The Society: Psycho's Plot

IV. Final Verdict

Everyone had returned to the hall, anxious to hear the final verdict of the jury. Considering the importance of the case, it was clear why Lexie had allowed them to discuss the matter the previous evening. However, it was now morning and time to announce their decision. There was a lot of muttering and talking, which subsided once Lexie approached her seat as judge.

"Welcome back everyone, we all now why were here" Lexie began, "Allie and Will, you stand charged of rigging the first election of New West Ham. Yesterday, we heard from the defence and the prosecution, and allowed the jury have until this morning to reach a verdict. I trust that the jury have come to a decision?"

"Yes, we have" said the spokesperson

"Could we please hear the verdict of the jury in the case of Allie and Will?" Lexie asked

"We find them... guilty" the spokesperson replied

There were gasps of shock across the hall, even Lexie seemed surprised at the verdict. Everyone except Campbell, who was smirking with delight at how his plan was unfolding. Even with Lexie's hopes that they would vote not guilty out of pity, it just wasn't to be. Will and Allie hung their heads down and Gordie shook his head, all three in disbelief of the verdict. Harry and Lexie glared at each other, neither knowing what to say or do. Despite all this, Lexie wasn't expecting a guilty verdict and now had to decide what sentence to pass.

"Thank you, jury" Lexie finally spoke up

"This is bullshit" Will yelled out

"Silence" she ordered, "You were found guilty of rigging the first election of New West Ham through fair trial. Nobody can argue with that"

She closed her eyes and hung her head down for a second, thinking about what to do. A sentence hadn't been discussed, and she wasn't keen on executing Allie and Will.

"As much as a lot of you will want this to be over today" Lexie began, "I will not pass sentence until I have discussed the proper punishment with Harry"

There were lots of moans and groans from people who had been expecting this to come to end that day, but Allie and Will seemed a little relieved.

"I know it's not what some of you want to hear" Lexie empathised, "but we must discuss the most suitable punishment for the crime. This trial will conclude tomorrow."

The guard set about escorting Allie and Will out of the hall, set to take them back to the wine cellar. Everyone else got up and headed back to their jobs or to their homes. Deep down, Lexie felt like the guilty one. Sure, she had run against Allie, but this is not how she pictured taking over leadership of the town. She also knew she was delaying the inevitable - she had to give them a sentence and had a rough idea of what Campbell had in mind.

* * * * *

Grizz was lying on his bed, worrying about everything going on. Allie and Will had been found guilty, Luke had gone ahead and betrayed them, and Grizz had no clue what the fuck to do. It wasn't the news he had wanted to give to Sam and Becca seeing how happy they were with Eden, but he'd rather they were in the know about everything going on. Now he felt like he was fighting all this on his own, with all the guard in on Campbell's plan. Grizz now realised he was fidgeting a lot, stressing about everything going on. It had been a long time since he'd last had a panic attack and didn't want that to change, but he couldn't distract himself from his worries and his anxiety was growing and growing. He feared what would happen to Allie and Will but also feared what would happen to him if he interfered. He felt helpless, not knowing what he should do. Nothing good was coming from being in this place. Grizz was now sweating, finding it difficult to breath and was curling up on his bed. It was too late - he was having a panic attack. There was a knock at the door, but Grizz was too far out of it to answer. He could still hear it though, and hoped whoever it was would come in and help him.