Waiting
It's a silence in the courtroom that nobody notices.
Everyone in the courtroom is lost in their own thoughts, analyzing how this case should end for the three suspects. It started with one arrest that has since grown to three, one of which is a public figure.
Elena Fellogan!
All cell phones in New York receive multiple notifications from news channels broadcasting the arrest of the distinguished Elena Fellogan, wife of media magnate Dordrich Fellogan. The media is fighting for the scoop, nobody knows exactly how this event reached them from the courtroom. Photographers are directed to the courthouse with the highest financial bid for a spicy photo of Elena in expensive clothes and stilettos in handcuffs. Although under reserve, the Fellogan Holding also reports the arrest in relation to the rape case of Aziel Renegade, the fiancée of Loraine Windrug who had an extramarital affair with Elena's husband five years ago.
Only the tenor of the reporting differs, some portray it as a sly love drama, others approach it as the result of extramarital affairs, extreme jealousy between lovers and some in the context of the brutal crime rate in the city. The angles are determined according to the signature of the media house.
Aziel's lawyer, Jurgen Monsanto, receives the highest honors, in the opinion of critics, he has defended the case excellently. Everyone, therefore, expects the maximum penalties for the main perpetrator and accomplices. Monsanto gets a lot of attention, his baptismal cell is immediately lifted. It turns out that he was born in Suriname, a small Caribbean country on the coast of South America, and also attended university there until he left for Florida to specialize in criminal justice. Due to his dedication, knowledge and discipline, his career took off positively, until he started a branch in New York. But the competition in this mega city was fierce and he was on the verge of closing his office when Aziel's case got out.
When it becomes known that he is assisting Aziel case unpaid, great indignation arises. On social media, Aziel is summoned to pay the man for his services, now that he has done a good job and his office is also going down. He's a multimillionaire, his fiancée is also loaded, and he can't take advantage of a lawyer trying to make ends meet.
But many television programs are also devoted to Monsanto's defense arguments. Many argue that the miscarriage cannot be considered murder because the babies were not yet born. Opinions are divided, experts, aspiring intellectuals, wanna-be experts and other critics throw their views over the city.
The discussion about the seriousness of authorities in charges of men for rape is sliding into the background, Monsanto has New York in its grip. He climbs the ranking of most influential people in New York, far behind Kenjal Griffith, who was previously considered the best lawyer in the city.
Far from all this is Andre, who also receives the notifications on his phone. However, it is prohibited to use cell phones in court. As the judicial storm hits New York, the lawsuit continues. After Elena Fellogan also disappears through the same door as Dale, the judge asks the twelve jurors if they have been able to follow the case sufficiently. They all nod their heads eagerly.
“Are there more witnesses you still want to hear?” the judge asks both Monsanto and Griffith. “Not from my side, Madam Judge,” Kenjal Griffith replies timidly, looking carefully at Monsanto. And of course, his rival doesn't disappoint.
“Madam Judge, I wish I could have brought Mr. Renegade's betrothed here. But it turns out that Miss Windrug was kidnapped from the hospital a few weeks ago and still has not been found," he explains. He pauses in a meaningful silence to allow his words to sink in well with his audience. Once again there is a buzz through the hall, everyone now has their own idea of this new information.
The judge is also shocked by this revelation. “Would you like another merge? Or is this new case separate from the suspects we now have in custody?” she asks sternly. Monsanto hesitates for a moment before turning to the bench. “The investigation into this case is still ongoing, the police have no leads at all so I don't know where to turn for the suspects. And besides, I want a verdict in this case as soon as possible, so no merger this time, Judge”.
Kenjal Griffith breathes a sigh of relief.
Another case against his client and he fears the worst. He starts his plea with a request for a big sentence reduction for Clairy and long psychological counseling. He blames the increased supply of romance eBooks and movies on the figurehead she has formed about love. According to him, the city of New York is failing to bind these stories to effective rules, publishers, and movie producers should be required to state that stories and movies are fictional and intended for entertainment.
Many in the courtroom cannot contain their laughter and the judge was forced to demand order back with firm blows of her gavel. But a grimace of amusement also appears on her face, which she quickly hides. In the end, Kenjal Griffith asks the judge not to impose the maximum penalty as stated in the law, but above all to give Clairy the chance to improve her life and to learn how to respect the privacy of others.
When it's Monsanto's turn, he cuts it short. He demands all evidence to be taken seriously and presses the judge to bring justice to Aziel Renegade and all the other men in the city who have not dared to report rape.
And when Andre can't help but applaud this speech, he draws attention again. This time he sits up grinning, clear for Kenjal Griffith to see him. The latter’s eyes widen when he recognizes Andre, but the affection shoots through his look too. Andre stares straight at him, proud of his friend's undoubted victory. For a moment, he and Kenjal stared at each other until the bailiff announces that a judgment in the case will be passed at a later date.
As Kenjal walks back to his desk, he takes his mobile out of his pocket and texts. ‘Waiting for you. Eagerly'...
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