Paul's confidence vanished as McAfferty called for the court to stand. All the witnesses stood behind the prosecution table - behind himself, John, Kate and Richard were Becky, Hannah and Corbett. Frank Coulson stood nervously waiting to see if his evidence would pay off, Michael Arnott beside him resigned to his fate in prison. At the end of the row Lisa Kleinman stood, hands clasped, doing anything to avoid looking at the defence table where she should have been standing beside Amelia and Anthony. In her place was Drew Carson.
They had done everything they could. Becky had described every detail of her kidnapping in great depth, Lisa had confessed to knowing about Amelia's business, while Hannah had carefully elaborated on her time undercover. But was it all in vain?
McAfferty turned to the lead juror. "Read the verdict."
The juror unfolded a piece of paper. "In the case of the city of London versus Amelia Murphy and Anthony Andrews, we find the accused guilty on all charges."
Relief spread across the courtroom. Drew Carson reached across the isle and shook hands with Richard Lestrade, who in turn shook hands jovially with John Goodman, Kate Fleming and Paul Houston. John couldn't believe that he had finally caught the Godfather and successfully sent them to prison. Kate Fleming beamed as she took in the proudest moment of her career. Frank Coulson had to keep himself from punching the air when he realised that he was about to be released from prison and start a new life in a new country. Even Lisa Kleinman was glad that Amelia was being sent somewhere where Lisa would be safe from her.
Only a select few were broken at this news. Michael Arnott was beginning to realise what could happen to him if Anthony caught up with him in prison. Anthony Andrews had been willing to do anything for the love of his life, but ultimately it had all been for nothing. And Amelia Murphy had been well and truly defeated, by Rebecca Hidgens and Paul Houston of all people.
But nobody was happier than the Costa Crew themselves. Ted Green, sat at the back of the courtroom, couldn't wait to have a normal conversation with Becky and Hannah again now that the black cloud of Operation Godfather was cleared. Charlotte, next to him, beamed at the thought of Becky coming to help Linda and Matthew with their homework again before giving them a piano lesson. Hannah took pleasure in seeing Anthony get exactly what he deserved after everything he had done to her and Becky. Paul was glad to see an end to the damage Amelia Murphy had caused to the lives of everyone she encountered, and was glad to see her go to prison after she had tried to kill Becky.
And in that moment everything seemed perfect for Rebecca 'Becky' Hidgens, as she watched her old enemy escorted from the courtroom. She looked forward to a brighter future, where she could make up for the lost time starting with Christmas Dinner at her parents' house, and in her own fantasy world the court seemed to clear until only the five of them remained, just her, Paul, Hannah, Charlotte and Ted. No matter what forces tried to pull them apart they would forever be united.
Charlotte and Ted waited for the other three outside the courtroom. "Thank God that's over," said Paul as they walked out onto Main Street. "Costa?"
The others nodded. Becky smiled. "Costa."
YOU ARE READING
Costa Crew: One More Shot
Mystery / ThrillerIt's been 12 years since the events of school prom - or not, in the case of the Costa Crew. But Becky Hidgens has moved on: she's got her dream job, the phone numbers of some of the highest officials in the country - and she hasn't spoken to her bes...
