The Threads of the Conspiracy 2

I ran, but my feet didn't move... I was sinking in darkness, the sounds around me fading. Suddenly, I heard a familiar laugh... Brian. When I turned around, I saw Sam lying on the ground, his face twisted with blood, his eyes staring at me lifelessly. Then a low voice came, a whisper in my ear:

"You're next...."

I suddenly woke up, sweat pouring from my body, and I looked around to find myself in a cold cell... the reality was no better than the nightmare.

A full day had passed since I was arrested by the police. I wasn't even allowed to make a phone call.

'Sigh... even if they let me call, what's the use?'

It's impossible not to know about this, Aunt Christina.

"Get up."

I had no time to comprehend before I felt a hand pulling me forcefully. I didn't expect to be moved this quickly... where are they taking me?

'Does this mean things are getting worse?'

I felt a deep sense of crisis. My body trembled as the officer led me into a small room. It only had two chairs and a table.

'The interrogation room'

I recognized it immediately.

"Sit and don't move."

The officer left right after saying this, and fortunately, I didn't wait long before someone entered the room. It was a man who seemed to be in his twenties, with black hair and honey-colored eyes. He was wearing a black suit and a blue tie.

"Hello, Mr. Michael, my name is Rick, and I'll be your lawyer in this case."

He started talking as soon as he sat down.

"You should also know that I'm the only lawyer who agreed to defend you."

I nodded in understanding without asking why.

"So, Mr. Rick, what's the punishment I'll face if I fail to defend myself?"

I asked the only question that was on my mind at that moment.

"Based on the case you're facing and with all the evidence pointing to you, the punishment for assault and battery could range from two months to six months."

I felt as though a heavy stone had dropped from my heart, and I felt a little relieved.

'If the punishment is only a few months, then it's not that serious.'

I thought. Then I looked at my lawyer, and we began discussing the case. I told him everything, from following Brian and his group to fighting with them, then returning home with Sam.

"The trial will be the day after tomorrow, in the afternoon. So, be prepared."

"Alright, of course... thank you, Mr. Rick."

After about two hours, our brief meeting ended. I was then returned to the small cell, anticipating and afraid at the same time about the trial.

....................

Trial Day

"We're almost at the court, Mr. Michael."

I looked at my lawyer, Rick, who was sitting next to me in the car as we headed to the court. I felt grateful to him for really helping me, even though this was the first case he was handling after graduating from college.

"Thank you, Mr. Rick, for helping me."

"Thank me after the trial, not now."

He spoke without raising his head from the papers in his hands.

I nodded at him, and we continued the rest of the trip in silence.

'We've arrived.'

I looked at the courthouse building in front of me, with reporters filling the area around the building.

'Brian, that bastard.'

It's impossible for the press to care about such a small case, so someone must have gathered them and sent them.

I knew that Brian was behind gathering the reporters. There's no one else who would hate me that much, and his family has enough resources for this operation.

"Don't say anything, just ignore those reporters."

Lawyer Rick spoke as he got out of the car. I got out behind him, and we headed toward the building.

The reporters rushed toward us, asking questions.

"How do you feel at this moment?"

"Mr. Michael, do you feel regret for committing this crime?"

"Mr. Michael, what are your expectations for the court's decision today?"

I stopped and looked at them before speaking in a loud, confident voice.

"First, I don't feel regret because I didn't commit any crime, and all these are false allegations and charges. Second, I don't know what the court's decision will be today, but I hope it will be fair and just."

Without giving them a chance to ask more questions, I turned and entered the court.

"I think I told you not to answer any of their questions."

Rick spoke as soon as we sat down.

"Sorry, I couldn't control myself, really."

After hearing my words, he sighed and then refocused on the case papers in his hands.

I looked around to see the people in the courtroom.

There were jury members, the prosecution, and a number of the public and press.

Among the crowd were several familiar faces; Aunt Christina and Uncle were present.

I clenched my fists in anger as I looked at Brian, who was sitting among the crowd, staring at me with a mocking smile.

"All rise."

We all stood when we saw the judge.

"Please be seated."

The judge spoke as he flipped through the case papers, confirming our presence.

After making sure everyone was here, the judge began reading the charges against me.

After reading them, he asked me to plead guilty or not guilty.

"Not guilty."

After my reply, the prosecutor began presenting the accusations and evidence, while on my side, we started defending.

After listening to both sides, the judge decided to issue the ruling after two hours.

"We did everything we could, Mr. Michael. The decision is now in the court's hands."

Rick spoke next to me with a serious face.

....................

[Brian POV]

I looked at Michael, whose anxiety and hopes were visible on his face.

"Hehe... you won't get out of this one."

I quietly told myself, laughing. I was sure of this because, after all, whether it was the jury members or the judge, they were all arranged by my father.

....................

"Now, I ask the jury to present their decision."

The judge spoke after the two hours had passed.

"We, the jury, after serious consideration and review..."

A member of the jury paused for a moment, which increased the tension in the air.

"Guilty." "Guilty." "Not guilty." ...

Nine out of twelve members voted that I was guilty.

"Based on the jury's decision, the defendant is found guilty, and he is sentenced to incarceration in a reformatory for no less than one year and no more than two years, with the possibility of parole."

Hearing the judge's words, I felt despair. My body trembled with anger.

"This is unfair!!... You're wronging me... you're conspiring against me. I didn't do anything... I'm innocent, I swear."

I spoke in anger, struggling not to let tears fall from my cheeks, pointing at the jury members and the judge.

"Please pay attention to what you're saying; you're accusing the court and its members of bias."

The judge spoke in a cold voice and expression on his face. I wanted to respond, but his next words immediately stopped me.

"Mr. Michael, if you continue speaking, you may face a harsher penalty than your current one."

"The court is adjourned."

The judge slammed his gavel on the desk before standing up and leaving.

....................

[Note].

Alright, folks, the next chapter is the last one before we begin the main story.

All the previous chapters were very important to understand the main character and his motivations for the upcoming main events.

If you have any suggestions or recommendations, please write them in the comments.