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Seeing Mox kneeling on the floor, his brother in arms almost jumped from their bench to go to him. Over the last year, he wasn’t exactly the bandit boss that everyone was expecting. But he helped them when they were in need, either with advice or money. Even though some of them had resentments because of the situation they were in, this act of self sacrifice made their hearts melt.

On the same note, everyone was startled from this move. How could one be still when sees this kind of self-sacrifice? A rustle happened in the courtroom, action that made the judge to yell order.

The deputies already picked up Mox, placing him on the bench. The judge cleared his throat and, with a booming voice that silence the room, he spoke:

“Does anyone have anything else to add?” he looked long over the room to see if anyone else dare to speak. “If not, the jury can retreat to deliberate.”

That being said, he retreated to his room. The jury did the same and went into a back room. Normally, a trial would have more deliberation, witnesses and speeches. But with the nature of this trial, was just a matter of sentence.

Mox looked toward his group and then he closed his eyes, looking asleep. In reality, he started to recall his loved ones.

He went back on the memory lane and recalled his parents. His sweet, loving parents that woke up before the sun to start baking the bread. Moxley family had long fallen since they were removed from the Monero Conglomerate, but his part of the family never gave up. This feeling was even stronger in Mox’s father, that grinded everyday to make Moxley a respectable name once again. And, in a way, he managed to bring Moxley Bakery to a high status in their town. Their products were quite in demand and they had a lot of clients. Before Mox left home, there was talks about expanding in other towns as well. But he would never know what happened.

Then his thoughts floated toward his nanny and her nephews, Marta and Dan. What a twist of fate was the fact that he met them here, in the middle of nowhere. What was her face and she saw them? Was she happy? Did she cry? An involuntary smile appeared on Mox’s face when he thought of her. He loved her as much as his own parents and he hoped that she will finally be able to rest that part of her mind.

And then, inevitably, Mox thought of Maria as well. Ah, sweet and crazy Maria. With her red hair and hands on her hips, ready to smash against the world, just to be with Mox. Mox always liked to tease her. He really did love her as well, but he knew this quest that he had would bring her danger. And he didn’t want to put her in danger.

He made a promise to her brother, the man that taught Mox so many things before left the town in the search of the paintings. Maria had a broken heart when he left. And transformed from a sweet little girl into a fierce Amazonian warrior. But to Mox, she will always be that sweet little girl, with a little lisp, that followed him and her brother everywhere, trying to play with them.

“All rise” a voice interrupted Mox journey on memory lane. The judge and the jury entered the room. They didn’t spend more than 30 minutes on reaching a verdict.

Everyone was thinking that the deal was done. The gallows were awaiting.

“From my understanding, the jury has reached a conclusion,” the judge spoke, look at the members of the jury. “Please let us hear the verdict.”

One of juries stood up and started to speak.

“We have analysed everything that has been presented today and reached the following conclusion. The Black Foxes members are found guilty.” he took a moment of silence before he revealed the punishment. “Each member of the group should be hanged. However, taking into consideration what was presented today and the fact that Monero group overstepped their boundaries and used torture on them, we recommend to send them to prison and repay their dues by working in the mines.”

When they heard this everyone in the room almost remained speechless. The Major jumped up and started to protest, almost going to the jury and yell in his face. But he composed himself immediately.

“Silence in the room” the judge yell. “Our jury didn’t finish talking. Isn’t that right?” he looked toward the jury to see what was next.

“As I was saying” the jury continued, vividly annoyed by the interruption “we recommend to send to prison the member of the group. However, for the individual Mox Smith, also know as the leader of the group, for the role he played in orchestrating the activities of the Black Foxes bandits, we sentence him to be hanged.”

Mox smiled when he heard this. His goal was achieved. he could die in peace. At least he saved some of his men. Even if the mines were dangerous, it wasn’t a certain death.

“As the jury said, Mox will be hanged in two days. That’s enough time to make the gallows. The rest of you will be send to the prison mine for five years. I hope God will protect you. Everyone dismissed.”

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Because in the last weeks I was occupied with my book ( My poem book is out, available on Amazon ), Mister Mox was placed on a second shelf. But now, all the lights are on him, because we are reaching closer to the end of the first book. And that will be published as well. My goal is to wrap the first book of The Adventures of Mister Mox by the end of the year.

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