The courtroom felt too cold for an August morning.
Even with the sunlight pouring through the tall windows, even with the hum of an overworked AC unit rattling above us, the air carried a chill that had nothing to do with temperature.
Justice had its own temperature, and today, I felt every degree of it.
I sat sandwiched between the guys with Toby on my left, tapping his foot so hard the bench vibrated, and Justin on my right, calm but alert, his hand braced lightly on my knee.
Bryan was just behind us, one knee bouncing like a drum that couldn’t shut up.Seth and Paxon flanked the end of the row, both unnervingly still, both ready to support me if I so much as breathed wrong.
My dad sat in the row ahead with Janice and her fiancé.Her little boy, Rowan, was with a babysitter.Janice turned around every so often to give me a proud, encouraging look as if I was the one who needed the support, not her.It was her ex who was about to be sentenced.
Right up front was Officer Brelly, Davies, everyone who had become part of this strange, messy protective barrier between us and the Ryder gang.
Someone called out the arrival of the judge, and I nearly stumbled to my feet.Janice had the same reaction, her husband there to support her.
The judge entered.The murmuring faded out like someone had gently turned a volume knob.
“Court is now back in session,” the bailiff announced and we all sat back down.I was practically choking on the tension in the room.“We will proceed with the reading of the verdicts.”
My stomach tightened, even though logically, I already knew the outcome.Over a month of testimonies, evidence, and witness accounts had painted an unmistakable picture.One that had touched me.One that I couldn’t unlive.
But knowing justice was coming didn’t make it easier to hear.There was always that one percent chance, right?
Judge Wallace cleared her throat and began.
“For the defendants known collectively as ‘The Ryder Organization,’ on the charges of human trafficking, drug trafficking, kidnapping, aggravated assault, attempted murder, and conspiracy...”
A breath caught in my throat as the long list of charges were read off.
“...we find the defendants guilty on all counts.”
A wave of emotion rippled through the room.Quiet cries.Sharp exhales.Someone whispered, “Finally.”
Judge Wallace continued.“All members of the Ryder Organization will be remanded to state custody.They will serve sentences in separate federal facilities to prevent further coordination.Sentences range from twenty years to life, without parole.”
A small, shaking breath escaped me.
Toby.My fingers found his knee, squeezing once.
He squeezed back twice, letting me know I was okay.
But the judge wasn’t finished yet.
“For the individual defendant, Arden Laurens—”
My heartbeat skipped a beat.The man who was a con artist.Who had sweettalked all those around him.Tried to use Hope’s Embrace for laundering, who had chased Janice and me through the school, shooting at us.
“—on the charges of money laundering, assault, attempted murder, and involvement with organized crime...”
I stared straight ahead, unable to breathe.
“...guilty.”
No cheers.No mutters.Just a collective breath.A soft shudder in the room.A moment of quiet justice.
He wouldn’t be free for a very long time if at all.He could never worm his way into people’s hearts and use them.He couldn’t try to silence people with a gun.He would never hurt or use anyone ever again.
My vision blurred, but I kept my chin high.Beside me, Justin gently grazed my hand with his fingers.Toby leaned his shoulder into mine.Paxon stared forward with a jaw so tight I saw the muscle twitch.Seth’s hands were clenched into fists in his lap, but he relaxed them when he noticed me watching.
