Chapter Forty~Two
Elisha took her place behind the table with David and waited for the jury to file in.
"It’s too early, isn’t it?". David shrugged. "Hard to say. If they believed you, there wasn’t much to argue. If they didn’t believe you they should have taken a bit longer, but who knows?" Elisha sighed and sat up straighter as the judge took his place behind the bench. "Has the jury reached an agreement?" "We have." the group's elected foreman pronounced. "Please hand your decision to the bailiff." The bailiff took the offered folded piece of paper and placed it in the judge's outstretched hand. "Please let the court know of your decision." The foreman stood and turned to face Elisha. Nick grabbed the railing in front of him and leaned as close to her as he could. The others in their group joined hands and said silent prayers for their friends. "We the jury, find the defendant, Elisha Marie Carter..." Elisha closed her eyes and bowed her head, awaiting the decision. The foreman's face told the audience nothing, it was a total blank. He took a deep pause before continuing. "...not guilty." There was total silence for a moment and then Nick let out a yelp of joy, jumping up from his seat and reaching out to Elisha. The judge banged his gavel and requested silence. Nick sat down and grabbed his parent's hands, almost bouncing in his chair, beaming, his excitement barely contained. The foreman smiled, finished what little he had left to say and returned to his seat. The judge thanked the two lawyers and the jury for the fine job they had done. "Mrs. Carter, can you please stand?" Elisha looked at David, confused and he helped her up and stood beside her. "I just wanted to tell you that I think you are a fine parent. You and your family have been through hell and back. Anyone in your position would have done the same as you have done. I am pleased to tell you that you are free to go and be with your family." Elisha stared at him, still dazed from the news. "Go hug your husband!" the judge teased. "Before I have to charge him with contempt!" Elisha turned and Nick grabbed her in a huge bear hug. "You’re free, we can go home now!" He swung her around and then kissed her. "I’m free?" she said, questioningly. Nick nodded his head furiously. "I’m free!" she repeated, excitedly. "Oh my God, Nick, is it really over?" Nick held her face gently in his hands and kissed her again. "It’s over, darling. We are going home!" The next thing Elisha knew, she was surrounded by all their friends and family, congratulating her and Nick. "I didn’t do anything!" Nick protested. "It was all ‘Lish." "Oh Elisha, it’s over! I’m so happy for you!" Christine hugged her first, then Kevin. "Well done!" he whispered to her as he hugged her. "I told you, I knew you would win!" AJ laughed and threw his arms around her. "Way to go Mrs Carter!" Brian and Linda moved up and hugged them both. "Congratulations you two!" Howie pushed his way through the throng and grasped Elisha's hand. "I’m so happy for you Elisha, and Nick, I hope this is the end of your troubles for the rest of your life." Elisha felt a tear slide down her cheek and brushed it away. "Thank you Howie. From your lips to God's ears, hey?" She hugged him tight and then turned back to Nick and wrapped her arm around his waist. "Everyone is welcome at the house, just give us a little bit of time to prepare and we are going to have a PARTY!" The group cheered and parted to let the happy couple through. |