guilty at your trial next month for all charges, and publicly apologize to Melody, Gemma, and our mother, then, if I’m satisfied with the judge’s ruling, I won’t come back here and watch Big Papa make you his bitch.” When I yank Madden’s head back, blood trickles down his nose and over his lips. “Have I made myself clear, Madden? Or are you still seeing this as a game?”
“You made yourself clear. I-I-I’ll plead guilty. I-I-I’ll say I’m sorry.”
Although it’s hard for me to do, I slide the key out of the lock, slip it into my pocket, then stalk down the corridor leaving my rapist brother withering on the floor and crying like a baby.
43
Brandon
One month later…
I slip into the back row of the court chambers just as the bailiff announces Madden’s docket is the next to be heard. I haven’t seen Madden since the morning I had planned to make him experience what he put Melody and another thirty-two women through. I didn’t need to see him again to know he’d follow my demand. Kwan told me it wasn’t fear I was smelling when I left Madden kneeling across from men ready to brutalize him. He pissed his pants twice that night.
Even if Madden wanted to deny our exchange ever occurred, evidence doesn’t lie. I found the trophies he kept from each rape where he said they’d be. They were positively matched by his victims, and his fingerprints were lifted off seventeen articles of jewelry and clothing. He’s going down. I’m just hoping it’s sooner than Melody believes.
A smile touches my lips when Melody stands to greet the judge before starting proceedings. Although she’s not officially an ADA anymore, her position in the Justice Department is vital. She works closely with detectives of Special Victims Units to ensure evidence is gathered from victims correctly and with dignity before she aids in the prosecution of the criminals responsible for the heinous acts.
In under a year, she’s helped place nineteen sexual offenders behind bars and has been the support person for many more victims. I’m sure she finds her work tiring, but the understanding she gives the victims of sexual assault can’t be matched by anyone else.
A victim knows a victim.
Before Melody can commence proceedings, Madden’s attorney requests to speak on behalf of his client. Since my father is currently indicted to face his own arm-long list of felonies, Madden’s lawyer is a fat, balding man with crumbs of potato chips stuck in his knitted vest. “Your Honor, my client has had a change of heart. He wishes to plead guilty to all charges.”
Melody’s gasp is almost drowned out by the many supporters seated behind her. With this being the largest multi-victim rape trial in the country, the chamber is full to the brim with supporters. Even my mom is here, sitting on the prosecution’s side of the galley.
I didn’t tell Melody about Madden’s plan to plead guilty because, in all honesty, I couldn’t trust Madden would do the right thing. I’m glad he kept his word, but I still don’t trust him. Even from a distance, I can feel arrogance beaming out of him.
“Is that correct, young man? Are you changing your plea to guilty?” the judge asks Madden, his tone shocked. When Madden dips his chin, the judge scoots closer to his podium. “You do understand what that means, don’t you? You could be looking at life behind bars.”
While licking his cracked lips, Madden nods again. “Yes, Your Honor. I’m aware of my decision. What I did was wrong, and I can only hope you’ll show mercy for my admission of guilt.”
My jaw tightens when an admired flare darts through the judge’s eyes. Even with Madden admitting guilt, he’s using his boyish good looks to his advantage. That pisses me the fuck off and proves he still hasn’t learned his lesson.
“Very well.” The judge sits low in his leather chair before making a tee-pee with his index fingers. “I extensively read the reports drafted by both Ms. Gregg and the District Attorney’s Office over the weekend, so I feel confident in issuing a sentence now if neither party objects.”
“We’re happy with that, Your Honor,” assures Madden’s lawyer.
After popping his glasses onto his face, the judge shifts his eyes to Melody. “And what says the prosecution, Ms. Gregg?”
“We’re also happy for sentencing to occur now, Your Honor,” Melody replies, her tone equally shocked and pleased.
“Good.” The judge’s glasses notch down his nose when he glares at Madden. “I must