SHOCK
EPISODE 6
WRITTEN BY RUKEVWE MERRY
Three days after James and Jude’s arrest, the court hearing began. Daniel and Daniella were present, accompanied by their lawyer, Mr. Ekpenyong.
Prosecutor Mrs. Okoro stood before Judge Olufemi, confidently presenting the state’s case. “Your Honor, the defendants, James and Jude, confessed to the mur..der of Daniel’s parents during a drama performance. We have video recordings and eyewitness testimony to support our claims.”
Defense Attorney Mr. Oyedepo countered, “Objection, Your Honor! The confessions were made under intoxication and cannot be deemed admissible evidence.”
Judge Olufemi nodded. “Sustained. The prosecution must provide more substantial evidence.”
The trial dragged on for years, with multiple adjournments and heated debates between the prosecution and defense.
Daniel, now graduated, took over his parents’ business, expanding its operations and ensuring its success.
Daniella, also graduated, married Daniel, and together they built a life amidst the ongoing court battle.
Six years passed, and the court finally reached a verdict.
Judge Olufemi banged his gavel. “Due to lack of conclusive evidence, this court hereby dismisses the case against James and Jude.”
The courtroom erupted into chaos. Daniel and Daniella exchanged disbelieving glances.
Mrs. Okoro argued, “Your Honor, what about the video recordings?”
Judge Olufemi replied, “The defense has successfully demonstrated that the defendants were intoxicated during the confessions, rendering them inadmissible.”
James and Jude smiled, freed from prison.
Daniel’s anger boiled over. “This can’t be! Justice hasn’t been served!”
Daniella grasped his hand. “We’ll appeal, Daniel. We won’t give up.”
As they left the courtroom, James and Jude approached, smirking.
“You may have lost this battle,” James sneered, “but the war’s far from over.”
Daniel’s determination hardened. “We’ll fight on, no matter what.”
The battle for justice would continue.
Daniel and Daniella walked out of the courtroom, determined to appeal the verdict. They were surrounded by their friends and family, who offered words of encouragement.
“We’ll get through this, Daniel,” his friend, Alex, said.
Daniella nodded in agreement. “We’ll fight until justice is served.”
Their lawyer, Mr. Ekpenyong, approached them. “We’ll file the appeal immediately. We have grounds to challenge the verdict.”
Daniel’s eyes narrowed. “I want justice for my parents. I won’t rest until James and Jude pay.”
Daniella’s hand found his. “We’ll get there, Daniel. Together.”
A week passed, and the appeal court hearing began.
Daniel and Daniella sat anxiously, waiting for the judges’ decision.
But again, James and Jude emerged victorious.
Daniel slumped, defeated. “How can this be? Justice is never served.”
Daniella’s grip on his hand tightened. “Don’t lose hope, Daniel. We’ll keep fighting.”
Unknowns to them, James and Jude were already plotting their next move.
“It’s time to take Daniel’s property,” James said, his voice dripping with greed.
“And the only way to do that is by kid…n@pping Daniella,” Jude added, a sly smile spreading across his face.
They began to make arrangements, setting their sinister plan in motion.
Meanwhile, Daniel struggled to come to terms with the verdict.
“How can they get away with this?” he asked Daniella.
Daniella’s eyes locked onto his. “We’ll find a way to stop them, Daniel. Together.”
One fateful night, Daniella woke up to take in some fresh air and noticed several figures attempting to breach the gate from outside. She promptly alerted Daniel, and they devised a plan to apprehend the intruders.
As the figures scaled the fence and entered the compound, Daniel led them to a room, feigning ignorance of their presence. Once inside, he locked the door, trapping them, while Daniella contacted the police.
Upon arrival, the police apprehended the suspects and instructed them to contact their accomplices, revealing their successful capture of Daniel and Daniella. However, the police also told the suspects to pretend to kid…nap Daniel and Daniella, tying them up to gather evidence against Jude and James without arousing their suspicion.
The suspects, unaware of the police’s true intentions, complied, tying up Daniel and Daniella as instructed. Meanwhile, the police observed from a hidden location, recording the events unfold.
At the hideout, Jude and James waited, confident in their plan. When the suspects arrived with Daniel and Daniella, they gloated, “This little boy wants to enjoy all our brother’s money? Sign this document, or we’ll send you to your parents’ gr@ve!”
Unknown to them, the police were watching, allowing the suspects to incriminate themselves. When Jude and James finished their threats, the police intervened, cautioning them to remain silent, as their statements would be used against them in court.
Daniel felt relieved that the operation had unfolded as planned. Later, during the trial, Daniel presented the confession, which was deemed admissible evidence since it was not obtained through coercion or intoxication.
Jude and James’s counsel attempted to discredit the prosecution’s case but failed to raise reasonable doubt. The judge subsequently delivered the verdict: “Jude and James, you are hereby convicted of attempted kid..napping,mur…der,extortion, and conspiracy. You are sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.”
As James and Jude were led away in handcuffs, James begged for a chance to talk to his son Marvin, who was present in the courtroom.
“Marvin, my son, I know I’m going away,” James said, his voice filled with desperation. “But I need you to promise me something.”
“What is it, father?” Marvin asked, his eyes cold and calculating.
“Make sure you get Daniel’s wealth, no matter what it takes,” James instructed. “If you can’t get it, then make sure you destroy Daniella and Daniel’s marriage. They think they’ve won, but we’ll show them the true meaning of power.”
Marvin nodded, a sly smile spreading across his face. “Don’t worry, father. I’ll take care of it”
James smiled, satisfied that his legacy of greed and malice would live on through his son.
TBC
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Rukevwe Merry
