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The next morning the families gathered at the court house early and were in their seats by eight-forty-five. The wait for the bailiff and judge was torment. Finally, officers brought Brice into the courtroom with his attorney and followed by his father. Mr. Bachlund appeared to have aged ten years overnight. The bailiff called the room to order, and everyone stood while the judge took his place.
“Will the defendant please stand.”
Brice stood and faced the judge. His hands were clasped behind his back, his feet apart, as though he were at ease. No expression or glimmer of response would give away his thoughts or feelings.
“I have watched this defendant throughout this trial, heard the charges brought against him and heard the numerous witnesses who know him. The evidence herein displays a destructive and vindictive cruelty. The defendant has offered no remorse or regret for his acts. He contributes a wantonly cruel nature. After considerable deliberation, it is the will of this court that the defendant, Brice Bachlund, be sentenced to fifteen years in the state prison. If it were up to me, the sentence would be longer as the pattern of behavior presented by this young man is habitual and without cause. Please take Mr. Bachlund into custody.”
Brice was led out of the courtroom in handcuffs. Mr. Bachlund sat motionless. He was pale and seemed he might pass out at any moment.
Katy walked up and put her hand on his shoulder, “I'm sure you did the best you knew how, Mr. Bachlund. I’m sorry it turned out this way.”
Jesse took Katy’s hand and drew her away to join their parents. It was a long drive back home. Relief from all the stress that had built over these past six months left everyone feeling empty, as if all their blood had drained away. It would take a while to renourish them. Like the bees in the fire, their lives had been tainted, but now living without fear would gradually settle and in time everything would be better.
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Matt Coffee called the Sullivans in the second week in December.
"Tom, I thought you'd like to know that Cassie Moore's trial has ended with Brice Bachlund receiving an additional ten years to serve. Cassie, it seems, was only fifteen and therefore still a minor."
"Mr. Bachlund sold his dealership and left the area. I guess the shame was too much for him," Tom said.
"That’s about it for now. If you need anything, give me a call. Hope you folks have a pleasant holiday.”
Ted hung up the phone and sat down on the stairs, “Coffee says Brice gets another ten years for that little Moore girl.
“Let’s hope that’s the end of it,” Doris said as she sat down beside him.
"Let's hope," He said and put his arm around her.
