Page 106 of Exile

"Yes, Your Honor."

"And in your relation to the original charge of involuntary manslaughter, how does the jury find?"

"Guilty, your Honor."

I suck in a breath, panic threatening to send me into madness. How? Why? Do they not care at all about what I had to say?

The public defender touches my back gently. "Just hold on," he whispers.

The Judge nods, face completely vacant. "And the new charges of murder and arson relating to the defendant's time and conduct in Lilydale Foundation Center?"

It feels like minutes pass, and I realize I'm not breathing. But the lead juror glances over at me quickly before looking back at the Judge. "Not guilty, Your Honor."

Not… guilty.

Holy fuck. That's… a start, right?

"Thank you. The Jury is now excused," the Judge says, waiting as the bailiff escorts them from the room.

"What happens now?" I whisper to the public defender.

He nods toward the Judge. "She'll review your original sentence."

I just nod, hugging my frame as I stay standing while the rest of the room sits. The Judge reviews the paperwork in front of her before peering down at me.

"Ms. White, I want to start off by making it clear that what you suffered is unacceptable and inhumane. However, we're guided by law and precedent, and regardless of the circumstances, you unfortunately still fulfilled the definition of involuntary manslaughter."

Tears prick in my eyes but I force myself to maintain eye contact. I give her a little respectful nod of acknowledgment.

"That being said," she continues. "I'm taking into consideration time already served. This, along with the mistreatment you received while under the care of the Lilydale Foundation Center."

Fuzz circles in my brain, static electricity humming in my ears. What is she saying?

"In a perfect world, Ms. White, you would not have been found guilty. Nor should you have endured such mistreatment while you should have been receiving professional help. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case in complicated matters such as these." Pausing, she clears her throat. "Taking into consideration the witness statement from your treating psychiatrist, the report submitted by the Ridgeview Valley Rehabilitation Home in relation to your current stay and cooperation, the investigation report pertaining to Lilydale and the evidence submitted today, I have reached my decision."

I wait, holding my breath as she watches me closely.

"I'm ordering that your sentence be deemed satisfied and final. And with our deepest apologies for what you have endured, I wish you the very best in the next stages of your life. You are free to go."

Chapter 39

Avery

"Holy shit," I breathe out, turning to face Dr. Smith and Margie. "Is it over?"

The courtroom has cleared out for the day but I've been unable to bring myself to leave, still frozen in place. The public defender had given me a quick pat on the shoulder, before grabbing the next file and fleeing to review the information before the next case. I barely noticed though, just replaying the Judge's words in my head over and over.

You are free to go…

It doesn't seem real. Any moment now I'm going to wake up in my room, desolate and bereft as I cling to memories and wishes.

"It's over, Avery," Dr. Smith confirms, giving me a wide smile. "You made it."

I shake my head in disbelief, glancing at Margie. "Thank you so much."

"Of course," she says softly. "You were so brave on the stand, Avery."

"I…" Trailing off, I look around. "I don't even know what to do now. What happens now? Where do I go?"