In reality,the room looked very plain.The walls,two of which were built of brick,were painted a creamy tan.Other than a few signs telling us to turn off cell phones and naming the courtroom,only one large,hideous picture of a river and hills hung behind the judge’s desk.Seriously ugly.
The judge’s desk looked as if created with cheap fabric panels,like the kind in office cubicles.It was plain and sort of a letdown to think this was where sentences for murderers took place.I’d really thought it would be something more intimidating.
I tugged at my button-down shirt and wished this was already over so I could change into a T-shirt and shorts.Jeff looked just as uncomfortable as we stared at each other,unsure what to do next.
It had taken a couple of months for my father to finally agree to a deal.I’m sure it had more to do with tormenting his kids and my grandparents than caring how long he would be in jail.He knew he would likely die there.