His knuckles turned white as he gripped the table before him for support.
Anticipating the outcome was proving far more difficult than he’d imagined.
Judge Ray looked up from the white sheet of paper and asked the foreman, ‘How do you find the defendant on the charge of first-degree murder?’
Guilty, Your Honour, said the even voice , securing the defendant’s fate.
Gasping in relief, Joseph released his hold and looked triumphantly over at the brute who had murdered his sister in cold blood.
Β©Shailaja V

Written for Five Sentence Fiction's Prompt: Secure
I am a Write Tribe Pro Blogger– Blogging everyday for a year.
Today is Day 5
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You built up and unfolded the suspense quite masterfully in just five sentences. Very nicely done!
Thank you Beloo π
Good decision for sure
Great work. I cant imagine how you create a complete story in just 5 sentences, that too a suspense story!
Loved it! Thank you for visiting my space.. π
Good that justice was delivered!
This short/micro fiction is really your thing Shailaja. π
As usual great write Shailaja! In the start I thought he was the one being held! Great delivery!
A brilliant take on the prompt Shailaja. Could feel Joseph’s anticipation while reading the post.
Oh gosh. I commented and closed the window by mistake!
Loved it! π
Aah that was delivered so cleverly Shailaja…Enjoyed it ..short , crisp and deceiving in a good way π
Thank you so much, Naba π Glad you enjoyed it, in a good way π
I thought he was the one in the dock. Cool ending.
That was the idea π
And you write everyday for a year! :-o….A big SALUTE FOR THAT! Good luck! π
I hope to write π Let’s see how long it lasts π
Rendered so much suspense with just 5 sentences…great!
Thanks π
A whole story in a few words. Brilliant! π
Thanks Sheethal! Welcome to the blog <3
Wow, impressive how you are able to tell a suspenseful and complete story in only five sentences. Way to go!
You’re always so supportive, Cat. I am always grateful! π
cool! A great take on the prompt, Shailaja π
Thanks Uma!