Page 58 of Finding Mercy

The judge asks, “Do we have a Victim Impact Statement today?”

The prosecuting attorney stands, “Yes, your honor.”

“We will hear that now.”

The attorney comes to get me, and I’m taken to the podium set up for me to read my statement.

I clear my throat as I prepare to read my prepared paper.

“Nash and I had been best friends since we were five years old. I know the man he was and the man he became after he started using drugs. They are not the same person. It was the worst thing in the world to me when he kidnapped me. The fact that my best friend could hurt me in such a way was confusing at best. It’s not a day I will soon forget. I spent a week in the hospital afterward on a psychiatric hold. I was deemed a threat to myself at the time. I wasn’t suicidal, but I couldn’t eat, sleep, or stop crying. I had been hurt worse than I ever had been before. After a lot of counseling sessions, I’m okay.

I know it would make sense to anybody here today that I would want Nash to get the maximum penalty allowed by law. But it’s just not the case. While I do not believe he should be released without consequences, I am asking, your honor for you to consider a lighter sentence. I wholeheartedly believe he would never have hurt me if it weren’t for the drugs. If I had my say, he’d get some time, far less than the maximum, with court-mandated therapy. My wish is that Nash get out and create a life for himself. I do not wish for this to be the end of his story. He has the capability of being a good upstanding citizen. I know the boy I’ve known for decades is still there. The monster that the drugs created will go away if he chooses not to use again. Thank you for letting me speak today, your honor.”

I walk back to my seat, glancing at Liam’s shocked expression. I take a seat. He takes my hand in his and intertwines his fingers with mine.

The judge glances at the prosecutor with a questioning look.

“Well, that was unexpected,” he says.

“Ms. Madison, I’m sure you’re aware that the decision of sentencing Nash Lexington, rests solely on me, as a judge. However, I will consider your words. I do not take them lightly and neither should Mr. Lexington. We’ll have a short recess and reconvene at eleven thirty at which time I will announce my decision.”

“Do you want to go somewhere?”

I shake my head, “No, I’ll stay here.”

Nash glances back at me with sadness in his eyes. I know he regrets what he did. But I’m not sure I can ever return to a friendship with him. How do you forget something like that?

His lawyer speaks to him, and he turns around.

A man dressed like a security guard comes up to me. “Judge Hawthorne would like to see you in his chambers.”

I stand, and so does Liam, but the man says, “I’m sorry, sir. Only Ms. Madison.”

I glance at Liam, “I’ll be okay.”

We walk back to the judge's chambers, which is simply a fancy word for the judge's office.

Judge Hawthorne motions to the chair, “Have a seat, please.”

I say, “Yes, your honor,” as I sit down.

“No need to be formal dear. We’re just going to chat for a moment in private. I have questions I did not want to ask you in open court.”

I nod.

“I’ve read all of the reports, and from what I understand you’re in a relationship with the defendant's father?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t mean to delve into your personal life but is it serious?”

I blow out a breath, “Yes. We are engaged.”

“Have you considered when Mr. Lexington is released, you may have to see him because of his father?”

“I have.”

“In asking for a shorter sentence, that would happen sooner, rather than later.”

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