"What do you mean?" Dom's anger starts rising again, you can see it in his eyes and his body, he leans down, his hand under the table before he rises up again. The glint of a knife clear in the video recording that is being shown in the packed courtroom.
"Your honour, we ask to omit the next few minutes from the public viewing. It is especially graphic and both sides have agreed it has little impact on the outcome of the case or the sentencing we are proposing. This is especially relevant that Mr. Watson is standing trial on a multitude of offenses and we refrain from any impartiality," Ian our solicitor stands to object.
"Objection granted," the judge comments.
"We would like to take the opportunity though Sir, to put on the record that both the Hollingsworth and the Bellafonte families are forever indebted for the bravery shown by the undercover detectives on that day. Perhaps if they were a few moments later, we would be discussing Mr. Hollingsworth estate and not his purported crimes,” Ian pauses for a few moments in acknowledgement, it really has been touch and go. “Mr. Hollingsworth has been in ongoing discussions with the FBI, which he initiated, for the past few months and we have been working with their legal team. We are willing to accept the proposed sentence they are seeking as well as the financial recompense. We plead guilty to all counts and ask that sentencing be handed down today also. Both sides provide their agreement. Mr. Hollingsworth is prepared to move immediately into incarceration. Thank you Your Honour," Ian bows slightly then sat down.
“Council, my chambers please," the judge stands and walks out. A hush falls over the courtroom at the unexpected stall in proceedings.
"This court is now in recess,” the bailiff hurries to ensure formality.
Hunter looks immediately over to me from the dock, offering me a small encouraging smile, I return it. How can I not? It must have only been ten minutes that we wait and Hunter and I keep our eyes locked on each other the whole time. Everything else fades to gray and I literally take my fill of the amazing man in front of me. I agree to everything he asks and despite having to face up to a year apart and the hideous injury over his beautiful chest and back now, I agree without hesitation. I twist the stunning solitaire diamond on my finger reminding me of our tomorrow.
I grab a hold of Grandpa's hand after the judge re-enters the courtroom.
"All rise," the bailiff sounds and the shuffling of feet follows. "Be seated," the bailiff continues after the judge sits and the counsel for both sides are poised at their desks again.
"Mr. Hollingsworth please stand," the judge requests. “You are very fortunate that you, without a lawyer, albeit unwise, first approached the FBI to talk about some of the more, should we say, creative work that you have previously been involved in. I also note that you have extensive knowledge on the law regarding your area of expertise and some of your offered precedents have enabled us all to garner an understanding of your character. I believe that you have already initiated a series of very clear directives within your business and those you are affiliated with, again a clear indication to this court of your remorse and your willingness to be held accountable. And finally, the extensive and very well documented evidence that you also have assisted compiling for the earlier case we discussed, against Mr. Dominic Watson, who has yet to face the charges of attempted murder for which you are the alledged vicitim along with being accused of the death of your mother. The State wishes to express their gratitude for your hard work. For those reasons, I hereby pass judgement that the proposed sentencing has been accepted by the Court. You are guilty of the crimes detailed. I trust you understand the gravity of my ruling and Mr. Hollingsworth I do not wish to see you in my courtroom again,” the judge finishes as he cracks the gavel down on the block.
Even the judge smiles at the jubilation and applause that rolls through his courtroom. I am on my feet along with my family, Caleb, and Matthew.
Without a doubt one of the hardest things I have ever faced is watching Hunter being handcuffed and led out of the dock. He turned just before they left the courtroom and winked at me, mouthing an ‘I love you,’ before he is bundled out.
