The minutes seemed like hours until the judge came back. Brendan wrung his hands anxiously, focusing mostly on the back of Elsa's head. Finally, the judge strolled back up to the bench. Brendan couldn't really even pay much attention as he addressed Carlos' case first, informing the repeat offender that there would be no change in his sentence at the current time. Then, he began to address Elsa. After ratting through the case number and other particulars, he began with the part Brendan was waiting for. "After considering your case, young lady, this court believes that you have more than paid your debt to society. You have all the apologies of the court, speaking on their behalf, the Department of Corrections, for any alleged wrongs. You're free to go," he finished, with a bang of the gavel.
Brendan was instantly up from his seat, the rest of the audience starting to stir also. He watched as the attorney gave Elsa a pat on the shoulder, and the bailiff opened the little gate between Elsa's table and the rows of seats. His heart raced as he anticipated holding Elsa as a free woman for the first time.
Brendan was instantly up from his seat, the rest of the audience starting to stir also. He watched as the attorney gave Elsa a pat on the shoulder, and the bailiff opened the little gate between Elsa's table and the rows of seats. His heart raced as he anticipated holding Elsa as a free woman for the first time.