JOSHUA BOOK 2: THE TIES THAT BIND

CHAPTER 6: AFTERMATH

As Joshua went home from court, news reporters, press, media and fans outside hounded him. It was raining outside.

"Joshua! What are your feelings on the case?" one reporter asked.

"I felt...joyful, but at the same time, more disappointed, I still am, because I wanted him to have life in prison without parole, but obviously it wasn't my decision." Joshua answered.

"Do you feel that there was justice to this?" another inquired.

"Well, in a way there was justice for Veronica and Sammy's family, and for Isabelle's family, but for me, personally there wasn't any justice at all. I don't know... the death penalty is a very tricky subject." Joshua replied.

"Why did you want a plea bargain for the accused? He brutally murdered your sister, he murdered countless others including Veronica and Sammy, and he almost killed you the last day of your abduction. Why did you make that kind of decision?" yet another demanded.

"Look, I wanted a plea bargain for the accused because I wanted to do the right thing." Joshua explained. "I wanted to end this war he started on good terms and in the right mind frame. I knew that two wrongs don't make a right, and that's just what I solely agree. Yes, he killed my sister, Veronica and Sammy, but to kill him because he killed those three? It just doesn't make it right. I won't give him death. I'd rather see him in prison for life, but again it was the court's decision."

"All right, no more questions please; Joshua needs to get home." James commanded to the media.

On the way back to Lake Avenue from the Cleveland Courthouse, Joshua slept, obviously tired from the court hearings. James drove; his son's words were definitely on his mind.

Once at home, Joshua took a shower, changed into comfier clothes and cuddled with Mary. James went to hunt for more animals. Sunny was already over at the house and helping with chores.

"So how did the last court session go?" Mary asked.

"It was disheartening. The judge sentenced McCoy to death without parole." Joshua explained. "So yeah, I was disappointed, but at least he'll spend years in prison before the dark and dreaded deed is done."

"Yeah," Mary said. "That's awful. I feel for his family...to know that they will never see him again is crushing."

"Yeah, that's the point I was trying to get across to the jury, but apparently...the judge and jury didn't see it that way." Joshua sighed and then he remembered the discussion with the judge. "Oh, afterwards, the judge talked to me about my decision to bargain for his life. She told me that she personally hated the death penalty as much as I do and agreed with me. it was the jury's decision and ultimately, she sentenced him to death."

"You know...I've been thinking...not having met McCoy..."Mary suddenly asked, fiddling with her kinky curly hair. "I wonder what he was thinking as the judge sentenced him."

A door opened and closed, signifying that Liam was stopping over.

"I bet I probably know." Joshua answered. "He was most likely emotionless, nonchalant and probably hating the world even more and blaming others for his sentencing."

"He has no one to blame but himself." Liam said overhearing the conversation. He sat down. "But I do agree with what you're saying, Josh."

"No Maria and Miranda this time, dude?" Joshua asked.

"Nah, Maria's sick and Miranda's taking her to the doctor tomorrow." Liam explained.

"Oh, really?!" Mary cringed in compassion.

"Ohh," Joshua empathized.

"I took a whole week off to take care of my poor babe. I hate leaving her and leaving Miranda every time I go, but...you know how it is, training. But when I come home at 5pm, I know Maria and Miranda are there for me whenever I'm having a bad day."

"I hope Maria feels better," Joshua said. "I haven't seen her and Randi since in over two months since this trial started and I do feel you mate. I hate leaving Mary alone here to worry and wonder if I'm alright, I really do. It just tears me up inside every time I have to go for the trial. Now that the trial's over, I can do stuff with her around the house. I'm thinking about taking classes to defend myself from predators like McCoy, going to college, getting a degree in theatre and arts before I start auditioning for more films in my career. I stopped at 'Harlequin'. That came out in 1980, four years ago I think."

"Yeah, that's a good idea," Mary grinned. "I think I might find some self defense classes too, go to college as well. I dunno what I'll major in, probably nursing or theater."

"I'm thinking about that when I do retire from the Olympics. I might get a degree in physical education and maybe become a gym teacher."

Joshua raised his brows in admiration. "That might be up your ally." He said.

"Awesome!" Mary said.

"I'm thinking about getting a degree in cosmetics in New York City starting in the fall." Sunny said coming in. She overheard the conversation.

"Oooh! Can I call you to fix my hair?" Mary giggled.

"Sure thing, girlfriend!" Sunny laughed and then her tone turned serious as she remembered something. "Oh, Keisha and Jackson left for Atlanta, Georgia with their parents suddenly. I guess a family member is sick. I think they said it was their grandmother."

"What, that's terrible!" Liam reacted in shock.

"Really?! They didn't say anything to me about that!" Mary gasped.

"Well, I think maybe they didn't want us to worry and focus on them when you guys were still doing the trial." Sunned explained.

"Oh no; I hope things go well." Joshua compassionately said. He smoothed his hair.

"Yeah, so...hey speaking of the trial, is it over?" Sunny asked.

"Yeah they sentenced McCoy to death without parole." Mary said.

"Ooh; that's not what you hoped for, huh?" Sunny asked Joshua.

"No, not at all." Joshua answered.

"Hey kids; I made gluten free sandwiches. Would you like some?" Brianne called from the kitchen.

"Sure, we're coming mum," Joshua said. He walked hand in hand with Mary, Liam and Sunny behind him.

"So I heard McCoy's been sentenced to death, hm?" Brianne asked. "I think that's what your father said."

"Yep," Mary said.

"Oh that's a shame," Brianne clicked her tongue. "Killing someone because he killed others like Andrea doesn't make it right."

"No it sure doesn't." Joshua agreed before drinking his organic milk. "Hey, did Dad go hunting for animals again?"

Brianne nodded and gave them all their sandwiches. She hugged them and listened in to their more fun conversation.

That night, Joshua had trouble sleeping due to the trauma he suffered at the hands of McCoy, and suddenly found a note from a mysterious young man. A mystical portal showed up in his room and curious, he went through and found his way into Kathmandu, Nepal. His eyes widened in bewilderment and shock. He was instantly halfway around the world! The young man was waiting for him and led him to a certain place where people harnessed energy and shaped reality. The young man's name was Karl Mordo, and there, Joshua would learn the Mystic Arts and self defense while balancing college and other things.