wanted them to say she was insane. Two doctors testified, although they couldn't agree if she was actually insane or not.

"Cole?"

Cole jerked back into reality and looked around. Nikki was next to him, holding his hand. Jay, Kai, and Zane were sitting on a bench across the hall.

"Huh?" Cole asked.

"You were staring off into space," Nikki said.

"Oh. Sorry." He pulled a pack of mints out of his pocket and popped one in his mouth. He wished he could do more than just sit around and wait. He felt useless.

"Dude, relax. The jury is going to convict her," Kai said.

"Totally," Jay pipped up.

"It is only logical they should convict her," Zane added.

Nikki squeezed his hand in agreement. Cole took a deep breath. It was almost over. It felt like years had passed since the attack, but it was really only about eight months.

The ADAs walking through the hall caught everyone's attention.

"It's time," ADA Lavinsky said.

Everyone rose and made their way towards the courtroom where the rest of their party was waiting. The door opened and Cole, Lou, Giovanni, and Helaine were escorted to the first row behind the plaintiff table. Lloyd, Zane, Jay, Kai, and Nya sat in the second row, while Skylor, Nikki, Wu, and Misako sat in the third row. Hermes and Kelly sat in the first row behind the defense table. Reporters filled in the remaining seats. Morgen was escorted in a few minutes later. Cole wanted to punch her in her smug face. The lawyers quickly filed in and took their seats. Cole wished he could hear what the ADAs were whispering about. He guessed it was about going to the bar across the street from the courthouse. Not for the first time since the trial started, Cole wished he was old enough to drink.

"Look at her," Lou muttered, pulling Cole from his thoughts.

"Lou, sweetie, don't let her get to you. It's almost over. There's no way the jury won't convict her," Helaine said, reaching across Cole to pat Lou's hand.

"… You're right, Mom. In a few minutes, she'll be hauled off to jail, and I'll never have to see her again."

"Right. Now, where do we want to eat after this?" Giovanni asked.

"Somewhere with enough seating for everyone," Cole said, gesturing behind him.

"We have to bring them?"

"Yes, Gio, they are invited," Helaine scolded.

"Well, I'm not paying for them."

"Dad, you don't have to pay for anyone, you know," Lou commented.

A door slammed open. Everyone turned to see the jury walk in and take their seats in the jury box. They were too far away for Cole to make out their expressions accurately, but he thought they seemed to be dragging their feet as they filed in. As they sat down, about half of them looked at the ground. A hush fell over the crowd. Soon, the bailiff appeared.

"All rise."

Everyone rose to their feet. The judge walked in and took his seat. Cole held his breath as he sat back down. He glanced over at his dad. Lou looked just as nervous as Cole felt.

"Has the jury reached a decision?" The judge looked over at the jury box. The head juror rose to his feet.

"We have, Your Honor. We find the defendant…"