The Domino Effect

Part 13: When They All Fall Down

Prosecution- (noun) The institution and conducting of legal proceedings against someone in respect of a criminal charge.

My dearest reader. You join me for the last time today. We have followed a murder, some arson and a trial of strange events that brought two strangers into a completely different life together.

Today, Amelia and Link sat in their most formal clothes in a Seattle courthouse. The courthouse smelled of wood and books, dead silence filled the air before the trial began.

They were finally going to face the man who had taken the lives of the people they loved most. Amelia held Link's hand, hers was sweaty as she tried to take deep breathes, preparing herself for that man to walk in here.

Link silently prayed he would pay for all he had taken from them and he was sure many other people alike. All that could be heard in the next moment was the court doors being flung open.

The heavy wooden doors beat against the painted walls. The judge walked in as everyone stood out of respect.

"All rise for the honorable Judge Carter." The officer said as the judge walked to his seat.

"Today is the trial of Mr. Micheal Oaks, arrested under charges of arson and murder in the second degree." Judge Carter spoke with power.

Amelia and Link felt each other tense up as the man walked in, in an orange jumpsuit. His shackles could be heard hitting against each other as he sat down, staring daggers at Amelia and Link.

Reader, you know the phrase "if looks could kill"? Well this was a perfect, opportune time to use it. Micheal stared so intently at the two, Link was concerned Micheal could see into his soul. 

So sorry for interrupting let us go back to what was happening in this courtroom as Micheal stood on trial for his life.

Testimony after testimony. Amelia's heart ached more and more as more people walked up to the stand, placed their hand on the Bible.

After a few hours, Micheal had raked up an astonishing 4 counts of murder and 4 counts of arson. And one attempted murder.

The survivor of the attempted murder gave all the evidence that was able to connect the crimes of arson all the way to the murders he had committed.

Amelia didn't know how much time had passed until finally the judge's louse declaration shook her from her zoned out state.

"We the jury find the defendant Micheal Richard Oaks guilty of 4 counts of murder in the second degree and 4 counts of arson. The sentence is 50 years in federal prison." Judge Carter's voice boomed.

Amelia's emotions all came out when those words hit her ears. He was finally held responsible for all he had done.

"It's okay. It's over." Link whispered calmly, wrapping his arms around Amelia.

Amelia just cried into his shoulder and Link didn't stop her. Link didn't want to scare her but he was beginning to fall for her.

Not just because she was the mother of his child, but because he genuinely enjoyed being around her and having her in his life.

"We can talk all you want but I think we should leave. People are coming in here for another case." Link whispered carefully.

"Okay. I'm sorry I kind of fell apart there." Amelia said quietly.

"Don't apologize. It's normal, I would have been concerned if you didn't fall apart." Link smiled as he wrapped his arms around her as they walked to the car.

Once in the driveway of the house, Link and Amelia sat in silence trying to comprehend what had happened today.

"So it's over." Link finally said breaking the silence.

"Yeah. I just I've waited for this day since I was little and it doesn't feel real." Amelia sighed running her fingers through her hair.

"Can I say something and you maybe not freak?" Link asked taking Amelia's hand into his.

"Go ahead." Amelia chuckled flashing her blue eyes.

"I know the way we connected and got brought together was crazy and a sequence of freak events but I really like having you in my life. And I want to do all this you, me, baby. All of it. So would you like to be my girlfriend." Link asked not daring to look in her eyes incase she started crying.

"Yes, I would." Amelia leaned over to place a light kiss on his cheek.

"We're gonna have so much fun together." Link wrapped her in his arms.

Well my dear reader, that's the end. A hotel fire and a shooting almost 35 years ago brought two very unlikely people and a baby into a life together. I thank you for joining me all these days.

I've enjoyed sharing this twisted story with you all. Until I see you all again. Thank you.