Alexander’s heart raced. He could feel the thud of it in his ears, drowning out the world. He looked toward Bucks, who leaned forward, his expression grave. The weight of the moment crashed over him. What if he said the wrong thing? What if he didn’t say anything at all? “No, your honor, the defendant pleads not guilty,” Bucks said, the words escaping his lips like a fragile bird taking flight. But doubt gnawed at him. Was that truly the right answer? The murmurs rippled through the room, and the judge raised an eyebrow. “Counsel to the defendant, I need to hear you. Are you pleading not guilty?” “Yes, Your Honor,” Bucks affirmed, his voice steadier this time. “the defendant wishes to plead not guilty.” “Very well.” The judge’s gaze hardened as she adjusted her glasses. “The evidence presented thus far suggests a grave understanding of your actions, Mr. Ryder. You stand accused of crimes against the late Mrs. Louis Rogers. The court will now hear the prosecution’s argument.” T
Immediately after the session had come to an end, Kendrick observed Alexander being carried away by the officers, he knew it would be his last moment. He hurried towards the officers, his steps hastening as he moved through the crowd.When he got to them, called out. “Excuse me, gentlemen, would there be no time for him to say his last words or maybe have some persons say some final words to him?”The officer paused, “Yes sir, that’s all-inclusive… he will have time to do that before he is hanged.”Kendrick observed Alexander soften, he looked more humble now. His face reddened as he turned away. Truly his forehead showed marks of regret but it was already too late for him as he was at the edge of crossing over to the world beyond.He slowly waved goodbye to Bucks who had carried his briefcase and turned outside with no hesitation.**********some moments later, Alexander was allowed to say a word or two to his loved ones before he would be taken back to the prison to await his doom d
As the crowd began to disperse, Maverick pushed through the throng of angry citizens, his heart pounding with urgency. He had watched Kendrick walk away, a figure of strength amid the chaos, and he knew he had to reach him. This was a rare moment, a fleeting opportunity he couldn’t let slip by.“Excuse me, sir!” Maverick called out, quickening his pace. He saw Kendrick’s broad shoulders, flanked by Xavier and the other guards. The icy stares from the officers only fueled his determination as he pressed on. “Please, sir! Just your attention… I’m begging you!”Kendrick paused, turning slowly to face Maverick. The intensity of his gaze was disarming. “Come over here. I don’t have all day. How do I help you?”Maverick felt a wave of relief wash over him, yet his throat tightened. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. “I... I’m sorry, sir. Please, I wanted to meet you and tell you that I apologize for everything that has happened between my family and yours. For the humiliation,
Kendrick sank into the plush comfort of his living room chair, the weight of the day pressing down on him like a heavy blanket. The television flickered with images of the court proceedings, and the news anchor's voice filled the room with the details of the verdict that had gripped the community. “In a landmark decision, Alexander has been sentenced to death by hanging for his heinous crimes,” the anchor reported solemnly.Kendrick felt a knot form in his stomach. He had hoped for a different outcome, for some semblance of redemption for Alexander. It was difficult to reconcile the man he had once known with the criminal he had become. He glanced at his sister, Emily, who sat beside him, her face a mixture of concern and discontent.“Can you believe it?” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s just so… tragic.”“Yeah,” Kendrick replied, staring at the screen. “It really is.”As the news continued, Kendrick’s father, Peterson, entered the room, his brow furrowed as he took i
Peterson emerged from his room right on time to meet his daughter sitting in the lobby, her eyes fixed on the outer part of the compound, she seemed lost in thought as she couldn’t notice his presence, not even the loud echo from him closing the door.He paused to observe her for a moment, “What must be bothering my daughter to the extent of her standing by the outer rails in this manner?” he asked himself as he strolled to her, his hands stretching towards her when they rested on her shoulder, she turned with a widened stare.“...oh, sorry sir, I mean… sorry Dad.” she stammered, turning to hurry into the house.“No wait, you seem to have been lost in thought, do you mind telling me what’s bothering you?”Emily halted, faking a smile, “It’s nothing Dad… she pretended, but her face betrayed her smile. Peterson held her back, “Is there something you want to talk to me about my dear?” he asked again.Emily nodded, “Y...Yes Dad.” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.Peterson hur
Peterson trailed behind his son, curiosity etched on his face, the cool morning air giving way to the long corridor that led to the outer part of the building. Kendrick’s gaze was fixed ahead, and he gestured angrily toward Knaver, who was pacing back and forth by his car, hands planted firmly on her waists. “Look who you reserved as a wife for me,” Kendrick snapped, his voice laced with irritation. Peterson chuckled, shaking his head. “...Son, these are some of the realities you’ll face as a man. It’s not all about work; sometimes you need to take a moment and give them your attention,” he said playfully. Kendrick’s frustration boiled over. “what do you mean by that, Dad?… I was too calm to have my guards toss her aside so I could get past.” He breathed heavily, the tension radiating off him like heat from a flame. Knaver had chased after him, desperate to stop him before he hurried out. She had been hoping to convince him to join her for a family visit, a simple request that K
Kendrick leaned against the cool metal of the car, the tension from the hospital visit still coursing through him. “Xavier, get in the car. We need to catch up with the meeting,” he commanded, his voice firm but edged with a hint of impatience. Xavier nodded quickly, the urgency of the situation clear in his eyes. “Yes, boss,” he replied, sliding into the passenger seat as Kendrick took the driver’s side. The engine roared to life, cutting through the silence that enveloped them.As they sped through the bustling streets of Texas, Kendrick’s mind churned with frustration. He couldn’t shake off the feeling that he had lost something vital today—an opportunity, a connection. He glanced at his phone, noticing a message that had just beeped. It was from Brandon, one of his guards who had been receiving treatment for a minor injury."I'm all good boss, I'll be going for some fitness exercises before I commence work again."A grin broke across Kendrick’s face despite his irritation. He qui
Kendrick pulled up to the Top Hills Eatery, a place that epitomized luxury and exclusivity. The restaurant was renowned for its opulence, where marble floors gleamed under soft chandeliers, and the air was infused with the aroma of gourmet cuisine. It was the perfect setting for high-stakes meetings, and today, Kendrick needed every advantage he could muster. As he stepped out of the car, he spotted Methot emerging from the entrance, a broad smile lighting up his face. The two men approached each other, their hands meeting in a firm shake. “Welcome, bro! I’m glad you made it here. I was wondering if work or other businesses would take your time,” Methot exclaimed, his enthusiasm infectious. Kendrick feigned a smile, though his mind was still tangled in the events of the day. “Thanks so much, bro. I promised I would come, so there was nothing that could stop me from keeping my word.” His voice carried a practiced ease, though internally, frustration simmered beneath the surface. Met