CHAPTER 205.

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