Page 88 of A Trial of the Heart
Some nodded and smiled, while some thanked him before saying he was welcome.
“Jurors, you’re dismissed.” He displayed a slight smile of gratitude.
“Arthur and William, your sentencing is set for three weeks from today at 1:00 p.m. Understood?”
“Yes, Your Honor,” they spoke in unison, sounding robotic and like the same person.
“You will go to the circuit office to get your monitors before leaving this courthouse today. Bailiff, could you direct them to the right place?”
“Yes, Your Honor.”
“At this time, this court is adjourned.” He lifted his gavel and banged it before standing and hurrying out of the courtroom.
“That was so damn intense,” Isla spoke beside me.
Looking her way, I pushed the tears from my face. I couldn’t stop them.
“Very,” I spoke just above a whisper. It was over, and my emotions were all over the place about it. Standing, I scooted my way to the end of the bench to exit.
“Guess you got the last laugh after all,” Arthur said, stopping in front of me and preventing me from stepping into the aisle.
“Contrary to your beliefs, I never wanted the last laugh. I actually looked up to you in the beginning and respected you. You made it a competition because you knew I was better than you and your son.” I cut my eyes William’s way. “It’s rather unfortunate things turned out to be this way. You made me feel like I wasn’t good enough, and the whole time I was better than both of you because I didn’t need to trump up charges to come out on top.”
Arthur glared at me in disgust.
I smirked. “So initially, I didn’t need nor want the last laugh.” I laughed like I’d heard the funniest joke of all time. It halted instantly. “But I’m so glad that I got it.”
“It’s still over for you. I may have been found guilty now, but I will appeal, and I will come harder and stronger next time and win.” He moved a little closer to me. “When I do, I promise I will ensure I make your life a living hell for the shit you pulled.” He tried to sound intimidating, but I wasn’t moved in the least.
My eyes narrowed his way, shifting behind him seconds later to see the bailiff looking our way.
“That’s cute.” I pursed my lips together. “Your ride’s here.” I nodded towards the bailiff. “Well, he may not be your ride just yet but go get your new anklet that will go great with the shiny handcuffs you’ll sport in a few weeks.” I smirked, lingering for a few seconds before turning and walking away with Isla in tow.
Arthur tried to intimidate me as he had in the past, but I knew my worth now and wasn’t afraid of him, so there was nothing he could do. That chapter in my life dealing with him was over.
Chapter
Forty-Four
Rashad:
Apple Music played in the background as I moved about the kitchen, preparing salmon stuffed with crab meat, steamed broccoli, rice, and hot water cornbread. I didn’t cook often, but when I did, I made sure it was worth it. The twins were napping in their bassinets, and I was waiting for Shiloh to come home. Today was verdict day for William and Arthur, and no matter the outcome, I knew Shiloh would have a range of emotions. Just as I was putting the salmon into the oven, I heard the garage door slowly rising. Grabbing the bottle of wine I’d picked up, I quickly poured a glass ready to hand it to her once she came inside.
“Babe?” her soft voice sounded moments after hearing the garage door closing, and the door to the house squeaked as it opened.
“In the kitchen!” I called out.
Shiloh’s heels tapped lightly on the floors as she headed my way. She wasn’t even in eyesight yet, and I knew she was gracefully walking my way.
“Hey.” She offered a slight smile when she rounded the corner.
She stood before me in a cream-colored dress that accentuated her body and stopped just above her knees. A black blazer covered the sleeveless dress. Open-toed, heeled sandals covered her beautiful, pedicured feet. Her straight hair that normally hung over her shoulders was in a high bun, displaying her stunning beauty. Shiloh had been fine since the first time I laid eyes on her, but it seemed like after she bore my children, her beauty and my love for her intensified.
I ambled her way without a word using my free hand to stroke the side of her face and thumb her cheek. Her eyes told a story that she had, had a day. Leaning down, I kissed her lips softly before pulling back. My forehead pressed against hers.
“Sup, baby?” I finally greeted her. My voice was low while I rocked a slight smile.
Shiloh giggled.
