Point Of View 2 [*Do not read until you've read the same chapter of ATW]

Chapter 84 Givers And Takers

*James*

The entire courtroom gasps. Even Colton West looks a little surprised at his win.  I'm being incarcerated. I committed a crime. I killed a man. It's only fair I go to prison for breaking the law.

Oh God. What have I done?!

The courtroom is in an uproar. I can hear my sisters crying behind me. I can hear Lindsay and Trisha crying but I'm too stunned to turn around.

"Order!" Judge Capriotti bangs the gavel for the commotion in the room to cease. "Order in the court!"

Everyone sits down and gives the judge their attention, but I can still hear the familiar cries from my family. Joe is going to have a field day with this one. I won't be able to protect the girls now. My whole life has been spent doing whatever I can to protect them. For fucking nothing!

"Mr. Gallo. We have rules and laws for a reason, you are aware of this son." The judge looks at me with empathy as I break down into silent crying, thinking of so many things right now. I'm not even thinking of how I will survive in prison, I'm thinking of how this affects everyone around me.

 Maggie has jumped up to put her front paws on my lap. Oh my God, I won't have Maggie! She's going to be so confused.

I'm going to jail and won't have anyone. Not even my dog.

"The jury's votes on your sentence with a seven/ five vote to abide by the laws of California." The judge sighs heavily. There's a long pause where he stares at me before speaking again.

"I cannot, in good conscience, agree with the jury's verdict."

The room is now silent. All reporters, cameramen, people of the court are frozen. What the hell is happening?

"I am filing a motion for a continuance."

Colton jumps up clearly pissed. "What? Your Honor."

"Mr. West, have a seat or I will hold you in contempt." Judge Capriotti takes off his wire rimmed glasses and rubs his eyes. He shakes his head again and puts his glasses back on.

"Mr. Gallo. Filing a motion for a continuance is when a judge needs more time to respond. I do not agree with the Jury's decision and have the right to decline the verdict. But a punishment still needs to be set for your offense. I need to review the case further so we will have a recess until further notice. I am, on the record," He looks at the woman typing feverishly to keep up with the transcription. "Filing for a continuance. We will resume trial at 3pm unless further time is needed. Court is adjourned."

Judge Capriotti bangs the gavel loudly, grabs his folders and quickly exits the room before half the room can even stand.

"What the hell is happening?" Nate rushes to our lawyer.

"It means he doesn't agree with the verdict so is coming up with his own sentence. This is good news, Mr. Hollan."

"Good NEWS? GOOD NEWS!?" Nate is making a scene and his bodyguard stands in front of him now.

"Eyes and ears everywhere, Nate. Cameras are all focused on you now."

"I don't give a fuck! That jury thinks James would survive in prison? Are they fucking kidding me?!" All the reporters are eating this up. Nate's reaction will be all over the news now.

"Escort him out. Quickly before they do. Hurry." Addison glances at the courtroom guards now noticing the commotion and against Nate's will, Evan and three of his security take him out the side door.

*******

*Trisha*

James hasn't said one word. We sit in the holding room waiting for Addison. We will be here for a while because we have to wait for things to die down outside. James is in a deep shock.