All out of love

Chapter Thirty Nine

Just getting into the courthouse was a struggle with paparazzi cameras in your face wanting a front cover worthy shot. Clearly when we were informed yesterday about the progress from the jury, word must have gotten out they had reached a verdict on the town's most high profile case in decades

The room was packed out with not a spare seat in sight, members of the public even lined up against the side of the wall just to be here for this historic moment. Bryce was lastly shown into the room when everyone that needed to be here was in place. He had put on his best formal clothes to make a impression that he was clean, with his own appearance intact so must be the case as well

Hannah and Jessica both sat with Mrs Jensen at the prosecution desk and tried their best to stay composed just in case the verdict didn't go their way. Judge Bates asked the spokesperson of the jury to stand up

'Has the jury reached a verdict on both of the indictment' he asked kindly

An older gentleman got up from his seat and faced the judge from his position, he cleared his throat so everyone could hear him clearly. 'Yes we have your honor'

'Do you find the defendant Mr Bryce Walker guilty or not guilty of California penal code 261 against Miss Hannah Baker'

'Guilty your honor'

The judge made a note of the verdict delivered and was probably looking if the penal code covered everything it had to do with Hannah. 'Do you find the defendant Mr Bryce Walker guilty or not guilty of penal code 261 against Miss Jessica Davis'

'Guilty as well your honor'

The whole courtroom was a mix of emotions as the supporters for Hannah and Jessica went crazy with loud applause and cheers, there was nothing more than I wanted to do other than hug them both right now and congratulate them on their win

Looking over to Bryce's desk he showed no emotion at all to the verdict and began discussion with his legal team about the result. I just hoped that the judge would push for maximum sentences when he decided his punishment. Judge Bates banged his gavel across the desk a couple of times to silence the room so he could address Bryce

'With the verdict the jury has delivered back to us and with the state laws recommending what sentence I should give. I hereby sentence you Mr Bryce Walker to two consecutive eleven year terms at California State Prison, Los Angeles County'

The court's own security officers walked into the room and asked Bryce to stand up, he was placed into some handcuffs and was about to be shown out when the judge asked them to stop for a second

'I'm not sure if you've been made aware Mr Walker but we could be meeting again very soon'

He didn't respond to the judge but leaned over to Mrs Golden and whispered his response. 'My client has asked why would that be, your honor'

'With regards concerning this case I've been informed by the district attorney that more women have come forward accusing you of sexual assault'

'No comment your honor' Bryce interjected, turning his head away from him

'If you have nothing further to say I've been informed by the prosecution that Miss Baker and Miss Davis would like to read out their victim impact statements regarding the trial. Maybe you can finally understand the damage you have caused'

I couldn't be anymore prouder of them for wanting to do this, They could have gotten Mrs Jensen to read it on their behalf but it would be more meaningful to talk about the hurt and pain that Bryce caused them to his face

Jessica stood up and straightened out her dress before turning to face him, hoping that he would dare to even make eye contact with her. Bryce stayed unmoved and kept his head down, trying to zone out from the world around him for the next few minutes