No 12 angry men.

“Would the defendant please rise.”

Damien rose to his feet. His sister and mother were teary-eyed behind him holding each other for comfort. Damien himself was in prison issue orange pajamas (or that’s what he called them. Not nearly as comfy though).

His face was neutral as he waited for his verdict to be read by the jury. The trial went about as expected and the anonymous witness was allowed to remain anonymous. Pictures of the body had been presented, perfect in its entirety - not one acid burn; further evidence of Jack’s duplicity.

“Has the jury reached a verdict?”

“We have your honor.”

The jury foreman handed paper to the bailiff.

All in all they had deliberated less than an hour. Not a good sign. No 12 angry men here, not that he expected it. He knew he looked intimidating and this wasn’t the first time he found his size and demeanor to be more trouble than it was worth.

“We the jury find the defendant guilty of one count 1st degree ****.”

“"Members of the Jury, this Court dismisses you and thanks you for a job well done."

The judge faced Damien once again. He was a little man with little eye. He carried a very big stick though.

“Damien Cross. This court finds you guilty of 1st degree ****. Your actions have been found to be premeditated and your claims of self-defense were found to be without merit and have fallen on deaf ears. The court sentenced you to life in prison without the possibility of parole. May god have mercy on you as the law will not.”

With a heavy crash the gavel came down and changing Damien’s life forever. Even if he were to be released from prison, his gang would be far fetched to return him to his previous employment.

However, now he wasn’t under scrutiny. Now he was free to plan and attempt to uncover Jack’s duplicity. He had people on the outside who would fight tooth and nail for him, but he needed to give Victoria something to work with.

She was 3 months from giving birth to their child. That’s 3 months for him to figure out what needed to be done to get him out of here and the steps he needed her to take once she was physically able.

He had no doubts Victoria could do what needed to be done - Jack had trained her too well and she had been a quick study.

So 3 months before she could start, and another however many months to accomplish what needed to be done - all while acclimating to prison life.

It didn’t matter. This prison wouldn’t hold him forever.