~CHAPTER THIRTEEN ~
"Both Derek and Ashley worked hard to deliver their cases. Each provided testimony, evidence to either prove guilt or innocence. After listening to the closing arguments and reviewing all the evidence once again, I have decided on my ruling in this case. Since the defendant, David Burke, has waived his right to a trial jury, he had a case heard by a trial judge. Which is me. Mr. Burke, please stand. On the charge of rape, I find you guilty. On the charge of kidnapping, I find you guilty. On the charge of assault, I find you guilty. On the charge of terrorist threats, I find you guilty. On the charge of capital murder, I find you guilty. On the charge of attempted murder, I find you guilty. On the charge of sexual trafficking, I find you guilty." Judge Williams said.
"Are you serious? That bitch will never be free of me." David said. "I will kill her."
"Ms. White, control your client." Judge Williams said.
"Yes, your honor." Ashley said. "David, will you shut your mouth?"
"Ugh.. Fine." David whispered.
"Since you want to make an outburst like that in my courtroom. I will just hand sentencing out today. Any objections?" Judge Williams said.
"No, your honor." Derek said.
"No, your honor." Ashley said.
"Mr. Burke, each of these crimes are serious and heinous crimes. Not only did you involve your mother. But you roped in your father in feeling like he has to cover for you and to cause him to end his 30 plus career for you. You destroyed a young lady's family and her life, for whatever purpose you may have had. However, I sentence you 30 years to life without the possibility of parole. This will be in a high secure facility with limit access to the outside." Judge Williams said. "Court dismissed!" the gravel hit the bench.
Derek looked at Ashley and nodded. The bailiff was talking David away. Derek walked out of the courtroom and found Bradley waiting in the hallway.
"Well, what's the judge's verdict?" Bradley asked. Derek smiled.
"Isabella, can sleep tonight. They found him guilty on all charges and sentenced him to 30-plus years in prison without the possibility of parole." Derek said.
"I hate to say that's amazing. But for Bella, this is what she needs to live again." Bradley said.
"Will you invite me to your son's wedding when it happens?" Derek asked.
"What are you talking about?" Bradley said.
"He loves that girl. He will wait a lifetime for her. Now, hopefully, she can move on from this. It might be their time." Derek said.
"Ever think about taking your own advice?" Bradley said.
"About Ashley?" Derek said.
"Yeah, that's the story there." Bradley said.
"No story. We have been together for 3 years. And been carrying this ring with me for weeks. But she keeps taking cases against me, I swear to spite me." Derek said. Ashley walked up to them.
"Hey Chief Bradley, hey Derek." Ashley said. "Derek, can we talk?" Bradley walked away.
"Yes, sure, what's up." Derek said.
"This was my last case. I am taking some time off and I hope you'll understand why." Ashley said.
"Are you alright Hun?" He asked as they walked out of the courthouse.
"I am pregnant, Derek." Ashley said. Derek looked at her. "Derek says something. Please, I know I can be an asshole in the courtroom. But that's-" he kissed her.
"Shut up Ashley and kiss me." Derek said. They kissed like no tomorrow.
"You're not mad about the baby?" Ashley said.
"Hell no, I have been carrying this around for weeks trying to find the right time to ask you." Derek said, showing her the diamond cut engagement ring.
"Is that a..." Before Ashley could complete her sentence, someone interrupted her.
"Engagement ring, yes." Derek gets down on one knee as it rains. "babe, will you marry me and be my partner forever?" He asked her.
"Yes Derek. But I still quit my job!" She said.
"I don't care if you work or not." He said.
JACKSON
Following the courthouse escapade, I had taken Bella back home. She was enjoying a glass of wine on the deck, trying to relax. She hardly ever drinks. But she wants to celebrate telling the judge about everything that he did to her and what had happened to her. It felt like someone had lifted all the weight off of her shoulders. This is a huge milestone is her recovery process. She put on her playlist on her Spotify and was dancing around listening to music out on the deck. When we heard a knock at the door. I went to see who was at the door. It was my dad. I opened the door, and I just looked at him.
"Dad, you know that you have a key to the house. Why didn't you use it?" I asked him.
"Trying to respect both of your boundaries, Jackson." Bradley said.
"Well, come on in then, Dad. If you're looking for Bella, she is out on the deck." I said.
"Alright, but I need to speak with the both of you." Bradley said. I nodded.
"Alright, come on. She was trying to relax outside enjoying the scenery." I said.
"Don't blame her. You have a wonderful house, son." Bradley said. I looked at my dad. I knew something was up. But not sure what was going on. We joined Bella back on the deck.
"Hey Jack, who was at the door? Oh, hi Chief Stone. It is good to see you again." Bella said.
"Bella, please call me Bradley. I wanted to talk to both you and Jackson. Is that ok with you?" Bradley asked.
"Of course. Is everything ok?" Bella asked.
"Yes, the judge decided on a verdict after you two left the courthouse." Bradley said. Bella's face went blank.
"Bella it's ok. I got you. I promise." I said. "Dad, what was the verdict?"
"Why don't you both sit down." Bradley said.
"Dad, you're scaring us. Just tell us." I said.
"Sorry about that. Not my intentions at all. The verdict is guilty on all charges!" Bradley said. Bella was crying.
"Are you serious? Can you confirm he will go to prison?" I asked.
"He got 30 years to life in prison without the possibility of parole." Bradly said.
"It's...finally.... over?" Bella said, "I'm...free." She said, between crying and trying to take breaths.
"Yes, babe, you are safe and free. This entire ordeal is over." I said.
"Where am I going to go now?" She asked.
"What do you mean?" Both my dad and I asked her.
"I don't have a family or a home to go to." Bella said.
"Bella, this is your home now. I don't want you to leave." I said.
"Really?" Bella asked.
"Yes, your family now, and my dad agrees." I said.
"My son is right. But I also need to get back to your mother. I will see you both this weekend for dinner at the house." Bradley said.
"Of course, bye dad." I said.
"Sure bye" Bella said.
My dad waved bye as he walked through the house and went out the front door and left the house. I wasn't kidding when I said that I wanted Bella to stay here at my house. I want her to live here permanently and be with me as my partner. She doesn't know how much I love her and wish I could call her mine.
YOU ARE READING
Stone Tavern: Isabella's Savior
RomanceJACKSON A beautiful lady walked into the tavern with a couple of guys, and I couldn't help but notice. She completely captivated me. Her eyes are the most amazing ones I have ever seen; she looks beautiful when she gazes at me. There was an immediat...
