It felt like time was going slow. Her wrinkled mouth was moving even slower. “Not guilty.”
Kofi dropped down onto his seat and clasped his hands together, praying. I stood there in disbelief while Kora slammed her gavel down because while Kofi’s family and everyone that believed in him was celebrating, the other side was outraged and throwing out slurs.
“Order in this court now… I know ya’ll lying… next outburst, you’re doing forty days for me in state prison!” Kora hollered, in disbelief that everyone busted out in either anger or excitement, knowing how strict she ran her courtroom.
The room went completely quiet. “Members of the jury, thank you for your service. You are now discharged from this case.”
Everyone stood up as the jury left the courtroom. Kofi hugged me tightly, as I stood there still in disbelief.
“Zoya, you really it. Did this shit alone and never gave up having faith,” he said, and I smiled.
“Just coming through on my promise. I told you that I would have you going home to your daughter.”
“Thank you.”
“No thanks needed.” I smiled, as I squeezed him tightly.
“Media, leave my courtroom now,” Kora said.
The media quickly filed out of the courtroom as my sister leaned forward. “Ms. Caselli, I know you have to make a statement to the public. However, are there protocols in place to get you and Mr. Maze out of here safely?”
“Yes, your honor. I will make sure Ms. Caselli is taken out of here by my security.” Kofi replied.
“Very well.”
Everyone stood as Kora quickly left, looking back at me worried. Kofi and I exited the courtroom, and Capone was standing with Kincaid.
“Statement and you gone… not a fucking debate, Boobie.” Goo told me, and I nodded my head.
“Noted.”
Capone and Kincaid opened the double doors, and I quickly stepped out. The media had their tape recorders in my face, waiting for me to say something.
“Any words on the verdict? What are your feelings, Mr. Maze.”
Kofi stood next to me. “I am very pleased with the verdict.”
They turned toward me. “Justice was served. Both families may start to heal. Nothing further.” We both turned to head back into the courthouse.
Me and Kofi hugged once more before his security whisked him toward one exit, and Capone whisked me toward another. We took the back staircase and were moving quickly.
“Your brother sent the truck for you.” He let me in on what was going on.
I saw the tank waiting for me. He held the door open for me and got in on the other side. Khaos hopped in the front, and Duke was in the driver’s seat.
Duke didn’t come for any person.
His job was Menace and Stevie. “Your brother’s on the phone.”
I picked up the phone in the back, as he backed up and headed out of the parking garage. “Hey.”
“Congratulations. Don’t need to hear how I’m controlling. My only job is to get you and Kora out that fuck ass building. Lot of people ain’t happy with this verdict, Bean.”
“I know.”
The line was quiet. “Proud of you.”
“Thanks.”
