Chapter 198 - Guilty Energy (2/2)

”I, Theseus, will be setting in as representative of the humans the defendant has been accused of murdering.” Theseus stated clearly for the entire room to hear.

Prometheus followed suit, identifying himself as the representative for demigods. ”Ms. Joslyn Decker has admitted guilt in this case, asking that the rule not be based off guilt of the matter but of relevance of the situations which forced such actions.”

Themis nodded. ”Very well, as I am already aware of these matters, Theseus, please state your claim.”

Theseus cleared his throat as he flipped through the papers inside the folder he held. ”As a quick review for the rest of the court I would like to list the victims and the offences brought against them as well as the final findings involving the offences against them. There have been eleven known victims in total, spread out over the course of ten years. The first victim was Mr. Greggory Stewart. A thirty-two-year-old human gym teacher at Merry-tale Middle School in Norfolk, V.i.r.g.i.nia. He stands accused of numerous acts including pedophilia and other harsh acts involving minors attending the school. Investigations has proven these accusations to be accurate.” He clicked the tip of a pin in his hand causing the projector overhead to project the image of a desktop onto the white board at the side of the room. ”Here is some of the evidence found.” He waited for the court room to process the information. ”The second victim was twenty-three-year-old Bradly Davis of Morehead City, North Carolina. He attended community college in Wilmington and worked as a delivery driver along with driving Uber on the side. The allegations against him could not be validated, however several of the female clients who had ridden with him had similar stories of as if they had been drugged and violated the next day.” He clicked the pin again, and this time individual testimonies showed on the screen. He continued with each individual until finally reaching the guy from the party last. ”Davy Johnson was a well-known surfer in the area and had a seemingly spotless reputation... until investigation began digging into his personal life. As much as our team had hoped to have this one victim be found innocent, it was not the case. Evidence of him using his popularity to convince women from ages 16-30 to have explicit s.e.x.u.a.l relation either by text or in person was damnedable... However!” He lifted his finger. ”With this being said, had these cases been brought to my department's attention, they would have all been handled properly including the human law enforcement officers who had turned blind eyes or taken pay outs. In fact, after investigations, they have been punished. With this being said, I propose that the act of vigilante should also be punished. Based off the lifespan and age of Ms. Decker we purpose 25 years per victim.”

Prometheus leaned forward over the table he stood behind. ”That would be 275 years of her life!” He held a hand out toward Shelly. ”The courts must also consider the other individuals in Ms. Decker's life.”

Selena arched a brow from where she sat slumped in her chair. ”If this act is to be believed along with the doc.u.ments submitted to our offices, then the only truly effected individual in this has the exact same life expectancy as Ms. Decker.” She bit out Jos's name bitterly. She sent Jos a cold stare. ”Unless of course the doc.u.ments submitted were fake... as I believe this relationship is.” As whispers erupted throughout the courtroom, the loud fall of the gavel sounded.

”That is enough.” Themis called out. ”All rulings will wait until the end of the hearings. If I am to understand correctly, there are still 2 more to go.” Lamia and Marcus both nodded. ”Very well then.” The gavel fell once more. ”The courts are dismissed for today. We will deliberate and consider your suggested punishments, council member Theseus. The next case will be tomorrow and will be led by council member Lamia. The hearing will be to decide whether inappropriate liberties were taking with Prince Russell Boosilis. Though he will not be present in person for this hearing, as he has already returned to his kingdom, there will be a video conference. If it is determined that liberties were taken and that the issue has not been resolved as the courts have been led to believe, the courts will be forced to press forward with punishments against these offences as well.” The gavel fell again. ”Dismissed.”

Jos let out a heavy breath, she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Her pale face was completely drained of color as she shook her head. ”I can't believe they are going to leave all the rulings until the end...” Her eyes met Arei's. ”It's going to be pure torture not knowing.”

Arei nodded as he pulled her against him and gently rocked her. ”Sh... it will be alright. They were only suggesting 275 years as your max punishments. That's a good thing, Kitten. As for the whole Russ-”

Prometheus butted in as he pointed to the recorder. ”I suggest discussing these things in private.” He recommended.

Arei nodded in agreement. ”Is she still allowed to leave the Embassy freely?”

Prometheus nodded. ”Yes, as long as she is accompanied. That is more for her protection.” He moved to pat Arei on the shoulder, but the large man shifted his weight.

”Nope... Sorry old man but not this time.” Arei said narrowing his eyes.

Prometheus let out a displeased sigh. ”You realize it would make this much easier if I were to get a full reading on you.”

Arei shook his head. ”Nope, don't care. You can just keep it all to yourself.”

”But I could tell you-” Prometheus was cut off once again by Arei's hand going up in the air.

”Nope, still don't care!” Arei replied.

Prometheus nodded. ”Suit yourself. Until tomorrow, then.”

Arei waited until the old man had left the box and moved over to the stand where the rest of the council had gathered, before turning his attention to Jos and Shelly. ”What do you say we do some sightseeing and have dinner? We still have a few hours before things start to close.”

Jos and Shelly both nodded, following his lead as he led them from the court room holding Jos's hand the whole time. Once outside, Jos asked. ”Do you truly believe this hearing tomorrow will be dropped?”

Arei stopped and turned toward her. Catching movement in his peripherals coming from the stairs of the Embassy, he pulled her against him and pressed his lips to hers. Whispering softly as to make it look like nothing more than his mouth moving against hers in a passionate embrace, he said. ”As long as they believe we are together now without a doubt, then everything will be fine.” He pulled her tighter against him and bent his head to place a kiss on the exposed skin of her shoulder that the boat cut top revealed. ”If it comes down to explaining our relationship to Themis, remember, keep it in terms of moving forward and taking time to getting reacquainted. She will only be able to detect lies so as long as we keep it honest and simple, it will pass.”