She's On Top

6: Sentencing Day

7 Months Later.

Omniscient.

"Ms. Wendon, you are hereby remanded to the W.A. Glenn State Prison effective immediately to serve out your term of 15 years." The judge's voice amplifies as his gavel strikes the wooden platform. Gasps and cries fill the courtroom as Shayla looks back at Marquis, Gloria, and Shannon with deep sadness. Across from the family, Todd and Kathy can be seen flashing a smug smile as they hug the members of their legal team.

"I love you." Marquis mouths to Shayla—her eyes never leaving his, as the guards place her back into handcuffs. He returns the sentiment as he forces himself to ignore his own emotions for the sake of their family. He looks at a visibly heartbroken Gloria and Shannon and assures them that everything will be alright in an attempt to comfort them but to no avail. On the other side of the courtroom, Todd and Kathy began making their exit along with their family and friends, blatantly speaking loud enough for Shayla's support system to hear.

"That woman got what she deserved! They're sitting there crying as if she's some saint—because of her, I've had to learn to walk again. What kind of nurse drives home drunk? Her job is to save lives not take them." Kathy spat, intentionally.

No sooner than the words could leave her mouth, Shannon sprang up with the mission of making Kathy eat those horrible words she venomously spewed about her friend. Marquis quickly grabbed her, reminding her that Kathy isn't even worth the fight. The family gathered what little bit of belongings they'd brought into the courtroom just as the guards began taking Shayla into the small side door to exit the courtroom. Though they knew the day would come, no one anticipated the direction the trial went in.

Shayla was painted as a callous, rage-filled, and envious woman who plotted on Kathy from the moment she arrived on the scene as a new employee. Blatant lies were spilled by the prosecutor who seemed to be pretty disgusted by the mere presence of Shayla, almost as if she'd known her personally. While her defense team put up a great fight, small holes were what the prosecution banked on—such as Shayla's memory loss after the argument and other points of mere speculation. The entire trial was flawed from start to finish and having a known controversial judge presiding over the case made it no better.

As Marquis, Shannon, and Gloria made their way outside, they were met by Shayla's defense attorney.

"Guys, I am deeply sorry. This isn't the outcome any of us wanted. I really tried in there. That judge... I got a weird feeling from that guy. It's almost as if he had his mind made up about Shayla from the very beginning." He said.

"I agree with you there. For someone who hadn't known her prior to this trial, he definitely acted like he hated her." Shannon chimed.

"You can say that again. Between him and the prosecutor—it feels personal. Maybe that's an angle that could've been explored more. What exactly can we do from here, Benjamin?" Gloria asked.

"Great question, Gloria. If we feel like there's been some tampering with Shayla's case or an inappropriate relationship between the prosecutor and the judge? That would maybe put us in line for a potential 'mistrial' right?"

"Absolutely. That's a window we can explore, for sure. I already had my assistants run to the office to get a jumpstart on researching to see if they can find a link between Attorney Bradshaw and Judge Anthony. I've been in practicing in this field for almost 25 years and I've never seen a judge nor a prosecutor behave in such a manner. You three head home, try to get some rest, and I'll call you if we find anything. It's been a long day for us all."

"Thanks, man. We really appreciate you Angelo. I'm sure it'll be a miracle if any of us get to sleep tonight. We're all worried sick about Shayla and we still have to break the news to Averi. Feel free to call whenever you can." Marquis extends his hand to Angelo and the two go into a brotherly hug.