Forty Two

Chapter Forty Two

“Jennifer are you okay?” Amanda held her by her hand before she could get down from the car. Jennifer sat back properly and faced her best friend, a questioning look on her face.

“I am fine. What makes you think I am not?”

“It’s just that I have noticed how awfully quiet you have been for some days now.”

Jenifer gave a short smile. “I am fine. You probably read me wrong.” She made to get down.

Amanda held her hand again. “I noticed you have been quiet since you and Mark had the little talk you had the other day at Domo’s.” Jennifer removed her hand from Amanda’s grasp and exhaled loudly, shaking her head slightly to get rid of the memory. She did not, for any reason want to remember the incident as she was still feeling embarrassed even after repeatedly assuring herself that there was nothing to be embarrassed for.

“What happened Jennifer? Did he say something to you?”

“No. And that’s the thing, he did not say anything.” Jennifer faced the other side where she could see a group of reporters standing, waiting for something juicy to happen.

“Uh… you might want to enlighten me.”

Jennifer faced her again. “I told Mark that I like him.” Amanda’s face lit up. “But he did not say anything back. He just stood there in front of me, all inscrutable. His reaction, rather his non-reaction made me wish I hadn’t said anything because now I can’t help but feel embarrassed. I can’t even bring myself to have a normal conversation with him right now.” Jennifer slapped her forehead and pouted.

“I think you are over thinking again. Listen, he probably wasn’t ready for something like that to pop out so soon. He is probably those kind of guys that have to think things over or something.”

“What is there to think about?” Jennifer exclaimed, hitting her laps to punctuate her question. “He is always the one kissing me first. Why would you kiss someone just like that and not know what you want? Why would he engage me in such heated moments and then…”

“Jennifer.” Amanda interrupted her soon to be outburst. “ You are over thinking again. Stop getting worked up about this issue. Mark likes you, I know that. I have seen the look in his eyes. So, just keep calm, give a man his space and he will come around to tell you how he truly feels.”

Jennifer pouted, rolling her eyes afterwards. “I am not over thinking.”

“Whatever you say darling.” Amanda gave a knowing look. “Let’s go inside, shall we?”

They both got down and walked towards, deciding to pass the side in order to avoid the reporters. They entered the court room which was, as usual, filled.

“For the record you were acting like a teenage girl in the car… it was cute.”

“No, it is embarrassing.” Amanda threw Jennifer a side smile and left her to find a seat. Jennifer took her seat beside Lawyer Roberts who was busy looking at some paperwork. “Hello, Mr Roberts.”

He looked up, Jennifer noticing he was donning a new hairstyle as his hair was all gelled. “Ms Lewis, good that you are here. The Police could not find any evidence to prove that Hannah is your father’s daughter. “

She leaned closer, whispering, “What about the PI, any news from him?”

“No, it is going to take a while for him to get anything.” Jennifer nodded and looked further at her side. Both Francis and Hannah were there, seated with their lawyers. Francis who had been in police custody since his last trial was looking lost where he was seated. Even though he was dressed in one of his finest suits, the tired look on his face destroyed the little confidence he was trying to ooze off by putting on what he had on. Jennifer felt a little part of her heart ache for the man she loved,.

Hannah on the other hand was in a very serious conversation with her lawyer. Unlike Francis, she did not look like she had given up. Jennifer exhaled loudly, still finding Hannah’s claims ridiculous but yet disturbing.

The arrival of the Judge was announced and the court stood in honour, sitting after her.

“Does the state police have anything they would like to present to the court?” The Judge resumed after all introductions had been made.

Detective Sanders came out from where she was. “No your Honour, we have nothing.”

The Judge immediately looked at Hannah. “I guess your claim has no proof to back it up.” She faced the court. “Since all evidences have been tendered and all testimonies have been heard, I took it upon myself to study everything relating to this case and I did that thoroughly in order to ensure I would be passing the right judgement.. Will, Mr Cutler and Ms Solver please rise?” They both stood up.

“Mr Cutler, you have been accused of trying to murder your wife… Wait a minute.” Jennifer frowned wondering what was wrong. “Are you two still married legally?” Her eyes darted between Jennifer and Francis who looked at each other for a brief moment. Jennifer’s heart ached again, feeling pained that she would be divorcing him because he tried to kill her.

Roberts got up. “Your Honour, they are still married legally. But after the judgment has been passed, divorce papers will be sent to both parties to sign.”

“Well, in that case, Mr Cutler you have been accused of attempting to murder your ex-wife and also mis- managing the company passed down to you contrary to the company’s rules. After proper cross examinations, this court has found you guilty of both charges. So, you are hereby sentenced to fifteen years in prison for murder attempt and an additional five years in prison for company mis-management.” Jennifer watched as Francis bowed his head in shame.

“Ms Solver. You have been accused of attempted murder, being an associate in breaching the company rules, exposing it to illegal activities. In addition, you have made a claim that you have failed to back up with proof and you held a civilian captive against her will. You are sentenced to fifteen years in prison for murder attempt, three years for being an associate, two years for making false claims and two years for holding a civilian captive.” The Judge looked around the silent court room before resuming her talk.

“I hereby close this case.” She got up and the police went to get Francis and Hannah, the remaining of those in the court room chattering delightfully.

Jennifer got up and hugged Roberts. “Thank you so much Lawyer for helping me with this case.”

“You are most welcome.”

“There is the victorious one.” Silvanus said as he walked towards her, Mark and Amanda behind him.

“Thank you guys so much for your help.” She hugged Silvanus who hugged her tightly. She released herself and faced Mark who nodded at her, giving her a short smile. She returned it, unable to decipher what exactly she could do to make things less awkward.

She made to walk towards Amanda, but he grabbed her by the arm, looked her in the eye for some seconds before saying, “I need to talk to you.”