Who kill my Bestfriend?

Cʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ 31

Oʀʟᴀɴᴅᴏ, FL 📍
Sᴇᴘᴛᴇᴍʙᴇʀ 16ᴛʜ

Oᴍɴɪsᴄɪᴇɴᴛ

Courthouse- Trial Date📍

The next morning, the atmosphere in the Evans household was tense. Imani stood in front of her mirror, dressed in a black blouse and slacks, her hands clenched into fists at her sides.

Today was the day-Deven and Malcolm's trial. The thought of seeing them again made her stomach twist, but she knew she had to be there.

A soft knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. "You ready, baby?" Victoria asked, peeking in.

Imani exhaled, nodding. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Downstairs, her father, Garrick, and her brothers, Zane and Bentley, were already waiting, their faces serious. Zane and Bentley were both suited up, their protective instincts at an all-time high.

"We're with you every step of the way," Bentley said as they all headed outside.

When they arrived at the courthouse, a wave of reporters swarmed the entrance, cameras flashing and microphones shoved toward them.

"Imani, how does it feel to face your kidnappers?"

"Do you think Deven and Malcolm will walk free?"

"Are you afraid for your safety?"

Garrick shielded Imani, his arm wrapped protectively around her as security guided them inside.

In the courtroom, Imani's heart pounded as she sat between her parents. Rayleigh, Essence, Chandler, and Colton were in the row behind her, along with Leo, who had insisted on coming despite his injury. Chris was still recovering in the hospital, but Imani knew he was with her in spirit.

Then, the doors opened, and the room fell silent.

Deven and Malcolm Hayes walked in, both in orange jumpsuits, their hands cuffed. Deven's usual cocky smirk was gone, replaced with a cold stare. Malcolm, however, still held his usual arrogance, scanning the room like he owned it.

Imani's blood ran cold when Deven's eyes landed on her. For a brief moment, he smirked, mouthing, This isn't over.

Before she could react, Zane whispered, "Ignore him. He's already lost."

The judge entered, and the trial began.

The prosecution laid everything out-the evidence of Imani's kidnapping, the testimonies from Detective Martin, Detective Harris, and even Leo.

The burner phone call Imani made to Rayleigh was played in court, her desperate voice echoing through the room. The jury listened intently as the detectives detailed their investigation, from tracking Deven's car to the violent showdown at Leo's trap house.

When it was time for Imani to testify, she took a shaky breath and walked to the stand. She told them everything-how she had been taken, how she had fought to survive, and how she had feared for her life at every moment.

"I thought I was going to die," she admitted, her voice trembling. "And if it wasn't for Chris, for Leo, for the police... I wouldn't be standing here today."

When the defense tried to paint Deven as a misguided young man under his father's influence, Imani clenched her jaw.

"Deven knew exactly what he was doing," she said firmly. "And he enjoyed it."

Hours passed, and finally, it was time for the verdict. The jury filed back in, the room holding its breath.

The judge turned to the foreman. "Has the jury reached a verdict?"

"Yes, Your Honor."

The tension was unbearable. Imani gripped her mother's hand as the verdict was read.

"On the charge of kidnapping in the first degree... guilty."

"On the charge of attempted murder... guilty."

"On the charge of conspiracy... guilty."

One by one, the charges stacked up against Deven and Malcolm.

Imani exhaled, tears welling in her eyes. It was over.

Deven clenched his jaw, his fists tightening, but he couldn't do anything. The judge sentenced Malcolm to life without parole, and Deven received a lengthy sentence that ensured he wouldn't be a threat to anyone for a long time.

As the bailiffs escorted them away, Deven shot Imani one last glare, but she didn't flinch.

Instead, she sat up straighter, feeling stronger than she ever had before.

Outside the courthouse, Imani and her family embraced, relief washing over them.

Rayleigh grinned. "It's really over."

Imani nodded, smiling through her tears. "Yeah... it is."

For the first time in what felt like forever, she could finally breathe.

As the courtroom emptied and Imani stepped outside, she could hear the news reporters already broadcasting the downfall of the Hayes family.

"Breaking news: Deven Hayes, a former college athlete, has been expelled from his university following his conviction on multiple charges, including kidnapping and attempted murder."

"In another shocking development, Malcolm Hayes, former mayor of Orlando, has not only lost his political position but is also facing additional federal charges after an FBI raid exposed his secret drug operation, code-named 'Indigos.'"

Imani's breath caught as she turned to see a live stream playing on a reporter's phone. Footage of FBI agents storming Malcolm's office was plastered across every news outlet.

"Documents, bank records, and even surveillance footage have revealed that Malcolm Hayes was running a large-scale drug operation under the cover of his various businesses. The FBI seized millions in illegal funds, and numerous associates of the Hayes family are now under investigation."

Leo, standing beside her, let out a low chuckle. "Damn. Guess Malcolm thought he was untouchable."

"Not anymore," Bentley muttered, shaking his head. "Dude went from being a mayor to a nobody overnight."

Zane smirked. "More like a criminal. He's done."

Meanwhile, Deven's former university released an official statement:

"Due to his recent conviction, Deven Hayes has been permanently expelled from our institution. We do not condone violence or criminal activity, and we stand in support of the victim, Imani Evans, and her family."

Rayleigh let out a satisfied sigh. "So, no basketball career, no freedom, and no daddy's money to save him. Couldn't have happened to a better person."

Essence crossed her arms. "And to think this man thought he was untouchable."

Colton nodded. "Looks like the whole Hayes empire just crumbled."

As they watched the news continue reporting on the fallout, Imani finally felt something she hadn't felt in a long time-peace.

She turned to her family and friends. "It's really over this time."

Victoria hugged her. "Yes, baby, it is."

And as they walked away from the courthouse, Imani knew she could finally start living her life again-without fear.

...........

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