Meanwhile, Colonel Williams sat in court listening to the proceedings. As the bailiff led in the convicted slave, Williams felt an odd mixture of pain and pity. Here before him stood the man who had caused him such great anguish. Four months ago, Williams had seen this man on the platform, wrestling with a security guard for control of a gun. Now, that man stood passively, clad in the drab clothes of an inmate. This man had wounded Williams deeply. Seeing the man again filled Williams’ heart with pain almost unbearable.
Yet even as the pain welled up, Williams felt an unexpected pity for the man. No doubt he had never meant for things to come to this. He had simply wanted to live a good life, to enjoy the fruits of his labor. Overreaching his meager means, he wound up in great debt, which had led him to the fateful choice that had now brought him here. This man held no ill-will towards Colonel Williams, and he probably never meant to hurt anyone. He only wanted to get out of his terrible situation.
As he walked in, shoulders slumped, eyes dull, he looked little like the desperate, angry young man that Williams remembered from the market. This man’s battles were over, and all that was left for him was life in prison or death. No hope glimmered in his eyes.
Judge McDaniel entered, everyone rose. With a motion, McDaniel asked everyone to sit. After both judge and audience settled into the seats, the district attorney began his opening speech, launching into a litany of the man’s crimes and the state’s recommendation for the death sentence.
Colonel Williams, though, heard nothing of the prosecutor’s speech. His mind had wandered involuntarily back to the terrible day at the market. From the moment of the man’s arrival up until the firing of the shot, the entire scene replayed itself in his head. He could not go farther, though. His mind simply would not allow him to think about the results of that one gunshot. Tears welled up in Williams’ eyes, and with great effort, he stopped them. He needed to stay in control emotionally.
The district attorney finished, and the defense attorney rose. He spoke at great length of the convict’s history and of his remorse for all of his poor choices. He concluded by pleading for mercy.
McDaniel sat in thought for a moment. Then, he spoke. “The convict will arise. Porter Blythe, you have already been found guilty, and for your actions the law specifies either life in prison or death by hanging. In light of your remorse for your actions, I sentence you to life in prison.” He slammed the gavel down to adjourn the hearing.
Colonel Williams rose from his seat, feeling no relief at the sentencing of Blythe. No punishment could undo what had happened. He exited the courtroom.
Just as he exited, he ran into Alejandro walking back in, looking flushed, as if he had just been running.
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