“Then we deal with it. I’m here, and you never have to be afraid again.”
They sat in the seats behind Reginald and Martin. Onyx felt intense pride at the way Martin sat up straight and kept himself focused on what was going on. He looked worlds apart from the sullen, angry kid he’d been a few weeks ago.
The judge opened with a list of crimes. Drug possession, theft, and damage to property. Reginald argued immediately that Martin had been a hanger-on to the main crowd, a bunch of toughs who had been instigating the crimes. Over the last few weeks, those people had been apprehended.
The drugs found in Martin’s belongings were an incredibly small amount, and there was no evidence that Martin was a user … or a dealer, for that matter. Reginald argued that, legally, there was no evidence they were even put there by Martin. The drugs had been found in his gym bag, and the lawyer argued anyone could have put them there.
The stolen goods had been returned when the others were apprehended. Again, there was no solid evidence Martin had been involved.
The damage to property was another matter. Martin had been caught on camera destroying a shop front with the other boys. The lawyer laid out this crime in detail. Yes, Martin was guilty, but the property damage was minimal. Martin was only sixteen and going through a very tough time, losing his parents and living in a tough situation.
Reginald went on to argue that since the charges had been laid, Martin had begun a self-improvement program on Nova Aurora. He had been accepted as a member of the royal family and completely turned his life around.
Reginald argued that to punish the boy now, when he was trying so hard to change, would be counter-productive.
Reginald even supplied evidence, showing merits that Martin had received already and detailing plans for the future. Martin had a bright one if the judge would let him have it.
The judge looked bored. Onyx grinned. The old man banged his gavel and declared the charges dismissed.
They rushed from the courtroom, Gerri shaking Reginald’s hand enthusiastically and promising a huge bonus. He waved them off, heading to his next client.
Gerri, Onyx, Martin, and Azura all hugged on the courthouse steps. Martin looked elated and talked excitedly with Gerri about what he had coming up on Nova Aurora … travel, football, a shifter girlfriend to date. He gushed that none of it would be possible without her help.
“Will he be okay?” Azura asked quietly. “With no punishment, won’t he just learn there are no consequences?”
Onyx shook his head. “He has been punished. He’s been to hell and back. Furthermore, he’s applied himself to training, and he’s desperate to do better. I’ll never let him down, Azura. I’ll make sure he stays on the right path.”
Azura’s eyes filled with tears as she threw her arms around Onyx. He hugged her close. He would see to it that she never had to worry ever again.
She would never have to face the world alone. He would be by her side forever.