Chapter 38
"A-hem. It looks like someone’s up and well."
A voice said from the door way, breaking them apart.
"Hello Luis and Sheridan." Hank muttered.
"Hi to you too!" Luis commented as Sheridan walked away from him and over to Gwen. She threw her arms
around her friend and allowed the tears to escape freely.
"Sheridan, honey." Gwen sighed.
"Oh Gwen, it’s so great to see you!" Sheridan squealed.
"You too. And by the way, Hank said I looked sexy in my hospital gown." Gwen commented, causing Sheridan
to intake a breath quickly.
"You heard me?"
"Every word. It’s amazing how much I remember." Gwen smiled as Sheridan backed up and looked her directly
in the eyes.
"You know how worried every one of us were?" Sheridan asked.
"I’m guessing pretty worried. That’s what everyone said." Gwen answered.
"It’s great to see you’re so peppy Gwen." Luis said. "I swear, something would’ve happened, Hank
would be insane!"
"He already is!" Gwen joked. Hank put on a hurt expression, to which Gwen replied, "Oh come here
baby." And pulled him into a passionate kiss.
"Gag me." Luis muttered.
"Hey! You were like that with Sheridan don’t forget!" Hank commented.
"Whatever man, whatever."
"We saw your parents on our way in, what happened?" Sheridan asked.
"Basically I told them they can’t run my life, and the doctor said they were affecting my health, so they
can’t come around me for a while." Gwen shrugged.
"Really? That’s...Well..Wow." Sheridan stuttered.
"Wow’s right. I just couldn’t put up with their feelings when it’s necessary or convenient. That doesn’t
work for me." Gwen replied.
"I guess not." Luis commented.
"C’mon buddy, let’s go get some coffee, and leave the girls to talk." Hank stated, getting up from
the bed and walking towards Luis. "We’ll be back later." He called as they left the room.
"What was that all about?" Sheridan asked once the boys left.
"With Hank, who knows!" Gwen replied. "So, tell me what’s been going on with you and Luis."
"Not much. I’ve been so worried about you, but he’s a real God send. Helped me to keep my wits together."
Sheridan smiled, remembering some of their late night conversations.
"That’s great Sheridan! Isn’t love wonderful?" Gwen gleefully responded.
"Yes it is. By the way, I heard you and Hank admitted your feelings for each other. All I can say girl
is it’s about time!" Laughed Sheridan.
"What are you talking about?" Gwen asked, perplexity on her face.
"When we went out to The Blue Note, and you and Hank danced, I called it. I could tell you two were in love."
Sheridan replied.
"Oh really?" Gwen asked.
"Yep. And I wish you all the luck. Hank’s a wonderful man."
"Don’t I know it." Gwen smiled.
"So Hank. What’s up?" Luis asked as they sat at the cafeteria table, sipping their coffee.
"Nothing really, I just wanted to give the girls time to talk." Hank shook his head.
"You told her, didn’t you?" Luis asked, a smile creeping onto his face.
"Yes." Hank said, reminiscing about it.
"It’s great isn’t it? Being with the woman you love." Luis commented.
"It’s like a rush that won’t end." Hank admitted.
"We need to get together as soon as she gets outta here. Another double date." Luis suggested.
"I think she’d like that. When she was on the freighter, she mentioned how she didn’t think anyone would
come for her. I think she thought no one cared for her. I intend to prove her wrong each and everyday."
"I don’t know, something about rich families. None of their members seem to ever feel loved. It’s the same
with Sher. She’s never really experienced love either." Luis commented.
"Well then, to spending our lives to their happiness." Hank smiled, raising his Styrofoam coffee cup
to his best friends.
"I can whole heartily agree with that!" Luis replied.
Gwen and Hank left the hospital a few days later, with strict doctor’s instructions. Despite the limitations,
they managed to find every reason to be with each other and snuggle. Adriana stopped by daily and briefed Gwen
on the process of the trial. Everything was going smoothly after a few brief bumps in the road. Wagner had stuck
to his guns, and was about to testify when he was killed. But to the dismay of the defense, the judge allowed
the deposition to be played.
Hank had doubled the security on Gwen. He never left her side, setting up his office at home. Finally the day
came where the jury was ready to read the verdict. They had deliberated for two days, and finally reached a conclusion.
Gwen had cleared it with Hank and was able to come and watch the verdict being read. She sat right behind Adriana,
who was dressed in a tasteful red skirt and jacket. Her hair was twisted up on her head and held in place with
a large black claw. Her glasses were up on her head, and she scanned her papers before the reading.
"All rise." The bailiff called out. The entire courtroom stood up, and watched as Judge Bair walked
it. The jury soon entered from the room to the side. After they filed in, the courtroom sat, and waited.
"Mr. foreman, has the jury reached a verdict?" Judge Bair asked.
"We have your Honor." The tall man replied. The bailiff walked over, took the paper from the man and
took it to the judge. She read it over and handed it back to the bailiff. He slowly walked back to the foreman
and gave him the verdict back.
"Mr. foreman, on the sole count of the indictment, murder in the first degree, how do you find?" Judge
Bair asked. |
