Silent Secrets ||A Byler Story||

Chapter thirteen

"We, as the jury, find Lonnie Byers...not guilty."

The room was silent as the jury member sat down.

It was quiet as each one of the Byers looked at each other.  Mr. Lee even looked confused.  Mike looked at each one of the Byers.

Everyone in the room, apart from the jury, looked confused.  Even Lonnie. 

He's not guilty.  Will thought to himself in a panic. 

He looks at Mike wildly, Mike was already looking at him.

"Well, this trail is now over, Lonnie Byers in innocent and cleared of all charges."  The judge states.

Some people start to murmur and Mr. Lee stands up.  "This jury is bias, another trail will be held."  He demanded.

"How do you suppose the jury is bias Mr. Lee."  The judge asks him.

"I gave multiple, solid pieces of evidence proving that Mr. Byers was guilty.  All him and his lawyer did was say some stories, with no proof he was telling the truth."  He replies harshly. 

"There's still no proof on the jury being bias.  Find some evidence, then we'll talk.  Until then, Lonnie will be able to be around the rest of the Byers and he's released from all charges."  The judge says again.

"Alright, come on you four."  Mr. Lee says to Mike and the Byers.  They all walk back up to room 201.

"I'll leave you guys in here to talk for a little bit."  He says quietly.  "I'm really sorry Joyce, I'll try my best to turn this around."  He promised.

"It's okay John.  Really.  And thank you for helping my family."  She smiles to him and he nods and shuts the door behind him.

It was quiet once more.  Jonathan hugs his mom and she lets out a sob.  Wills breathing quickened when he realized that they lost.  They really lost.

He was lost for words.  He only looked at Mike, who was already looking at him. 

Without thinking, Mike pulled Will into a tight hug.  Will collapsed into Mike and started crying again.  Mike just held him for a few minutes.

"It's okay Will.  I won't let him hurt you, remember?"  Mike asks quietly.  Will nods against the other boys chest.

There was a sudden knock on the door, causing all of them to jump.  Will gripped onto Mikes arm like it was the last time he would ever see him. 

The door opens, revealing Lonnie and a security guard.  Will tried to hide behind Mike, it didn't work but his grip on Mike tightened even more.  The guard leaves and Lonnie turns back to them.

"Come on."  He says in a harsh voice.  "We're leaving."  He looks at Mike and Will, up and down.  "Who the fuck are you?"

"Michael."  He says coldly.

"Well, Michael.  Get away from my son.  We're leaving."  He repeats, "now get in the car before I drag you all out there."

Jonathan scoffs and rolls his eyes, "we're bringing Michael home."  He crosses his arms.  Mike looks at him with a half smile.

"Whatever, get in the fucking car."  He leaves and they all follow slowly behind him.

Joyce sat in the front seat with Lonnie in the drivers seat.  Jonathan sat behind his father and Mike sat next to him.  Will sat near the window, behind his mother.

The ride was quiet until Lonnie spoke up.

"Where do you live, kid?"  He asks harshly.  Mike told him his address in a low voice and Lonnie drove there quickly.