Chapter 16
“Has the jury reached a verdict?” the judge asked, at the climax of the trial of Melina Vostakoff for the murder of United States President Matthew Ellis.
“We have,” The jury spokesperson said.
“What is the result of the trial?”
“We request an official majority ruling policy.”
“If the jury is not unanimous? Granted.”
“The jury pronounces Melina Vostakoff guilty on the charge of first-degree murder of President Matthew Ellis.” the juror spokesman declared.
The judge banged the gavel as Melina was given life in prison under a maximum security sentence. She didn’t struggle.
“This is wrong.” one of the jurors, Ben Parker, muttered.
“She’s a foreign superspy who killed the president. I’m thankful she was caught and didn’t succeed in framing Stark’s secretary.” another juror, Mallory Graham said.
“No, there was something off.”
“Parker, you’re a conspiracy theorist.” the spokesman juror, Jonathan Harper, said.
“Did either of you notice how she was just about begging to be declared guilty and taken away for trial? No guilty person does that, and I know, my sister majored in psychology. And the evidence all hinged entirely on several key points. Nobody saw Tony Stark disable the disguise technology she supposedly used to frame Natalie Rushman, who the defense proved was a retired secret agent.”
“Parker, you’re overthinking it. Do you really believe Melina Vostakoff’s unsaid words, given she didn’t even try to prove herself innocent, over Tony Stark?” Jonathan Harper demanded.
“I’m just saying, did any of you also notice how convenient the whole thing is? Or how in character witnesses Agent Coulson from SHIELD, the very agent who identified her while her appearance was still that of Natalie Rushman, his protege, he also mentioned Vostakoff murdered his other protege but they couldn’t prove it because she was sent in without cameras for an investigation? That stinks of something off.”
“Really, Parker, shut up. It’s over. You said your piece, you disagreed that she was guilty, she was ruled guilty anyways.” Mallory Graham said. “Now we just have to get home to tune into the inauguration of Vice President Julia Brant*.”
“Darcy! I think it’s working.”
Darcy was busy so Jane didn’t get a response, but nevertheless, she activated the machine. It whirred to life and the screen flickered on, and Jane fist-bumped the air, celebrating that it worked.