Protective Arms (Completed)

55. Verdict Is In

Athena has got many answers that were no doubt shocking, but hopefully helps her family mend again. Even though, I do have slight concern Crystal is about to stroke out in our living room.

"Breath Crystal." Gabe rubs her back, as she stares at us open mouth.

"When did you get married?" Crystal looks between us.

"Yesterday." Athena smiles at me.

"It happened fast, but I fell in love with her and knew she was my one and only."

"That is amazing, our Babygirl needed a good man in her life. I for one couldn't have asked for anyone better than the Detective that also saved her." Gabe moves to shake my hand.

That seems to be going easily, until Crystal breaks down crying again.

"Because I have been selfish, I've missed everything in your life. I am proud of you for what you have achieved though Athena." Crystal moves over to hug us both.

"And you." Crystal looks to me. "Treat my baby better than I did or else I can zap you easily."

I let out a small chuckle, just to hide the nerves. Athena told me what she does and I don't doubt it without a doubt that she could do it.

"Crystal, probably not the best idea to threaten someone of the law." Gabe actually laughs some.

"No probably not, but that is my baby." Crystal shrugs.

Molly and Athena both end up laughing together at how things have turned. We all sit back down and fall into a nice conversation as Crystal and Gabe learn about the girls lives. I learned the Molly is twenty-seven so she is three years older than Athena.

"There is one thing I want to do and honestly it is the least I can do to start making things up to you Athena." Crystal says after being quiet for the last little bit.

"What is that Mom?" Athena looks to her.

"You two just married yesterday and then the court started today." Crystal stops when Athena and Molly both tease up.

"Do you two plan to have a honeymoon?"

Athena and I look at each other. "We have talked about it briefly but wanted to get court over first before I take her on a trip." I answer.

"Good. I will get to making the arrangements done up. The two of you will be having the most lavish honeymoon I can book. The only thing I need from you Zack is how long you can take off of work."

"No Mom, we couldn't let you do that." Athena tries to gently decline.

"I really don't want to take no for an answer. All your life, I have been pretty much absent because of my own issues and I won't let that happen anymore. I want to be in your life and give you both things to help and show how sorry I am."

"Mom, we been over this. I don't want material things, just you."

"Please." Crystal gives a small smile.

Athena looks to me. I just smile and shrug. "Your Mom, I am with you either way Precious."

It is not my place to deny or accept. This is for Athena alone to choose.

Athena finally nods to her answer which earns us all a small squeal from Crystal.

"To answer your question I got a week off as soon as the trial is finished. Which hopefully will be done by tomorrow because we are just waiting on the verdict from the jury."

I had put in yesterday for time off and Chief granted it right away. Brit laughed when I had asked him before talking with Chief, saying he had the case we have back again. I didn't want to leave him hanging on it and if it is not solved once I get back I know what I am working on once more.

It is in the early morning hours before we get in bed with Athena's parents going to a hotel for the night. Molly offered to take the couch so they could have the guest bed but they denied it.

When the alarm goes off, Athena is still fast asleep and I get up to make everyone some coffee. Crystal and Gabe are already sitting in their car out front that they rented.

"I hope we didn't seem like creeps, but it is hard to be away now." Crystal smiles when I open the door for them.

"Not at all. Please make yourselves comfortable." I grab us all a cup of coffee and sit in the living room with them.

"The girls are still asleep. I figure let them rest until I know the court opens for the day. Right now this is what I have to do is wait for the verdcit. My sister is opening the salon for Athena, since Bethany is involved with court too."

"I am so glad that her and Bethany have stayed close through the years." Gabe laughs.

"Oh yes." I chuckle. "My sister fits right into the mix with them two and now Molly." I smile.

"You may have your hands full with all four of them around." Crystal laughs.

"I am more than happy for it. The smile on Athena's face is the best thing."

"I am so happy you guys found each other."

"Honestly, it got me yesterday if you would be mad it happened so fast for us." I chuckle drinking some coffee.

"Not at all. Why Crystal and I married within two months of knowing each other. Son, you look at Athena with so much love, I know your heart is in the right spot." Gabe smiles over to me.

My phone goes off and I excuse myself to answer it. Upon hanging up, I wake Athena up and she goes to wake Molly. I call Brit and let him know. The verdict is in and we are called to be there in an hours time.

The house goes into a hysterics of getting ready and we are all in the cars headed there. Crystal and Gabe wait outside of the court house while we walk in and get directed to the same court room.

I go back in the section as yesterday and see the girls on the bench holding hands. Dason is brought out and the Judge walks out next calling court in session.

"Has the Jury come to a decision?" The Judge asks.

"Yes, your Honor we have." The main Juror stands and reads off the paper.

I suck in my breath and hold as each charge is read off. My heart pumps hard in my chest, as I slowly exhale the breath.

"We find Dason Sturps guilty of all charges."

The Judge nods and agrees.

"Dason Sturps, you are hereby sentenced to the death penalty. This will be carried out within the next year. During this time you will not be permitted any appeals. The decision is final. Case is closed." The Judge finishes with the knock on the counter.

A/N---
Hey Hey Guys!!!

Everyone agree with the verdict?

At least now everyone can start morning on and try to put this behind them.

Will the girls be able to move on easily with all the support they have around them?

What with the lavish honeymoon trip be for Zack and Athena?