Chapitre 49: Side Story -- Back on earth (2)

Judge: (addressing the court) After thorough consideration, the court finds that Ms. Sarah Will's actions were indeed an act of self-defense in an attempt to protect Mr. Zack Stom from serious bodily harm. Given the lack of intent to cause harm, the court hereby declares Ms. Sarah Will not guilty of any charges related to the death of Mr. Mark Frank.

Prosecutor: (disappointed) Your Honor...

Judge: (continuing) Additionally, the court recognizes that Mr. Zack Stom's actions were a reasonable response to the situation he found himself in. He is also found not guilty of any charges in this case.

Courtroom: A massive roar erupts from the spectators, their emotions running high.

Judge: This court extends its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Mr. Mark Frank for their loss. The decision was not taken lightly, but it is our duty to uphold the law and ensure justice is served.

"NO!!! This is all nonsense!!"

"You are bought with money! You are corrupted!!"

A rage outburst echoes through the courtroom.

Judge: (addressing the court) Order! Order in the court! I understand that emotions are running high, but I must ask everyone to remain calm and respectful during these proceedings.

Prosecutor: (rising) Your Honor, with all due respect, the decision is outrageous! This court is disregarding the life that was lost and showing sympathy to those responsible for it.

Defense Lawyer for Ms. Sarah Will: (standing) Your Honor, we empathize with the pain Mr. Frank's family is going through, but the evidence supports our claims of self-defense.

Prosecutor: (angrily) Self-defense? They are nothing but murderers!

The spectators in the courtroom erupt in fury, shouting and expressing their anger towards Ms. Sarah Will and Mr. Zack Stom. The atmosphere is tense, with emotions reaching a boiling point.

Mark's Mother: (sobbing uncontrollably) How can this be? Our son is gone, and they get away with it!

Mark's Father: (holding back tears) I don't understand, Martha. I don't understand either, but we have to be strong for Mark.

The emotional pain is evident on the faces of Mr. Frank's parents as they struggle to come to terms with the court's decision. The anger in the courtroom is palpable as people voice their outrage.

Spectator 1: (shouting) This is an injustice! They killed an innocent man!

Spectator 2: (angry) They should rot in prison for what they did!

Judge: (firmly) I understand that this decision is difficult for many of you to accept. However, it is my duty to interpret the law based on the evidence presented. Emotions cannot govern our judgment.

Defense Lawyer for Mr. Zack Stom: (standing) Your Honor, we request that our clients be allowed to leave the courtroom safely, considering the intensity of the situation.

Judge: (nodding) I agree. Ms. Sarah Will and Mr. Zack Stom are free to leave the courtroom under the protection of the court officers. Any acts of violence or aggression will not be tolerated.

The court officers escort Ms. Sarah Will and Mr. Zack Stom out of the courtroom as the angry crowd continues to express their emotions.

Mark's Mother: (crying) He was our only son, and now justice is denied!

Mark's Father: (trying to console his wife) We will appeal, Martha. We will fight for justice.

The judge exits the courtroom, leaving behind a scene of sorrow and anger. The tension in the air lingers, and the emotional weight of the trial remains as the family of Mr. Mark Frank and the spectators grapple with the court's decision.

Outside the court-

Zack and Sarah, visibly relieved and grateful, exit the courthouse hand in hand. They approach their lawyer, JASON, who has a confident smile on his face.

ZACK (overjoyed) Jason, we can't thank you enough! We thought we were going to prison for sure, but you pulled off a miracle!

SARAH (teary-eyed) Yes, Jason, you saved our lives! We owe you everything.

JASON (humble) I'm just glad I could help. It was a tough case, but I managed to present the evidence convincingly and ensure justice was served. And well, a little bit of strategic persuasion may have swayed the judge in our favor. Ah and the persuasion cost was very high you know!

Zack and Sarah exchange a knowing glance, understanding the nuances of their defense.

ZACK (chuckles) Indeed, your expertise and persuasive arguments turned the tide in our favor.

SARAH (nervously) But what about the consequences? Won't they come back to haunt us?

JASON (assured) Fear not, my clients. I made sure that all the legal aspects were properly addressed, and the judge's decision stands on firm ground. You both are free and clear of any charges.

Relief washes over Zack and Sarah as they realize the enormity of their victory. They feel a mix of gratitude and awe for their lawyer's skills.

ZACK (excited) Let's celebrate, Sarah! We're finally free!

SARAH (grinning) Absolutely, Zack! We've been through so much, and it's time to savor our freedom.

As they plan their celebration, they call for a taxi to take them home. Their smiles beaming, they step onto the busy street.

Unexpectedly, a speeding truck careens towards them, its tires screeching against the asphalt. The impact is jarring, sending them flying through the air before crashing onto the unforgiving pavement.

But The truck doesn't stop.

Inside the truck's cab, the dashboard lights illuminate the face of the mysterious driver, shrouded in darkness. Their silhouette dances with the flickering glow of neon lights, giving them an eerie and almost ghost-like appearance. The speakers blast loud music, filling the cabin with an intense beat that drowns out all other sounds. The driver appears to be not just a master of the road but a hidden dance maestro! As the engine roars, so does the music. The speakers come alive, belting out the classic:

Drum sounds--

♪ Never Gonna Give You Up... ♪

Truck Driver (in rhythm with the song): "Ooh, yeah!"

♪ Never Gonna Let You Down... ♪

Truck Driver (with a grin): "Whoo!"

With the rhythm in full control, the driver's shoulders start to sway. It's like they're caught in a hypnotic trance, unable to resist the beat. The truck becomes their dance floor, and they move with finesse, busting out moves that defy the laws of physics.

{ A/N - Some readers requested an explanation of what happened after Mark's death, so here's a brief conclusion of his past.

And by the way... you've been rickrolled!!

♪ Never Gonna Give You Up... ♪

♪ Never Gonna Let You Down... ♪ }