I'm a little late but as requested here's chapter 50 💕
Everyone present in the courtroom came to a sudden halt and remained motionless as they directed their gazes toward the individual who was seen making her way from the rear end of the room.
Von's blood boiled with anger as soon as he caught a glimpse of Jasmine. It was evident from the way she carried herself that she was experiencing fear at the moment.
"I knew I should've popped ha ass" he muttered
Steve's eyes went wide as he coughed in an attempt to muffle the words that Von had just spoken.
Jasmine strolled towards the stand her fingers fidgeting with the pandora charm bracelet that adorned her arm. Despite feeling nervous from a previous encounter with Muwop and Booka she remained determined to seek Justice for her friend.
"Please raise your right hand. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?" The bailiff spoke
"I do" she said
"Ms. Campbell can you please state your relationship to the deceased" The prosecutor asked
"I'm her bestfriend" she replied
"Can you clarify that you were the one next to Ms.Johnson when she approached Mr.Bennett at Bliss night club?" He asked
"Yes that was me" she spoke
"Would you be able to provide a thorough explanation to everyone about precisely what took place on that night?"
"Uh well Kim begged me to go out with her that night..she said that she wanted to speak to her boyfriend and that he would be making an appearance at a club" she started
"One thing led to another and we somehow just ended up by them..she was mad because he was flaunting that girl around when he had just been with her a few days before" she added
"Did Ms.Johnson ever worry about her safety when it came to Mr.Bennett?"
"He always threatened her..Kimberly was scared to speak up so she dealt with it..I told her numerous times to go to the police" Jasmine lied
"When you say threaten what actions are you referring to?"
"He never physically assaulted her but the verbal abuse was just as harmful, she knew how dangerous he was she didn't take those threats lightly she feared for her life" Jasmine sniffed
"This bitch lying like hell" Von muttered
"That's all I have you for ladies an gentleman" The prosecutor spoke
"The defense may cross examine the witness" Judge Matthew said
"Ms.Campbell I couldn't help but notice that you mentioned going to the club with Ms.Johnson for the purpose of speaking to her so called boyfriend.Is that correct ?" Steve spoke
"Yes isn't that what I said?" Jasmine rolled her eyes
"Well yes but I find it difficult to comprehend that Ms.Johnson went out of her way to attend one of his public appearances just to converse with him" Steve replied
"If Mr.Bennett was in fact her boyfriend as you stated then why did she not have the ability to communicate with him through a phone call?" He went on
Jasmine started to feel overwhelmed as she struggled to think of a response in a timely manner.
"He blocked her how else was she supposed to talk to him? He was literally ignoring her for days" she replied
"Hmm that's what I thought, As you can clearly observe Judge. I have in my possession a number of documents that serve as undeniable proof of Ms.Johnson's continuous harassment towards both Mr.Bennett and his girlfriend" Steve stated
"There are numerous amount of phone calls that come from her actual number as well as a multitude of text messages that came from both unknown numbers and numbers that use the TextFree app." He added
"Objection irrelevance your honor!" The prosecutor spoke
"Overruled the defense can continue"Judge Matthew said
"Ms.Johnson went to an extreme extent by publicly harassing his girlfriend on social media in a way that was inappropriate and over the top" Steve said
Von furrowed his brow in confusion wondering if Steve's intentions were to aid in his defense or to expedite the sentencing process.
He wasn't the most knowledgeable when it came to what was said in court but he had no doubt that this evidence would indicate his intention to commit the murder.
"Does the prosecution wish to make any further statements ?" Judge Matthew spoke
"Your honor it is important for me to bring to your attention that the defendant may have potentially committed the crime of murder against Jayshawn Rhodes"
"This is some bullshit" Booka muttered
"They really want my twin off the streets this is crazy" Durk replied
Von just shook his head he knew that they didn't have enough evidence to pin Jayshawn's murder on him so he wasn't really worried.
Meanwhile, Sayori could sense her bestfriend was in distress, she reached over firmly grasping her hand.
"Don't worry, this is going to work out" she sent her a warm smile
Milayana just nodded as she stared at the back of Von's head.
FORTY FIVE MINUTES LATER
"Your honor, I would like to call Dayvon Bennett to the stand" Steve said
Von paused to inhale a large breath of air mentally preparing himself before he stood up and pushed his chair away from the table. After fixing his blazer he walked slowly over to the stand.
As he slowly lowered himself into the chair he could sense the eyes of every single person in the jury piercing through him scrutinizing his every move and thought.
"Mr.Bennett where were you the night of Ms.Johnson's murder ?" Steve questioned
"Uhh I was wit a couple of my nig-friends" He cleared his throat
"And what were you and these friends doing?" He asked
"We went to the studio and then they dropped me off to my girl house" Von stated confidently
"The prosecution may cross examine" Judge Matthew said
" Your phone was detected near the tower in close proximity to Ms.Johnson's residence, could you kindly inform us of your reason for being in that location at that particular time?" The prosecutor questioned
"Objection improper argument!" Steve called out
"Sustained" Judge Matthew replied
"According to our phone analyst you cannot determine the approximate location of someone's cellphone, but you can use triangulation. Cell phones do not connect to the nearest tower they connect to the strongest tower" Steve stated
"It's possible to have more than one phone! His ass is lying" Emily yelled out
"Please maintain order and decorum in the court Mrs.Johnson as your outburst is disrupting the proceedings" Judge Matthew stated
"I say we catch this old bitch outside she doing the most" Booka muttered
Milayana couldn't resist the urge to let out a chuckle in response to his comment.
"Does the prosecution have any further questions?" Judge Matthew questioned
"Yes your honor, I would like to acknowledge that you are aware of the fact that Mr.Rhodes was the previous romantic partner of your current girlfriend. Wouldn't you agree that it is possible that feelings of jealousy may have motivated you to go as far as committing murder? I mean you already assaulted the man in front of many witnesses" The prosecutor stated
"Objection! He's badgering" Steve blurted out
"Objection is sustained, please allow Mr.Bennett to answer each question fully before proceeding with any further inquiries"
"How often have you come in contact with Mr.Rhodes?" He asked
"My fault I'm just a little confused what does this have to do with Kim?" Von questioned
"I'm afraid that the defendant's statement is accurate and this particular topic has no relevance whatsoever in connection with the homicide of Ms.Johnson." Judge Matthew stated
"As it stands now the evidence available to the prosecution is not sufficient enough to bring about a trial. Please refrain from asking Mr.Bennett any questions pertaining to Mr.Rhodes" He added
The prosecutor let out a deep sigh as he slowly made his way back to his seat and sat down.He began flipping through his documents in hope to find some type of evidence that would stick.
The government of New York had a strong desire to see Von incarcerated and he was determined to ensure that he remained off the streets permanently.
••
After both the prosecution and defense have rested their cases and presented their final arguments. The honorable Judge Matthew ordered a recess in order for the jury to continue their important and thoughtful deliberations.
During this time everyone made their way into the hall along with Von. His face still held no emotion as he thought about the look on Milayana's face if they sentenced him today.
This moment felt much more distinct and divergent compared to any previous occasion where he had experienced incarceration.
In the past he lived solely for himself but now that he had a girlfriend and a child on the way he couldn't bare the thought of abandoning them.
Von feeling overwhelmed and defeated slowly lowered himself onto the small bench that was conveniently located nearby.
With his palms pressed firmly against his forehead he let out a deep sigh. The weight of his heart was so heavy that there seemed to be no possible way for it to lift except in the event of a verdict of being found not guilty.
Shaking his head Durk began making his way toward Von. He just felt bad about the entire situation,he wished it was something that he could do.
Given the lifestyle they were living these kind of things were expected. They knew what they were getting into when they signed up for the streets.
Von held a strong identity as a hood nigga and it seemed impossible for anyone to alter that aspect of him.It was common for him to frequently make detrimental choices that would ultimately lead to negative consequences.
"How you feelin?" Durk questioned as he sat down next to him
Von raised his head from his hands and leaned back against the wall. Feeling unsure of how to process his emotions in this particular moment.
"Ion even kno gang..it's like my heart heavy as shit right now..not gon lie" He said truthfully
"You gon be straight, Steve doing his best he in there objecting to everything" Durk chuckled a bit
Von simply looked at him expressionless as his thoughts were solely focused on Milayana's current emotional state.
His strong desire was for the two of them to escape from all the chaos and difficulties surrounding them, retreat somewhere private and begin building a family together.
"Once you free you can get back to this music shit and just stay out of trouble..we rich as fuck we don't gotta drill no more" Durk stated
"Music ain't even on my mind, only thing I can think about is Deya and Milayana" Von muttered
Durk simply nodded with his head and they both remained sitting in silence waiting for court to resume after recess.
TWENTY MINUTES LATER
Following a brief recess the judge resumed the proceedings in the courtroom which was now filled with a multitude of people. The final statements of the prosecution and defense were both given before closing arguments were made.
At this moment in time they were all currently waiting with bated breath for the jury to come to an unanimous decision.
The soundless atmosphere in the courtroom was so intense that even the slightest noise such as a pin dropping could easily be heard. Everyone was sitting on the edge of their seats with their eyes fixed intently on the judge.
Von could feeling his stomach began to churn with anticipation while he waited for the Judge to read the contents of the paper.
"According to the verdict handed down by the jury in the case of New York State against Dayvon Bennett" Judge Matthew trailed off
"They so damn dramatic in this bitch" Von muttered
"The jury have reached the conclusion that the defendant is not guilty of committing the crime of murder" He added
"God is—"
"However the defendant has been found guilty of menacing in the second degree, I hereby order that he be incarcerated for a period of three years at Rikers Island"Judge Matthew forcefully hit his wooden gavel against the sound block
Milayana's heart stopped completely as she watched everyone on Von's side of the courtroom suddenly rise out of their seats causing a wave of emotions to wash over her.
"No!!" Milayana called out as tears streamed down her face
Booka and Muwop remained composed as they stood over her. Fully aware that despite the severity of the situation this punishment pales in comparison to the harsh sentences he had received in the past.
However the reason for her cry was also known to them,it was attributed to the fact that she would have to raise her child without his presence.
Dayvon just lowered his head in confusion unable to comprehend how a single text message could result in him being sentenced to three years.
Even though the judge was being somewhat merciful it caused him pain to miss out on experiencing the joy of his child's birth.
Von stood up from his seated position with Steve patting him on the back as he did so. The sound of her crying throughout the entirety of the court room was enough to break his heart.
Milayana was overcome with emotion as she suddenly felt a sharp cramping sensation in her stomach causing her to bend forward and grasp her abdomen tightly.
"Wait I think something is wrong!" Sayori yelled
Droplets of blood started to trickle down Milayana's thigh falling and making contact with the surface of the courtroom floor. She started to groan in agony due to the intense feeling of pain.
At the moment she was not entirely certain as to what was happening to her.
"Fuck we gotta get ha to a hospital" Durk suggested
Von furrowed his eyebrows at all of the chaos going on behind him. Turning around he could see everyone gathered around Milayana who was leaning over in her seat.
"The fuck going on ?"He questioned loudly while attempting to walk over there
The officers who were standing next to the judge moved quickly to hold him back.Von feeling his anger rise attempted to forcefully snatch his arms out of their grasp.
"Judge can he please check on his girlfriend? This is clearly an emergency" Steve pleaded
Judge Matthew gave a nod while motioning for the officers to release him. In a matter of seconds Von didn't hesitate to jump over the barrier. He felt his heart rate increase rapidly as his eyes caught sight of the pool of blood on the ground.
"Fuck fuck we gotta go" He shouted loudly as he frantically scanned his surroundings
"Uhh you can't go anywhere I think you forgot" Steve pointed
Von let out a frustrated sigh while maintaining a firm grip on her arm,feeling uncertain about the next steps to take.His greatest concern at that moment was the well being of their unborn child.
"Oh my God Von it hurts so bad"Milayana shed tears as she experienced yet another piercing pain
"I already called 911 we just have to get her to the front" Sayori announced
"God doesn't like ugly, you reap what you sew !" Emily shouted as she passed by them
"Bitch ima beat your ass" Sayori lunged towards her
Muwop quickly hopped over the bench as he picked Sayori up throwing her over his shoulder.
"Get the fuck off me , you just wanted an excuse to touch me with your nasty ass" Sayori repeatedly punched his back with her fist
"Man chill out you doing too much "He gently lowered her back down onto the ground
The entire courtroom was in a state of chaos and commotion. Prompting Judge Matthew to forcefully strike his gavel against the sound block multiple times.
"Order in the court please maintain a proper decorum in the court.If you fail to behave appropriately we will have no choice but to remove you from the premises" He stated
Meanwhile, Von disregarded what Steve said as he picked Milayana up from the bench bridal style. He quickly and swiftly rushed through the doors with everyone closely following behind. Upon reaching the elevator there was an enormous crowd of people eagerly waiting to board.
"Shit where's the stairs"He muttered under his breath while frantically searching for the unmistakably bright red exit sign
"Excuse me ma'am where's the stairs?" Von asked an elderly woman who was standing nearby
She simply gestured with her finger in the direction of the hallway leading further down.Nodding his head Von began to make his way down that same hallway.
"Dayvon you better not drop me"Milayana let out a groan and then proceeded to wrap her arms tightly around his neck
"I gotchu mama just hold on" He muttered
Von was able to hear the sound of walkie talkies emanating from a distance down the hallway but he did not care. He had already anticipated receiving an additional sentence in jail due to his failure to comply with commands.
Von gazed down at her with tears brimming his eyes. He just wished that he could take all of her pain away.
As he finally made his way towards the lobby he forcefully pushed past a group of people who were blocking his path and ran through the door in a hurry.
The lights of the ambulance could be seen flashing as he stood within the street with sweat trickling down his forehead.
The EMT parked the ambulance at the curb as they swiftly exited and proceeded to open the rear compartment of the vehicle.
"Von I'm so scared" She looked at Von with eyes full of tears
"I know ma, you gon be okay I promise" He bent down planting a kiss on her forehead
In a gentle manner they carefully lifted Milayana out of his arms and proceeded to place her onto the stretcher.At this point in time her entire dress was heavily drenched with blood.
"We got ha she gon be good I promise" Booka assured him
Von just stood there as he observed the medical team lift her up and place her inside of the ambulance. He simply couldn't wrap his head around the fact that this was actually happening right here and now.
"Put your hands behind your back" The officer firmly grabbed onto his arm
Von chose to disregard him completely and instead redirected his attention towards the ambulance which had departed from the scene.
"Sir please put your hands behind your back" The officer repeated
"Shut up stupid man" Von just sucked his teeth feeling the sensation of cold silver handcuffs on his wrist.
••
FORTY MINUTES LATER
Milayana had been in the hospital room for over twenty minutes along with Sayori and Booka. Muwop and Durk had made a decision to remain at the courthouse in order to be able to communicate updates about her situation.
Even though her expected delivery date was set for next month the doctor informed her that she would be required to undergo an emergency C section.
They weren't entirely certain as to what was happening or the reason behind her excessive bleeding. However it was evident that she had lost a significant amount of blood.
While already experiencing the effects of regional anesthesia.Milayana reclined against the comfortable pillows and directed her gaze towards the slightly blurred figure of the doctors.
The only thing constantly occupying her thoughts was the idea of finally getting to meet her beautiful baby girl. She had often wondered who she would look like. If she would inherit her fathers eyes or his cute bowlegs.
Booka and Sayori stood back observing as the doctor began to make precise incisions for the surgery. At the time their level of uncertainty left them with only a glimmer of hope that everything would turn out well. They both eagerly anticipated the delivery of a healthy baby.
"Alright here we go I see—"
The doctor stopped speaking abruptly tilting her head in a confused manner.
"What's wrong?" Sayori spoke up as she took a few steps closer
"Umm there seems to be a problem"The doctor spoke out loud summoning a few other medical professionals to her side
"Fuck you mean sum wrong?" Booka frowned
"Sir please step back"
As Milayana laid on the operating table surrounded by doctors and nurses. One member of the medical staff used a surgical tool to carefully spread apart her abdominal wall.
As the medical professionals carefully began to extract the newborn from her womb they were unable to hear any sounds of crying emanating from the baby.
Booka was unable to move or think as his heart broke into pieces. He repeatedly closed and opened his eyes to confirm that what he was experiencing was not a figment of his imagination but an actual event.
Milayana's eyes scanned the entire room observing each and every person who was staring in her direction.
"What ? What's wrong? Is my baby okay?" She questioned
The atmosphere in the room became particularly quiet as one of the medical doctors present cleared her throat.
"I'm so sorry to have to tell you this but unfortunately your baby did not survive" The doctor spoke with a tone of sorrow
I need a drink after this chapter 😭
When y'all want chapter 1 of book 2 ??