Chapter 27 - The Court of Appeals
The appellate courthouse was cold and sterile, a stark contrast to the bright spring morning outside. I sat beside Hector at the prosecution table, wearing a tailored navy suit. I was no longer the frail, bruised girl who had testified years ago.
Diego was brought in through the side door. He was in handcuffs, wearing a faded prison uniform. His hair was thinning, and the arrogant sneer he used to wear was replaced by a desperate, hollow look. He glanced at me, expecting to see fear.
I looked him dead in the eye and did not flinch. He quickly looked away.
Diego’s lawyer stood before the panel of three judges, arguing passionately about technicalities. "Your Honors, the chain of custody regarding the physical evidence—the girdle—was broken when the medical staff removed it. The evidence is inadmissible."
Hector stood up, buttoning his jacket. "Your Honors, the defense is attempting to use a life-saving medical emergency to invalidate a brutal crime. Dr. Mendoza removed the weapon because it was actively crushing the victim's lungs. The medical records, the photographs of the horrific bruising, and the defendant's own violent history provide undeniable corroboration."
The lead judge, an older woman with sharp eyes, looked down at Diego, then at me.
"The court has reviewed the extensive medical documentation and the initial trial transcripts," the judge stated, her voice ringing through the silent room. "Procedural nuances do not negate the overwhelming, factual evidence of attempted femicide. The appeal is utterly without merit and is hereby denied. The original sentence stands."
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I let out a breath I felt I had been holding for weeks.
As the guards dragged Diego away, he turned back, his face twisted in rage. But I didn't care. The monster was going back to his cage, and the door was locked forever.
