Free Thin Ice 6 - Hangman & Socrates by KR BANKSTON Page B

remanded to Federal Custody immediately for transport to the Leavenworth Federal Correction facility,” he told him as Carlo still stood stoically. “There you will remain for the sentence of three life terms, without the possibility of parole,” Judge Bishop finished sharply as Hope sobbed openly, causing some to turn and regard her in pity.
    “ Do you have anything to say,” the Judge asked, hoping Carlo would at least address his family, perhaps simply say he was sorry.
    Carlo sighed softly before opening his mouth and addressing the court, in fluid French. “The devil has walked amongst us. Locking me up will not help. I will still reign and I will still bring fear and pain,” he finished simply as a couple of people in the courtroom understanding his declaration, gasped.
    One quickly made the sign of the cross on his chest and began to pray. The judge looked to the prosecutor who shrugged slightly having no idea what was said. Deciding it was best if they left it that way, the Judge quickly told the bailiff to take him away and dismissed court. He glanced once more at the woman on the front row, eyes red and puffy, as she stared at Carlo’s back. Judge Bishop noticed the slight pause as Carlo reached the exit door and him glance quickly back at the woman. The look he gave her was hate filled and evil, causing her to burst into tears once again, but not before she spoke in return, also in fluid French.
    “ May you burn in hell for the pain you caused your own flesh and blood you demon,” Hope yelled at him. “He will devour you before you leave this life, watch and see,” she told him before the tears overtook her and the deputies urged Carlo forward out of the courtroom.
    Judge Bishop sat still on his bench, drained and exhausted from the toll of this case. Sighing softly, he rose moments later and left the empty courtroom, preparing for a new day, and a new case.
    *****
    Roderick wanted to be at the trial when they convicted Carlo. He wanted to see that smug arrogance wiped off his face when the judge sentenced him to life in prison. He couldn’t though. Today all he could think about was Faatin and the loss of his unborn son. Sighing deeply he walked into the den encountering the hostile demeanor of his oldest son.
    “ When are you leaving,” the young man asked, no attempt to hide is disdain at his father’s presence.
    Technically he was his stepfather, but that had never mattered to Roderick.
    “ I don’t want to fight with you today,” Roderick replied calmly.
    There was something off about the young man; something that went beyond simple grief over the loss of his mother. Roderick suspected he was using drugs but Faatin told him time and again he was wrong. Today, he was almost positive he wasn’t.
    “ You don’t have to fight with me ever,” the young man quickly replied. “Just go back wherever the hell it is you really disappear to every time you leave us alone.”
    Roderick allowed the young man to vent, knowing he couldn’t really defend himself. His job as an undercover depended on his keeping that fact very well hidden.
    “ Hey dad,” his younger son greeted walking in on them.
    “ How are you doing son,” Roderick returned amiably.
    This son was more like him in temperament. It took a lot to make Roderick really angry and he was patient and kind to a fault.
    “ I’m hanging in there,” the young man returned as his older brother scoffed.
    Sighing deeply Roderick ignored the attitude telling them about the arrangements for their mother and sibling.
    “ Yeah, then he’s running out on us afterward,” Hasaan added, giving Roderick yet another evil look.
    “ Is that true,” Tariq asked calmly, looking into his father’s eyes.
    Roderick sighed deeply telling them both they would talk about that later. He had to make some arrangements at least for his younger child. Tariq was only seventeen.
    “ Man, I don’t care, we don’t need him,” Hasaan began again as Roderick truly