CHAPTER 5: SAYORNARA, VIOLET GRAY!

A few days later, everyone was back in court awaiting Violet's sentence. She had traded her business suit for a prison orange jumpsuit. Her attorney and co. defense team flanked her as they awaited the sentence. Judge Melendez was seated at his bench.

"At this time before I pass sentence, I would like to ask the victims of this case if they would like to make a Victim Impact Statement?" the judge announced. Sally immediately stood up and walked over to a microphone set up for them.

"Violet," she began, "I knew about your shaky history with my brother before growing up. I knew I was taking a chance when I agreed to intern at your father's company with you running things. But I figured you'd treat me different than my brother, that you didn't have the hatred for me as you did for him. But not only did you prove me wrong in that department, after getting called out for your behavior and eventually getting fired because of said behavior, you had it in your head that me, my brother, and our parents were to blame for what was YOUR FAULT! I still have nightmares about you stalking outside my window trying to kill me since Christmas Eve! I try to get through this as much as I can, but now because of you, Charlie had installed extra security to prevent something like this ever happening again, even though no one else, besides you, has it out for my family! YOU HATE US?! WELL WE HATE YOU, VIOLET GRAY! WE HATE YOU WITH EVERY FIBER OF OUR BODIES! AND LIKE MY BROTHER SAID DURING HIS TESTIMONY, I HOPE YOU FUCKING ROT!" And Sally stormed away from the mic and crumpled into Charlie's arms and wept.

"It's okay, Sally," said Charlie, comforting his sister. After handing her off to Pat, who also comforted her, Charlie stood up to make his statement.

"You know, Violet," he began, "ever since we were little, all I ever wanted from you was friendship, but you were incapable of liking me. Aside from the jealousy you held for my family, what did I do to you to make you hate me so much?! Do you EVEN have an answer to that question?! That all I have to say to you. You make me sick!" And Charlie left. The judge waited for anyone else to come up. Then it was time for his remarks.

"Ms. Gray, please stand," he ordered. Violet stood with her counsel. The judge continued his own statement.

"The saying, 'They were born with a silver spoon in their mouth' comes to mind when I think of this case. You obviously came from a family of privilege, there's no denying that. But from all accounts, your father Grant Gray tried to show you the love any father could have for their kid. And yes, he was away for extended periods of time, and your mother did have a substance abuse issue; something that, from my understanding, she still struggles with to this day. And no one can blame you for wanting more from them. Barring your old man, your mother was pretty much absent for most of your life. And it probably affected how you saw the world. And I get how you could have been jealous of another well-to-do family, in this case the Browns, who had that family closeness you yearned for. But, in addition to lack of human kindness, you also lacked empathy, common sense, and even the voice in your head that told you mass murder wasn't the route to go. We all make mistakes, we're only human, but you, young lady, not only spat on the gifts you were blessed with, but you also spat on what your father tied to provide for you, the long-lasting friendships you could've had, and even a personality beyond spoiled brat! And that's what upsets me more than the crime you committed. You could have been a decent young woman, but instead continued to blame others for your own shortcomings. I had heard about a song you and your friends used to sing to Sergeant Brown when you were kids. What was it called, sergeant?"

"It was 'Failure Face', your honor!" answered Charlie from the gallery.

"Ah yes, 'Failure Face'," the judge continued. "Well, Ms. Gray, I ask you, who's the real failure? Anyway, let's get your sentence out of the way here. First up, due to Ms. Patty Swanson now awakening from her coma, your Assault With a Deadly Weapon charge will not be bumped up to Involuntary Manslaughter. For all charges combined, I hear by sentence you to ten to twenty years at the Hennepin County Women's Correctional Facility. You must serve a minimal of five years before being eligible for parole. In addition, you still have your military trial to deal with. Whatever the outcome of that case will be added to this sentence and will be served consecutively. The good news is that five year minimum before parole will remain in place if more time is added in the military case. The defendant will be taken immediately to the prison. Court is adjourned." And the judge hit the gavel.

Belfast, Ireland, The dorm of Marcie Carlin

Marcie was coming back from class to her dorm. Ingrid was out, probably with her boyfriend Ike. Marcie went to her computer and went to see if she had any emails. She saw one from Pat, about Violet's case. She opened it and read what it had to say. The message was to the point.

"The bitch is locked away for at least twenty years. More details to come. Pat."

Marcie smiled. That meant that Charlie and his family could finally have peace for once. And she was happy that they were finally safe. After that, she started her studying and research on her latest assignment.

THE END