The World According to Vince - Jane Harvey-Berrick Page 0,91

then deliberated for four and a half months before reaching a verdict.

“Yes, I think so. It suggests that they’re finding it difficult to reach an agreement, which means at least some of the jury are on Vince’s side. I hope.”

I spoke quietly while Vince answered messages on his phone and put out new posts to his fans. I’d peeked outside the courthouse window and the crowd of his followers had increased. There was a greater police presence now, as well, and I could see at least half-a-dozen news crews, all waiting for the verdict. I wasn’t generally a nail-chewer, but now seemed like a good time to start.

“So there’s hope?” Cady asked quietly.

I smiled stiffly, my mouth arcing upwards with reluctance. “We’re talking about Vince, king of the comebacks. Yes, there’s always hope.”

“You know we’ll do anything for that crazy dude, right?” Cady whispered urgently. “I mean anything: you name it, you got it. You’re my best friend, Grace, and what hurts you hurts me. I’d do anything to keep King Klutz out of jail. I’ll do anything for you. Rick and I, we’ll do anything for you and Vince.”

“I know,” I said, feeling the warmth of her love and support. “I know you will. You’re an awesome best friend. Love you, Cady Callaghan. Or is it Cady Roberts now, you never said?”

“Meh, I’ve been Cady Callaghan my whole life; it would feel weird to change my name now. But I gotta say, I did get a kick out of the hotel staff saying ‘Mrs. Roberts’ on our wedding day.”

I smiled a little sadly. That wonderful day had ended with news of the trial. Why was good news always chased by bad?

I was just about to have a wallow in self-pity when we were informed that the jury had reached a verdict.

“Here we go,” I said, taking a deep breath and trying to look positive.

The four of us had a group hug, then Vince gave me a long, sweet kiss, before we hurried back to the courtroom.

Judge Herschel looked her usual severe self, and I wondered what she was thinking.

“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a decision?”

“We have, your Honor,” said the foreman.

The judge nodded slowly, then turned to Vince.

“Will the defendant please rise.”

Vince stood, his chin lifted, refusing to be beaten, even now. I stood next to him in silence.

“On the charge of burglary, how does the jury find the defendant?”

“Guilty, your Honor.”

I heard Vince suck in a breath, while I stopped breathing altogether.

“On the charge of larceny, how does the jury find the defendant?”

“Not guilty, your Honor.”

Not guilty! What did this mixed verdict mean for us?

Judge Herschel turned to face Vince.

“Vincent Alexander Azzo, you have been found guilty of burglary at the Barkalaureate Animal Shelter on the night of January 4th. This has been an unusual case with significant public interest. The court recognizes that you are passionate about animal welfare, but cannot condone breaking the law to support your beliefs. You have been found guilty by a jury of your peers. Ordinarily, there would be a pre-sentence report, however, after hearing testimony of the circumstances, it is the judgment of the court to move forward, and I therefore sentence you to eight weeks’ community service, to be served at Barkalaureate, and a fine of $100. Court is dismissed.”

Vince let out a loud whoop and scooped me up into a hug before kissing me full on the lips while Cady and Rick, and Vince’s fans in the audience cheered loudly.

Barclay looked astonished, then irritated, then gave me a wry smile and a salute for Vince. He really wasn’t a bad guy.

Judge Herschel stood to leave the courtroom, but Vince yelled out.

“Judge Hershey, will you marry us?”

Time stopped as I stared at Vince. I wasn’t the only one staring; every man and woman in the courtroom had their eyes riveted on him.

The judge pinned him with a long, searching look.

“I’ll remind you for the last time that it’s Judge Herschel. And this is highly irregular, Mr Azzo.” Then she swung her piercing gaze to me. “Do you want to marry this … person, Counselor?”

“Course she does!” Vince interrupted with a laugh.

“I’m asking Ms. Cooper.”

“She’ll say yes.”

“Ms. Cooper, please restrain your client.”

“I haven’t had much luck with that, your Honor,” I said honestly.

Judge Herschel sighed. “You’re very annoying, Mr. Azzo.”

“In a cute way, right, Judge?”

“No, in an annoying way. Have you even asked your lawyer if she wishes to marry you? She seems like an intelligent woman