• Rose In The Dark • (GxG)

Chapter Forty-Four

Omniscient

The ticking of the clock just behind her and above her head loomed in presence and sound.

A pin drop could be heard within the courtroom, for she had just come back to sit down, a decision in mind and a plea in hand.

"All rise."

She watched as they all did so, her expression cool and indifferent as she sat in her black judge's robe.

"After careful examination from the defense, the prosecution, and the jury, a verdict has been decided." With a piece of paper in hand, Noah read the jury's decision, only partially agreeing with their claims and conclusions. "The state of Illinois declares the defendant guilty on the charge of assault, battery, and the attempt of second degree murder. In the case of Eli Dyson vs The People, Mr. Dyson you are hereby sentenced to fifteen years in federal prison, with the exception of one year on parole on the grounds of good behavior." Her demeanor remained unphased in the commotion of the courtroom's response. Some outraged and some glad. "Court is adjourned," the woman soon finished with the knock of her gravel.

Standing amidst the assistance of two security guards, she left her judges' chambers, stepping down to exit through the door.

It never got easier, deciding the direction of someone's life this way. Even though she did it in another form as a lawyer.

As an attorney, Noah could see all the facts and assess them accordingly. She could bend and twist whatever truth she wanted to her will, no matter if her client was guilty or innocent. And now, as a judge, it was about true justice. Not that it necessarily made a difference in the eyes of the lawyers pleading their cases to her.

Some days she feared she would never truly know if the calls she made were the right ones.

Because sure, they were lawful and legal... But were they the full and whole truth?... It was impossible to tell.

"Judge Jackson," a voice called just before she could hit the elevator button. Turning to it, Noah soon smiled at the woman walking up to her, dressed in a robe as well. "Noah, hi," she exhaled a smile.

"Reese," she greeted with a nod. "Heading into trial?"

"Leaving actually," she pressed the elevator button. "You?"

"Leaving too," Noah said as they stepped inside together, briefcases in hand. "I haven't been seeing you around for a while, how've you been?"

"Well I decided to finally take that vacation I'd been putting off for years," she chuckled as Noah did the same. "But yeah, I've been really good actually. I was actually trying to catch you and see if you had lunch plans today?"

"Oof," the woman grimaced. "I'm afraid I do, and my mother will kill me if I cancel on her again."

Breaking into soft laughter, Charlotte waved a hand, shaking her head of highlighted curls. "Another time then."

"How about tomorrow?" Noah asked as they were leaving the elevator side by side, heels clicking on their way down the hall. "I'm looking forward to catching up."

"Oh good me too," Charlotte smiled. "I have so much to tell you-"

"Well if that's the case you can always tell me now, I have another hour to spare," Noah teased, having the woman chuckle as they entered her office. "Promise it'll be just between us."

Shaking her head as she laughed, Charlotte stood by as Noah removed her robe to put into her office closet. "It's better if I just wait until tomorrow."

"Ugh, you're no fun," she rolled her eyes, her smile playful as Charlotte chuckled once again. Walking into the woman's arms, she gave her a friendly squeeze as they swayed. "It's good seeing you, Charlie. And I'll see you tomorrow, alright? My treat."