We're nearing the end, guys. I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did!
"Are there anymore witnesses to be called to the stand?" Anna asked Caswell once Tori had calmed down.
The prosecution attorney shook his head. "No further witnesses, your Honor."
"Very well. Mr. Francis, you may make your closing statement."
"Thank you, your Honor." Caswell rose and walked over to face the jury. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I hope your conscience and your sense of justice will prevent you from making the mistake of taking the highly speculative conclusions of the defense as fact. You have seen for yourself how distraught the defendant is about the heinous act that was committed against her. You have heard the testimonies of two of her friends who saw her immediately after the incident. I ask you to please remember, when you decide on a verdict, that this woman's innocence was almost taken from her. Ladies and gentlemen of the Jury do not allow her to live the rest of her life in uncertainty and fear. Do your duty and pronounce sentence on this man who, in his lust, adopted the behavior of an animal and attempted to force himself upon her!"
"Thank you, Mr. Francis. Mr., Kastle, you may make your closing statement."
Dumon got up and approached the jury, trying to keep his temper under control. An animal. If anyone in this room was an animal it was Tori. "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you have heard the evidence. It is up to you now to decide whether or not it was pure speculation or actual fact. I will leave the decision up to you. However, I ask you, to please not be caught up in the unfair and unjust idea that lust is something only residing in men. I ask you to remember that Miss Meadows herself is human, and just as much likely to be a victim of sexual desire as Mr. Kastle. Please cut down, once and for all for the people of this community, the illusion that only a man is capable of being guilty of sexual assault!"
Dumon returned to his seat. He and Nash clasped hands hopefully. "No matter what the outcome is, Dumon," Nash said, "You did your best, and for that I'm grateful."
Compared to other Jury decisions, the wait in the courtroom was relatively short. Tori whispered with Jen and Summer, debating whether or not what Dumon had said could be enough to sway the jury. Rio sat beside her brother, her hand resting on his back, praying silently that he would not be convicted for this crime that he hadn't committed. Unlike Caswell, who sat quietly reading a book about Botany across the room, Dumon sat with his head in his hands and worried. Worried that he hadn't been convincing enough, worried that he would lose his best friend to death row, and that it would be all his fault.
Finally, the Jury came trooping back into the court room. Everyone returned to their seats. It was deadly quiet. As Judge Kay returned to his seat, the room rose to their feet, and then sat down as one when he did. Judge Kay looked at the Jury. "Have you reached a verdict?"
Carlyle Chesterton, the lead Juror, got to his feet. In his hands, he held a folded piece of paper. "We have your honor. We find the defendant…"
Are you on the edge of your seat? What do you think Carlyle will say? Write to me!