I took a seat, unsure of how to feel. The board’s faces were hard to read, but that was to be expected. Of course, they had to have poker faces in this line of work. I wasn’t sure if I had helped or hurt my case with my candid honesty, but I couldn’t lie. Only time would tell.
Chapter 4
Killian
I sat in the back of the room, with my heart racing as Alayah recounted what lead to her committing murder. I felt sick to my stomach knowing that she was going through all that. I hated myself even more for not saying anything when I suspected something was wrong. When her eyes met mine earlier, all I saw was the seventeen-year-old girl I’d been crushing on for the longest time.
One thing I could say was prison hadn’t hardened her looks. She was still as beautiful as the last time I’d seen her. Today, she was dressed in a white button-down shirt, navy blue slacks that hugged newfound curves, and matching heels. Her curls were just as wild and free as I remembered, only her hair was longer. A fresh face highlighted the freckles I’d loved so much long ago. And those eyes—those same beautiful brown eyes made my heart stop.
She was more than beautiful outside. She was beautiful inside, in spite of the ugly thing she’d done. I prayed the parole board would show her grace.
Turning my attention back to the front of the room, it was time for the victim’s family to speak. Mrs. West stood and headed to the podium with her husband at her side. She glared at Alayah for a moment before speaking.
“There is no greater loss than a parent burying their child. Rodney was my son. I carried him for nine months. I nurtured him and took care of him. I raised a good, respectable, hardworking man, and I refuse to believe he did any of the things he was accused of. For five years, he helped the woman he loved raise her children. He loved and cared for them like they were his own, and that very child he took care of took his life from him.
“Alayah Chambers is a murderer. She stabbed my son twenty-six times in his face, neck, and chest. She deserves to rot in jail for what she’s done. My family will never see my son again. We will never have peace in his death. Seeing her walking around free while he rots in the ground will never sit right with me. I beg of you, please keep this animal where she belongs.”
One by one, several of the West family members spoke on behalf of Rodney. When it was time to have someone speak on behalf of Alayah, more people than expected spoke for her defense. There was her aunt and uncle; Ms. Snider, our favorite teacher in high school; a few correctional officers from the prison; as well as the warden.
Everyone said so many good things about her, but the one thing they all agreed on was she was not a troublemaker, and she wasn’t vengeful. They all described her as someone who was quiet and kept mostly to herself. That was the truth.
I was a little confused when the board excused themselves from the room. Alayah was taken to the back. I stood from my seat and went to speak with Erica.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
“They are deliberating.”
“Now?”
“Yes. Killian, I’ve been working on this case for a year. Andrea owed me a favor. I had them look over every file, every transcript, every testimony with a fine-tooth comb when I presented this. I watched the tapes myself. Something was very wrong in that trial. There was no way they should have thrown the book at her the way they did. If she gets parole, this isn’t over. I’m looking into everybody involved.”
“You think something dirty went down?”
“I’d bet my life on it. I haven’t told Alayah this because she has enough on her plate, but I plan to have the entire case reviewed.”
“Can I help you?”
She looked surprised. “I don’t know, Killian. I don’t want you getting too close to this considering your past with her.”
“I won’t. Whatever I can help with, I’ll do it. I owe her that much.”
She sighed. “We’ll talk.”
I nodded and headed back to my seat. It wasn’t long before Alayah was being brought back in at the same time the parole board took their seats. Ms. Lemon motioned for her to stand.
“Ms. Chambers, I first want to extend my deepest apologies for all you have had to endure. We did not make this decision lightly. When this case was presented to us, an extensive number of reviews took place before we granted this hearing. That being said, we have taken into account the facts of this case and the testimonials given here today.”
She gave a sympathetic look, and I wasn’t sure what was coming after that.
“Let me say this: While it is not my place to convict, I believe that you were not handled as a victim. Your previous council failed you. The people who were supposed to protect you failed you, and so did the justice system. I will not allow you to be failed today.”
She looked over at the Wests. “Before I read this verdict, let me remind everyone to conduct themselves in a professional manner. Any outbursts or unacceptable behavior will result in arrests. Do I make myself clear?”
The room fell silent, but several heads nodded. Ms. Lemon turned back to Alayah.
“Parole is granted on the grounds that you will live with your aunt and uncle as well as gain and maintain legal employment. You will be required to meet regularly with a parole officer, avoid contact with known criminals, and adhere to every condition that will be provided to you in writing. Any violation of these terms could result in your return to custody. Do you understand and agree to these conditions?”
Alayah stood frozen for a moment. It was as though she didn’t hear what was said.
