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

Chapter 86 Hanging By A Moment

*James*

My stomach is tied in a tight knot. I feel like I could get sick right here and now as the judge sits down. He looks at both me and Nadine before speaking.

"This has been one of the most difficult cases for me, and I've been doing this for years." Judge Capriotti begins. "Miss Jones, I truly am sorry for your loss. This is an accident that very well could have been prevented, and Malcolm Jones would still be alive today."

Oh no.....

"Mr. Gallo. You made a decision. You got behind the wheel and drove when you were too tired. You ran a red light. You changed the lives of many with that one action."

I nod, accepting his words along with the hard lump in my throat and begin to cry silently.

"A choice was made. A life was taken. We can't change that. We can't do anything to bring Mr. Jones back, just like we can't magically heal Mr. Gallo's permanent disabilities. Miss. Jones, you deserve the justice you seek for your uncle."

My breath hitches, and every time I blink, another tear falls.

"Mr. Gallo. We have rules and laws for a reason. Crimes can not go unpunished."

I nod again and clumsily wipe my eyes with the back of my hand.

"Our prisons are well equipped for all types of people with disabilities, son."

Oh God, please don't do this to me. I close my eyes and say the quickest silent prayer in my life in my head. 'God, please don't send me to jail.'

The judge pauses for a moment and looks down at his documents. The courtroom is full of tears and sniffles.

"In California, non-gross vehicular manslaughter is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county Jail. Sentencing you to serve time in prison and accommodate your disabilities under the ADA guidelines is a costly expense. I thought long and hard over this. You DO need to serve time, Mr. Gallo."

I stare at the judge and nod again. 'God, please!'

"But serving time in prison is not the best option for you. We reserve jail space for more serious offenders, Mr. Gallo." He looks at me with sympathy. "I hereby reduce your sentence to six months of house arrest then 12 months of probation to follow. This will avoid the negative effects of being incarcerated."

"Judge Capriotti.." Colton speaks out but gets no attention from the judge.

"You will be fined the $1000.00 and two points on your driving record. You will be required to pay for your house arrest, which is $3000.00 for six months. You will wear an ankle bracelet to monitor you and remain at home at all times except for pre-approved reasons. You are allowed to leave for medical appointments, attend church, or to counseling services. All other reasons will need to be pre-approved. Miss Jones, I truly am sorry for your loss. But you did not have any financial setbacks due to the fact you did not plan a service, funeral, or even a casket for your uncle. You will receive zero money from Mr. Gallo OR Mr. Hollan, for your losses." He shakes his head.

"Good luck to you, James. I hope you recover fully and also hope I never see you here again. The court is adjourned."

*******

*Trisha*

It takes a moment for any of us to process the sentence. I stand there completely dumbfounded for a second before I turn to Nate.

"Wait." I mutter. "Wait. I don't understand."

"Trish. He's not going to jail." Nate throws his arms around me while I continue to stand in shock.