Page 40 of Day Shift

Mr. Donovan sat next to me. His earlier disclosure hovered in my mind as I tried to steady my nerves for whatever came next. He leaned in and whispered, “I’m going to request a meeting in the judge’s chambers. There’s a compelling reason to discuss the unique circumstances of your case privately.”

He stood, addressing the court with an assertive tone. “Your Honor, if I may request a brief recess for a bench conference in your chambers? There are significant developments from the property owners involved that directly impact the proceedings today.”

The judge considered this for a moment, his gaze shifting between Mr. Donovan and the prosecutor. “Very well, Counsel. We’ll have a brief recess. Let’s sort this out in chambers.”

Mr. Donovan gave me an encouraging nod before gathering his documents and departing. The prosecutor, a middle-aged woman, followed suit, glancing over at us with a contemplative expression. Her heels clicked against the wooden floor as she and Mr. Donovan made their way to a large oak door behind the judge’s bench.

The room buzzed quietly with conversation once they were out of sight. As I sat there, lost in thought, the hum of whispered speculations from the gallery barely registered in my ears.

After what seemed like an eternity, the door reopened. Mr. Donovan stepped out first, a subtle but visible relief in his posture. The prosecutor followed, her expression neutral yet somehow resigned.

Mr. Donovan’s smile was the first actual sign that the news was good. “We have a positive update,” he announced as he reached my side. The prosecutor nodded slightly to me, an acknowledgment of the decision reached behind closed doors.

“We’ve all agreed that the charges related to the property damage, trespass, and theft should be dismissed,” Mr. Donovan said. “The statements from the estate trustee and the owner of the property where the accident occurred were very clear. They have no interest in pressing charges, considering your medical condition and the other circumstances. Evidently, the new owner of the estate is extremely wealthy and doesn’t want to waste her time on what she considers trivial matters.”

My brows shot up. I wondered how wealthy the woman must be to not care about me totaling her expensive car.

“And,” he added, “given that the police were unable to find any criminal record, and since you were the only person injured, there’s a consensus that pursuing other charges would not be in the public interest.”

The prosecutor, stepping close to the table where I sat, added in a firm voice, “We believe this is a fair resolution given the unique factors at play here. The state sees no benefit in further penalizing Ms. Doe under these conditions.”

Mr. Donovan turned back to me, his eyes serious yet kind. “This means we’re essentially looking at a resolution that involves some financial restitution on your part but no criminal charges. We’ll need to go back before the judge to make it official.”

The judge re-entered the courtroom soon after, and the formalities resumed, but now there was an air of conclusion rather than contention.

Everyone remained silent as we awaited the judge’s decision. He looked over the documents laid out before him and then addressed us.

“The new owner of the estate, represented by attorney Harrison Tate, has expressed that pursuing charges against Ms. Doe for the trespass, breaking and entering, theft, and property damage is neither worth his time nor effort,” the judge said, his tone measured and clear. “Similarly, the owner of the property where the car hit the tree has stated that, considering Ms. Doe’s injuries and amnesia, further prosecution is unnecessary. He also refuses to press charges.”

He paused, looking down at me from the bench. “Now, regarding the charges of reckless driving and evading the police, this presents a complex issue. Ms. Doe’s fingerprints and DNA have returned no matches in any criminal databases. This suggests that this is her first offense.”

I sat there with my hands clasped in front of me, listening as the judge continued, his voice echoing slightly off the room’s high ceiling. “In light of these circumstances, and with the support of Dr. Atticus Thorin—a well-respected member of this community, who has offered to assist and house Ms. Doe during her outpatient rehabilitation—it seems fair to take a compassionate approach.”

Everyone in the room seemed to be holding their breath as the judge leaned forward, his gaze stern yet not unkind. “Therefore, I am allowing the charges against Ms. Doe to be dismissed. However, Ms. Doe will be required to pay court fees and a sum of five thousand dollars to cover a portion of the costs incurred by the city. This amount will be divided between the Tacoma Police Department and the Tacoma Fire Department EMS to cover some of their expenses.”

He looked directly at me once more. “Ms. Doe, do you understand the terms laid out? Do you agree to these conditions?”

I nodded, exhaling, allowing my relief to sink in. “Yes, Your Honor. I understand, and I agree to the terms.”

“Very well.” He made a note on the paperwork in front of him. “That concludes this matter. Ms. Doe, I trust you understand the leniency being afforded to you today. This is your one and only get-out-of-jail-free card. Make sure you use this chance wisely.”

“Thank you, Your Honor,” I managed to say, my voice steady despite the turmoil of emotions inside me.

With the rap of his gavel, it was done. I was free of the charges, thanks to the unexpected advocacy of those who had nothing to gain from helping me. Turning, I spotted Samantha, who smiled supportively, and Atticus, who gave me a nod of approval. Conan sat next to them, looking relieved.

Mr. Donovan leaned in close and said softly, “Atticus has taken care of all the costs. The money the judge mentioned, it’s all sorted. I will complete all the paperwork on your behalf over the next few days.”

I blinked, the words taking a moment to register. “Thank you,” I whispered, turning back to Atticus as tears welled in my eyes.

“Let’s get you out of here so you can have a fresh start,” Mr. Donovan said with a small, victorious smile.

I stood, and the courtroom seemed to spin slightly. My legs felt like they might give out, but Mr. Donovan was right there, quickly taking my elbow and steadying me. Overwhelmed, I reached out and hugged him, surprising him and myself with the sudden show of emotion. “Thank you so much,” I said. He patted my back awkwardly.

“Go on now. They’re waiting for you,” he said, gesturing toward the gallery.

When I turned, the sight of Samantha and Atticus standing there—smiles wide and eyes bright—pulled a laugh from me. I rushed to them, and we fell into a group hug.

“You did it, Angel,” Samantha squealed, squeezing me tight.

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