The Diamond Syndicate

Everyone finally began to settle down.

“Your sentencing will take place next month, Mr. Reed,” the judge said. “Until then you will remain in custody.”

Dante and Kendall shook hands again before they sat down and awaited Diamond’s fate.

“Diamond Reed, please stand,” Judge Fritz said. Then he told the foreman, “You may read the verdict on Diamond Reed.”

“In the case of The State versus Diamond Reed on one count of murder in the first degree, we the jury find the defendant not guilty.”

“Yes!” Diamond jumped up and down, making sure she poured it on extra thick. She knew she would beat out the Dr. Ricci murder.

Prosecutor Swartz simply rolled her eyes. There was still more to come.

“In the case of The State versus Diamond Reed on two counts of fraud, we the jury find the defendant guilty.”

“What!” Diamond yelled.

A smirk spread across Prosecutor Swartz’s lips.

“Order!” Judge Fritz banged his gavel.

“Diamond, you need to calm your ass down right now!” Kyle whispered. “Let them read the verdict. You have not been sentenced yet. If anything, I can file an appeal, so chill out!”

Diamond breathed heavily, not happy that Kyle was giving her commands.

Judge Fritz watched the defense table to see what was going to happen.

The bailiffs were ready this time for anything Diamond might do, moving closer to the defense table, just in case she decided to leap over it again.

“Go on,” Judge Fritz told the foreman after he saw that Diamond was settled.

The jury foreman was hesitant to move forward. He didn’t know what Diamond’s reaction was going to be to hearing another guilty verdict. The other jurors studied her intently, waiting for her to jump so that they could run. The spectators in the courtroom groaned.

Diamond stood still, fuming with anger.

The foreman continued. “In the case of The State versus Diamond Reed on one count of conspiracy, we the jury find the defendant guilty.”

Dante looked at his mother and felt sorry for her. He did love her, but he couldn’t help her now. She needed to answer for her own wrongdoings.

“In the case of The State versus Diamond Reed on one count of extortion, we the jury find the defendant guilty.”

Diamond looked over at Prosecutor Swartz, who was already looking at her and smiling. Prosecutor Swartz was satisfied beyond belief. Peter and the other two attorneys at the prosecution table began to shake hands and give each other high-fives in celebration of their victory.

“This is bullshit, Kyle!” Diamond yelled. “All that damn money I paid you, and you ain’t do shit! You are fired!” She turned to Kendall, who had stood, not sure what to expect from her. “Kendall, I want to hire you to handle my appeal!”

Judge Fritz banged his gavel. “Order!”

The spectators all stood, hoping to see another show, courtesy of Diamond. The noise in the courtroom intensified. The bailiffs moved closer to the defense table, waiting for Diamond to make a move. More police entered the courtroom, having been on standby because of the last incident.

As the jurors started out of the courtroom, Diamond jumped on top of the table, trying to elude the bailiffs, and the jurors, fearing for their lives, rushed out of the courtroom.

Bang! Bang!

Judge Fritz banged his gavel, but the sound fell on deaf ears. The courtroom erupted with shouts.

Diamond kicked one of the bailiffs in the face, creating an opening for her to jump through. The way she was acting, no one would have known Diamond was in her fifties. The bailiff hit the ground, and Diamond pounced on him and swiped his gun from him.

Everyone in the courtroom hit the deck.