Saved By The Firefighter
Epilogue 1

Josie's Point of View.

The silence around the courtroom was almost deafening as I sat next to Anders, in the public gallery once more.

Six weeks we have spent in and out of this court room, coming on our days off shift. That is how long this trial lasted. I gave my evidence against Twinkle's EX and my husband's father. Anders did as well. It was not a pleasant experience as we were cross examined by both defence barristers, each of them having their own take on trying to discredit us.

Jason and Smithy come into the public gallery, sitting down alongside Headache, who sits beside Ben and Lucy. Joanne and Whip-me sit behind me, as Anders grasps hold of my hand. Kathline and Davey are here as well. I am not sure how we all managed to get off work today, but I am really glad that we did. Guess having whip-me as the group manager has its benefits. I glance down in front of me, Anne wipes away her tears with her handkerchief as Twinkle sits beside her, his arm slung around her shoulder as they give each other comfort.

"All rise." The court clerk shouts, and we all stand to our feet.

This is it, six weeks of tears, listening to evidence, lawyers fighting with each other. The prosecution blamed both defendants, as each of their own barristers attempted to shift the blame onto the other defendant.

Anders grips my hand tighter, as the judge sits down in his seat, and we all take a seat.

"Foreman of the jury, have you reached a decision?" He asks.

The foreman stands up, and answers.

"Yes, your Honour."

The judge nods his head, and turns to the box where the defendants sit, side by side. Neither one of them looked at the other. Guess that b***h met her match. It is true what they say, water replaces its level. The disgusting man blamed her for everything, and when questioned, said that she hounded him, and that he did not ever really want to be with her. That last part was the only thing I believed out of his whole testimony. Twinkles ex, testified that the fires were his idea, that she wanted to leave her husband, but Anders' daddy dearest had convinced her to stay with him, telling her they needed the insurance, and benefit pay out it would bring. Guess it sucks to be her, to realise he was using her for Twinkles money. Karma is a b***h.

"Would the defendants please rise." The Judge asked, as the pair of ...I have no words to describe them, other than something that is extremely offensive and begins with C ending in T's, stand up to await their fate. Posted by Narugi.com; visit us for more free novels. The judge reads out the list of charges for Anders' father. Which included everything from murder, to arson, to exploitation, to drug dealing... everything but the kitchen sink.

"How do you replace the defendant?" The judge asked.

"Guilty on all charges." The foreman shouted in a clear voice.

Anders fist pumps the air, as Anne sobs, and Twinkle holds her to his chest, kissing the top of her head.

The judge then asks about the charges for Twinkles' ex. The list includes attempted murder, manslaughter, aiding and abetting a criminal, and conspiring to commit a crime. "How do you replace the defendant?" The judge asked the foreman.

I watch as Twinkle stiffens slightly, and I feel Davey's hand grab mine. I looked around, seeing all of my firefighter family holding hands, united as one.

This is for Wayne. This is for Twinkle.

"Guilty on all counts." The foreman states, loud and clear.

A cheer erupts from all of us, as the judge bangs his gavel telling us to be silent in court.

We settle down, as he turns to address the convicted criminals.

His speech lasts a long time, as we all aqueously await the sentences to be pronounced.

Finally, the judge looks at them, giving them each the maximum sentence of life in prison. Anders' father without the chance of parole, with Twinkles ex required to serve a minimum of 15 years, before being eligible for parole. "TAKE THEM DOWN" the judge says to the bailiffs.

That is it, we sit and watch as they are taken away, straight to prison.

The Crown prosecutor looks over his shoulder at Twinkle and Anne, offering them both a smile, then tells them that the press are outside and would like a comment.

Both refuse, and the prosecutor nods his head in understanding.

We all stood up, and began to file out of the court. I watch as Twinkle and Anne hold onto each other. Have there been comments about their relationship so soon after Wayne was lost to us? You bet there has been. Idiots who know nothing voice their unsolicited opinions. However, I look at them, as does the rest of our firefighter family, and smile. Because we all like to believe Wayne was smiling down at them, and had seen two lonely souls, and brought them together. Anders strokes my bump and smiles at me.

"That is it, done. We never have to think about my family again." He smiles.

"Other than Billy." I giggled.

"Don't spoil it. I know he is doing really well, but you never fully know with an addict. Plus, he is in Cornwall now, and this little one will never ever meet him." Anders huffs then places a soft kiss on my lips. "Anyone for the Chesters?" Whip-me asks us all.

I looked over to Anne and Twinkle, wondering what they would do. Both smiled at each other, then nodded at him, as each of us held hands, walking in a long line out of the crown court, making our way from Newcastle back to Sunderland, finally free from all of the drama.