THE EX WIFE'S RECKONING

CHAPTER 10

The worst that can ever happen is not natural death, but drowning in a pool filled with excitement and anxiety about something that feels like nothingness.

An endless number of black-body-tinted glasses Jeeps flooded the premises. The serenity of the building surroundings caught the terror from the shadows of the thick dark jeeps. A group of twelve men and two women dressed in black strolled with poise-briskly toward the four storied building with pillars at each opposite end, painted white. A bronze made elegant stature of a blind-folded woman, with a two-edged sword to the right, and a balance to the left, curvy shaped to fit a figure eight, blonde breasts sitting at on the cleavages.

“You spoiled brat. I see why your father never took you too seriously when he was alive. Get your eyes off a statue’s breast and get your hands busy with the real deal.” Uncle Dan, interrupted Nathan’s fantasy. “Erhm.. Eh.. Uncle. I….” A stray-scornful apology demanding–look from Uncle Dan’s is enough to see through your soul like a laser beam. “I am sorry, Uncle Dan.” Nathan immediately apologised for his misconduct.

The whole group held their laughter in their pockets. No one dares to laugh when it is time for serious business. Poor Naomi. She cheated on the crew. She had no pocket to store her tears as her eyes were glinting with tears. “Come here, Sweetheart” Uncle Dan ordered, sprawling his arm open for Naomi who walked lazily, sobbing into his warm embrace of comfort.

“The Carters’, right? Kindly present your identity cards to me, then head to the door leading into the hall for biometric registration so you can proceed into the courtroom.” The receptionist instructed, wearing a keen smile.

On completing the biometric capturing, they walked with poise, representing the Carters’ in style into the quiet courtroom where they took a seat.

The hall was filled with members of the wealthy class, particularly, the Varelas’-family of the complainant, Damian Varela, all seated waiting for the commencement of judgement.

The Carters did not settle in properly when the Chief Judge walked in accompanied by 4 attorneys and the court clerk, and the bailiff called;

“All rise. The Honourable Judge Crowther is presiding.”

The Chief Judge, a six feet fair tall elegant looking man, with buttress stamina rooted to the ground at every step he took. Covered with a charcoal-glistering gown ensemble and a sparkling traditional wig.

“Be seated.” The chief judge motioned for everyone to be seated, and everyone took a bow and sat in. A drop of pin could be heard at 120 decibels if it fell on the floor. Silence gripped the air.

To the court Clerk, “What cases do we have today?”

“The court is now in session. The case to be presented before the courts is case number: 2023-CV-0501. The people of Damian Varela Vs Ethan Hale Carter.”

The Clerk continued after taking a breath,”This is a criminal case involving the charge of illegal possession of arms, and Culpable Homicide–Attempted Murder, The Defendant, Ethan Hale Carter, is accused of launching a bullet at close range into the flesh of Damian Varela. On the 26th day of March, 2023.

Naomi’s heart stopped. And a heavy pour of tears blurred her vision. At this time, all she could hear was her heart singing sorrows in loud entropic thuds. and flames churning in her gut.

Her ears lifted immediately she heard a familiar voice; “Yes…, my Lord…, I am here.” She lifted one eye hoping it was true. Lo and behold, Damian was alive. Electric shocks petrified her marrows. Goosebumps left no part of her skin untouched.

Her spirits lifted for a moment, and sadness clouded again. But why do I feel this way? I should be happy.

“My Lord, my client here, seated in a wheelchair, is unfit to stand in the dock. as advised. The medical reports here strongly states that his spinal cord is severely damaged due to the criminal incident perpetuated by Mr. Ethan Carter.” stretches forth four binded A4 laminated, papers to the court clerk for evidence check.

On hearing that Damian had a ruptured spine, she sobbed to the hearing of Uncle Dan.

Naomi was lost in her reverie until the hour that will decide if Ethan will spend forever away from her or come back and father her child.

“Mr. Ethan, you are gambling this honourable court. You haven't given the court a concise answer to help us decide your fate.” Judge Crowther blurted, almost angry, and continued;

“From what you have provided, Mrs. Naomi, now Miss. Naomi is no more legally tied to you. Then what grounds permitted you to be a superhero in illegal possession of arm which you consciously opened its chamber at close range, causing a lifetime damage to Mr. Damian’s Spinal Cord?”

“Are you telling us you were merely trigger happy?”

Ethan brought his gaze and fixed it directly to the Judge’s eyes like he found faeces in there, and shifted it to Naomi’s. His heart boiling with rage, and love. Can water cohabit with fire? The pains churned in his guts. What could be more throat slitting than watching you lose everything you protected, including your life, your ex wifes’ and your unborn child? Now. This is pure torture.

“Mr. Ethan, you have been silent.” the judge demanded an answer.

Buzzz… Buzzz…

Message pops on the top corner of the screen.

Your sister couldn't hold on anymore. she’s no more.

Her bones went feeble. Her face turned pale. Her hopes, buried. Tears dried up. her world shattered into chunks. This is the height of it.

Trapped in her reverie. Her ears went numb. she couldn't process what was happening around her. Until the final judgement was about to be read. Then she struggled to listen to this last beacon of hope.

You only know you love him when you let him go.

Final Judgement..

“The defendant, Mr Ethan Hale Carter is hereby sentenced to 15 years in prison. The applicable guidelines for sentencing are applicable for attempted murder under the 2004 amended Laht law, under section 3, sub-section 2, provide for the sentence of 15 years based on the circumstance of this case which included illegal possession of firearms…..”

Naomi's heart sunk into her stomach. Tears meant nothing. She has lost it all.

“This court is adjourned.” The judge bangs the gravel authoritatively, flagging up the conclusion of the proceeding.

The bailiff entered into action immediately; “Court is adjourned. All rise”.