The words agonizing torture did not even begin to describe the mental torment Benjamin was put through while he anxiously awaited the jury's verdict. Anybody who has been put on trile, for charges big or small, will know how this feels. But this was not some petty parking ticket case, or even a case like vandalism or burglary. Oh no. This was a murder trial, a trial for murder, and Benjamin knew that the vicious Victor Thyme was out for blood.
He knew what Victor hoped would become of this. He wanted to eliminate the competition. You see he hadn't exactly attempted to hide the obvious fact that he possessed a strong lustful desire for Benjamin's beautiful wife, Lauralie. But would Lauralie sucumb to his advances? He hoped she wouldn't. He liked to think that she would be strong. But the poor thing was never strong. True, she was a very morally upright woman, but she relied on Benjamin to help her. She fluttered helplessly like a wounded bird whenever a problem arised waiting for a big strong man to come and help her. Benjamin had always been that big strong man. What would she do if he were to be found guilty? She would be all alone, so very alone. So vulnerable and helpless. And she would fall: so young, so soft and oh, so very beautiful. How could he hae been so naive? He scolded himself now for this. Did he reall think that Victor would just accept the fact that Lauralie could never be his and move on? Of course not! They'd almost had him booked for stalking charges last year for taking photographs of her through the bedroom window! How could he have not seen this coming?
He had failed.
He had failed to protect her.
Now, they would both pay.
"Benjamin Blake," the judge's voice was cruel and harsh. All eyes were fixated on him, many of those eyes showing disgust. Lauralie's eyes were fixed on the floor. Victor's dark eyes bore straight into his. Benjamin waited silent, teeth clenched together.
Had his prayers been answered?
No.
If you were expecting the answer to be 'yes', this is not the story for you. It is clear that you are absolutely obsessed with happily-ever-afters, carriages, princes and fair maidens in distress. If you wanted the answer to be a yes, I suggest you stop reading now, for this story is about to take a terrifying turn in the form of one word, one cruel word.
"GUILTY."