Chapter 173: They Matter
Rain had a busy Monday. Right now she stood at the front of the courtroom to deliver her her closing argument. The trial of the five men from the Savage Skulls, accused of the brutal gang rape of Liza Torres, had been long and gruelling, but today, justice would finally be served.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the court," Rain began, her eyes scanning the room, making sure her words struck deeply. "The evidence in this case is irrefutable. The brutality inflicted on Liza Torres, a young woman whose only crime was being in the wrong place at the wrong time, is beyond comprehension. These men acted without remorse, without hesitation, and with a complete disregard for human life and dignity."
Rain’s eyes flickered toward the five perpetrators, sitting emotionless in their seats, their gang tattoos stark against their skin. "These men have shown no remorse for their actions. They have not once acknowledged the trauma they’ve caused, the life they’ve shattered. They treated Liza as nothing more than a plaything for their sick and twisted desires, and now they must face the consequences."
She took a deep breath, her voice growing stronger. "Liza Torres will never be the same again. The physical wounds will heal, but the emotional scars will last a lifetime. For her, and for the countless other victims who have suffered at the hands of those who think they are above the law, I ask this court to show no leniency. The maximum penalty must be enforced. Anything less would be a mockery of justice."
Rain paused, allowing the weight of her words to settle over the courtroom. "These men took everything from her. They must be held accountable for their actions, not just to give Liza some semblance of closure, but to send a message to others like them: violence, cruelty, and violation will not be tolerated."
Sebastian Lane sat at the bench, his expression solemn. He had presided over many cases, but even he couldn’t hide the disgust and anger at the nature of this crime. After a brief silence, he straightened and addressed the court.
"In light of the overwhelming evidence presented and the severity of the crime committed, I have no hesitation in delivering the maximum sentence under the law," Sebastian declared, his voice resolute. "The defendants will each serve life in prison without the possibility of parole. Let this be a clear message to those who seek to harm others—justice will prevail."
Rain felt a wave of relief, but it was tempered by the knowledge that no punishment could ever truly erase the pain Liza endured. As she gathered her papers, she glanced over at Liza, sitting in the gallery with her family, tears of quiet relief streaming down her face.
As everyone in the room began to leave, Liza rushed to Rain and hugged her tightly. "Thank you. Thank you so much," she sobbed, her parents standing beside her, tears streaming down their faces as they expressed their gratitude.