Chapter 3
She didn't see him again until the trial. Because it was a federal case, there wasn't much that Diane could do. They had received very little information and Jason had formally been charged with six counts of murder of federal agents. Because of Jason's high profile status, the courtroom was closed during the proceedings. Sam and Diane waited outside. There really was no purpose for them to be there, but Sam had insisted. She knew she would at least get to see him and he could see that they were there to support him.
Jason emerged from the prison van and was led into the courthouse. He kept his head down as flashbulbs and voices of paparazzi attacked him. They reached the courtroom door and only then did he raise his eyes from the floor. He literally lost his breath when he saw her standing there. She looked so broken, the despair in her eyes mirroring his own. He watched as she forced a smile and mouthed the words, "I love you." He repeated the sentiment before he was forced into the courtroom. He had never felt so alone as in these last months, and just seeing her face gave him a moment of joy.
As the courtroom doors slammed shut, Sam sunk down onto the bench nearby. Diane placed a hand comfortingly around her shoulders. Although he was a client, Jason had become a friend. Behind the "stone cold" façade, he was a kind and gentle man. She felt so inadequate because she had not been able to help him.
This was the daily routine for the two weeks of the trial. Both Jason and Sam looked forward to those stolen moments where they were able to look into the other's eyes, if only for a few seconds. The final day of the trial came and the women sat stonily as they awaited the verdict. As soon as the doors opened, Sam could feel the somber mood. As Jason was led out, he met her eyes and she knew.
Guilty.