Page 28 of Twisted Betrayal

Chapter Twelve

Rick held Riley’s handas they made their way into the courtroom on the second day of the trial.He didn’t really like the fact that they were there, but Riley wanted to see it happen, so he agreed.

On the first day of the trial, several witnesses spoke about Gloria’s actions and the bad things they knew about her.Her employers told them of the thousands of dollars of merchandise she stole from them.There was a bartender who testified that he saw her with drugs, either using or selling them.A few cops told the court about the times they had arrested her in the past.An old friend talked about her stealing.

This second day was supposed to be the last, and he hoped it would take fewer hours.

Rick studied Gloria and wasn’t surprised or impressed by her attempt to look normal and innocent in a dark, modest dress with her hair back in a bun.Without the thick makeup she usually wore, she wasn’t pretty at all.He knew some of it had to do with the angry scowl and fear she tried to hide, but most of it was just the woman.She looked at least ten years older than she was because of the way she lived her life.

There was no jury.Gloria and her lawyer wanted the judge to decide whether to convict or not.Rick heard that her lawyer thought she’d get a better chance at a deal that way.If they had a jury trial, the people on it would see and hear so much, they’d want to give her the harshest sentence.

Gloria was the second-to-last one to be questioned, and it didn’t go well.She lost her temper and tried to blame others for her actions, which Rick could tell didn’t impress the judge.

He especially loved Gloria’s expression when she finally saw them for the first time.Her mouth dropped open in shock before her face paled.He noticed her eyes and how she saw the way he held Riley close to him and the way Riley leaned her head on his shoulder, and that’s when she knew her plan hadn’t worked.

The prosecutor warned them he would use the tape of her admitting to the plan to break up their marriage when she was in the bar with Tom that night.At first, the judge wasn’t going to allow it as evidence, but the prosecutor had fought for it.It showed how manipulative she could be and her use of drugs.

When Tom got up and walked to the bench, Rick could see the woman’s hands shaking as they lay on the table in front of her.He didn’t know if it was fear or fury.Maybe both.

Tom took the stand last and answered the questions.Gloria’s lawyer had been brutal with his questions, but Tom didn’t flinch.Rick thought he was actually enjoying it.That’s when the prosecutor showed the video.

Gloria’s expression was utter shock as she watched and listened.

Rick thought she looked even more defeated because she knew the video looked bad and told the judge of her true nature.The judge called for a recess and took an hour to go over everything before coming back.

While they waited, Rick and Riley talked with the prosecutor and relaxed when he told them she was in deep trouble.The judge was old-fashioned and hated drugs.

The judge sat down on his seat and looked at Gloria.Rick watched Gloria’s face as she stood and faced the judge with her lawyer at her side.

The guy had to catch her as her legs gave out at the verdict.She would be spending fifteen years in prison but could get out in ten for good behavior.With her attitude, Rick didn’t think there was a chance in hell for that.

Gloria’s lawyer quietly talked to her as she sat with a blank face.He saw her tense, but she was smart enough not to fight when two police officers came and made her stand, putting her in handcuffs before leading her out.

She glanced back one more time to look at them.The disbelief on her face made her look even more unappealing.At the last second, he caught the fury in her eyes taking over, and then she was gone.

Rick helped his wife to her feet and wrapped an arm around her waist before leading her out.It had been a stressful time for Riley, but he guessed it was the closure she needed to move on.

He caught sight of Tom when he waved and waved back.He was glad the man wasn’t coming to talk to them.He didn’t want Riley to be reminded of that night.

He took her hand as they pulled out of the parking lot.“Do you want to go eat, Sweetheart?”

She looked at him and then shook her head.“Not unless you do.”

“I’m fine right now.Where would you like to go?”

“Home,” she said.“I want to have my husband wrapped around me and deep inside of me.”

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