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Co
“Madam Foreperson, will you please read the verdict?”
“Yes, Your Honor.” The librarian cleared her throat and read from the sheet. “We, the jury in the matter of The Commonwealth of Pe
Be
They won.
They won. Co
Hilliard was rising to his feet. “I request that the jurors be polled, Your Honor.”
“Certainly, Mr. Prosecutor.” Judge Guthrie faced the jury, as did Hilliard and everyone else in the courtroom, including Be
“Yes, Your Honor.”
“Juror Number Two, is the verdict the Court just read your verdict?”
“Yes, Your Honor.”
Judge Guthrie asked each juror in turn, and as each answered in the affirmative, Be
“Yes, Your Honor.”
Judge Guthrie nodded quickly. “The Court accepts the verdict of this jury, it having been duly impaneled, having heard the testimony and the evidence, and having duly deliberated. It is hereby the Order, Judgment, and Decree of this Court that the defendant is found not guilty of the crime of capital murder, as charged. Ms. Co
Co
Judge Guthrie finished the formalities. “Members of the jury, the Court thanks you very much for your service to the Commonwealth. Please leave your plastic ID holders on the jury rail. You are hereby discharged from your secrecy and you may discuss this matter with anyone, including its particulars. Likewise, you are free not to discuss this matter and may decline any requests for interviews that will undoubtedly come your way.” Judge Guthrie picked up his gavel and struck it down lightly. Crack! “Court is now adjourned.”
Be
“Get me out of here,” Co
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Be
“I read all about you in the papers, Miss Rosato. You, too, Miss Co
“The train station,” Co
“Are you serious?”
“Absolutely.”
“You’re leaving right now?”
“I told you I wouldn’t be hanging around.”
“I didn’t think you’d leave right away.” Be
“I think I should get outta town. I heard about what happened to your investigator last night.”
“But you’re safe with me. I’ve got Mike here, under contract.” Be
“No, I have to go.” Co
“But we didn’t get time to talk.”
“There’s nothing to talk about,” Co
“How can you say that? I mean”-Be
“Will you give it up?” Co
“Where?” Be
“None of your business.” The cab entered the drop-off area and braked, and Co
“Should I walk you-”
“No, go!” Co
Be
“What?” Mike said, surprised. Then he got out of the car and went after her, but Be
Be
Where could she be? The ticket counter, of course. Co
Be