A Promise Kept

Dear Readers,

Here is the first segment of my new short story, A Promise Kept. Come back each week for a new segment. Enjoy!

A Promise Kept

 

2010

 

The old man sat at the defense table, head hung low, his eyes watery as he listened to the prosecutor describe him as a coldhearted killer, devoid of humanity. He clasped his large, boney hands together, the joints swollen and gnarled with age. Without thought he twisted his hands over and under, digging at his calloused palms, his nails long from neglect.

 

“Is murdering your wife of 65 years a way to show your love and devotion?” the prosecutor bellowed at the jury box. “Is resorting to murder when the going gets tough what you promised to do when you exchanged your vows? When you promised to love, honor and obey?”

 

A tear coursed down the old man’s face, leaving a trail in the wrinkles traversing his cheeks. His defense attorney reached over and laid a hand on his forearm, giving it a squeeze. “It’s going to be okay,” she whispered. It didn’t comfort him; a second tear followed the first; he touched his ruddy cheek and wiped it away. He turned his head around and looked at his daughter, Mary Ellen, and son-in-law, Vinny, their eyes also filled to the brim. She mouthed the words, ‘I love you’ and he turned back to face the front of the courtroom.

 

After both the defense and the prosecution finished their final arguments the judge dismissed the jury to begin their deliberations. A deputy took the old man’s elbow and with gentle guidance escorted him to a holding cell to await his fate.

 

To be continued.......