NovelOnlineChapter 152 "All rise," the court clerk announces and they all stand to their feet as the judge comes inside.
The court is divided into two rows by a single aisle, each row further divided into six columns in a linear sitting arrangement.
The judge takes his seat at the podium and Kelvin turns back from his attorney's desk to look at Leila sitting right behind him on the first row on the right column, giving her a reassuring nod before taking his seat and Leila does the same. Carmela smiles sinisterly at them from behind Leila. Trent never appeared in the courtroom after giving Carmela the necessary information that she needed.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe clerk remains standing, announcing. "All those having business with this court plea, stand forward and Judge Bruce Tanner will hear you." "Bring in the accused," the judge says and immediately, the door opens up and Liana is led in by two guards with chains around her hands and feet, her eyes looking desolate and pale, her body visibly weak. Leila's heart breaks with pity for her mother and she bolts up to her feet in anger. "You animals! Why did you chain her up like that, she is not a criminal, she has not been found guilty," she snarls at the guards. "You will address my court with respect and behave with candour or I will hold you in contempt," the judge coldly reprimands Leila and Kelvin turns to face her.
"It's fine, they only put the chains outside, standard procedure," he whispers to Leila reassuringly and she reluctantly sits down, tears coating her sad eyes. Carmela leans forward and taps Leila's bench lightly to draw Leila's attention.
"If you're so flustered to see the bitch in chains, I hope you run mad when they convict her for her crimes," Carmela whispers in a sinister voice, smirking at Leila.
Leila ignores her completely, pretending not to hear her. Seeing her mother in chains fills her with so much sadness that she cannot even bring herself to react to the words of the stupid bitch behind her.
"Where are we?" The judge asks the lead prosecuting counsel, a man that Leila recognises all too well, Carmela's nephew, Justin.
He was just a petty charge and bail lawyer with average skills and influence when she left the pack five years ago, his meteoric rise from a literal nobody to the Pack's head lawyer is not surprising to Leila at all, the reason is obvious. Justin stands up to his feet and mounts the podium with a mic on it, in front of them all, in the centre of the court.
"Docket number 4567VR/7. The blood oak pack versus Liana Rogers. The accused is charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder," he reads out Liana's charges.
"What does the defence plead?" The judge asks, piking up his brows at Kelvin.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmKelvin stands up, glancing at Leila who looks like her soul is no longer in her body, her eyes full of worry and fear. "Not guilty, the accused is not guilty, your honour." "Enter a plea of not guilty for the accused, we will adjourn until 10am, three weeks from today, at which tthis court will reconvene," the judge says, picking up and slamming his gavel.
"Your honour," Kelvin quickly says, stepping forward before the judge can stand up. "I believe the accused is no threat to any life at the moment and as such should not be placed under custody, furthermore, she is a woman well into her later years and I have health concerns for my client." "I assure you your honour, our cells are in prhealthy conditions and the accused should have no worry for her health," Justin quickly interjects, making a quick glance at Carmela who nods sharply at him in approval.
"Besides, she is a criminal. Yes, innocent until proven but we cannot ascertain her motives, I mean, what if she makes a run for it if allowed to roam freely?" "Your honour, that woman right
there," Kelvin points to Leila. "I believe you know who she is, circumstances notwithstanding, by law she is the Luna of this pack and we all know what Article seven, sub section eight, paragraph three of the blood oak constitution states."
"Your honour, she cannot be allowed to roam freely, I know this is a court but facts are facts, the Alphachas a the new intending Luna and such a law shouldn't stand," Justin opposes firmly. Judge Bruce looks slowly between them, a discerning look in his eyes.
"The accused will be moved from custody and placed under house arrest with two guards stationed to make sure she never leaves the house," he says, slams his gavel and stands up, leaving the courtroom. Justin sneers at Kelvin. "I'll see you in three weeks- Costner." "I look forward to it pal," Kelvin replies smugly, "it'll be just like old times,kicking your lass."
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