CHAPTER 3: THE JURY HAS REACHED ITS VERDICT

Monday had arrived and everyone was awaiting the jury's decision on whether Violet was guilty or not due to insanity. Or if it would end in a hung jury which meant either a new trial or Violet would walk free, which is what Charlie and Sally didn't want to happen. Pat, Lucy, and Linus were also there to see what would happen to Violet. As she came into the courthouse, Violet was with her attorney, Dick Sadler. Grant Gray had finally made his presence known for the first time since the trial began. Violet was surprised to finally see her father there, seeing that he had disowned her weeks prior.

Judge Melendez walked in and the bailiff announced, "All rise!" Everyone stood up. Then the judge looked at the gallery.

"You may be seated," he announced, and everyone sat back down. There was no time to spare, the jury had returned after being sequestered for a couple of hours. They were ready to present their verdict.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a verdict?' asked the judge.

"We have, your honor," said the jury foreman. He handed a slip to the bailiff, who, in turn, handed it to the judge.

"Would the defendant please rise?" the judge said. Violet and Dick stood up. Turning back to the jury, he said, "What is your verdict to the charges?"

The foreman began. "On the charge of Attempted Murder in the First Degree, we find the defendant 'guilty' as charged. On the charge of Conspiracy to Commit Murder, we find the defendant 'guilty' as charged. On the charge of Disturbing the Peace, we find the defendant 'guilty' as charged. On the charge of Assault With a Deadly Weapon, we find the defendant 'guilty' as charged."

"Were the verdicts unanimous?" asked the judge.

"Yes they were, your honor," said the foreman.

"I thank you all for your services," said the judge. "You are dismissed." And the jury began to leave.

Turning back to Violet and the rest, Judge Melendez announced, "We will begin the sentencing hearing immediately tomorrow at 9 o'clock sharp. We are in recess." And he hit the gavel.

Violet couldn't believe it. She was found 'guilty' on all charges. She then saw her father leave without even looking back at her. Charlie was satisfied with the verdicts and he, along with Sally and Pat, left. Sally, in particular, was tempted to say something to Violet right then and there, but decided against it, opting to wait until the "Victim Impact Statements" the day of sentencing. Lucy and Linus stuck around a little longer. Violet hadn't left to go back to the jail yet. Lucy took the time to talk to her a minute.

"Hello, Violet," she greeted.

"Lucy?" said Violet, shocked to see her. "When did you get out?"

"Just after your arrest," she replied. "Was paroled as you were being processed. How ironic, isn't it?"

"Sure, rub salt on my wounds," retorted Violet.

"Perish the thought, dearie," said Lucy. "Besides, it wasn't that long ago I was in the same situation as you are now. All I want to know is what the hell were you thinking?"

"I really couldn't tell you, Lucy."

"Well your petty jealousy for the Browns is going to land you where I just got out of. I do hope you're prepared to spend years locked away from the ones you love."

"Well, what if the ones you love don't love you anymore?" And she looked at the place where her father was sitting before he left. At that time, the guards re-shackled Violet to take her back to jail.

"Lucy," said Violet before she left, "all I ask is that you don't end up in this situation again."

"Dooley noted, Vi." And Violet was escorted to the van to go back to jail.

NEXT CHAPTER: TRYING TO MAKE UP