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Chapter Sixteen:

Reid stood with the other victims in court. They were a total of ten who stepped forward. In addition to the judge, the congressman, and a Texas ranger, there was a second judge, a state senator, a housewife to a film producer, and investment banker and two prostitutes. Standing together in the first two rows, they presented a strong front.

"Have both sides reached an agreement?" the judge asked.

"Yes, Your Honor," the prosecutor said.

"Then I find you Malia Henderson, Max Andrews, Tom Krieg, guilty of first-degree rape and unlawful imprisonment of a federal agent. In accordance with the plea agreement, I hereby sentence you to the maximum of twenty years in jail."

His attackers looked devastated. They faced thirty years if the prosecution decided to add on the charges that could be proved from the other victims. This was the best they could hope for and clearly, they were still upset. This brought Reid a peace.

The state senator gripped his hand. He did not jump as he knew she needed him. Elena Diaz was fairly young for a state Senator. She admitted she had not slept well in the six months since her attack. Reid hoped she could sleep better now.

The judge was not known for giving sweeping, dramatic, statements. He merely stared hard at each of the defendants and ordered them out of the court.

"Court is adjourned," he said and knocked his gavel.

The ten of them exchanged looks and filed out of the courtroom. They were met on the steps by the media and Reid had prepared a statement for them.

"Justice has been served," he said. "I would personally like to thank the Dallas SVU detectives for never giving up on the case when everyone else was convinced I paid for their services. I would also like to thank these brave people beside me who stood up and admitted what caused them so much pain and shame. We are the survivors and we are strong because we believe in each other.

In regard to the civil case, all of us are in agreement that we need to move forward together. We will be filing a civil suit against our attackers for damages. The amount will be decided by the court. Money or justice will not heal the pain they caused us, but it will bring us peace.

Thank you. We will not be taking questions at this time."

Reid took Elena's hand and guided her and the rest of the victims away from the press. There were vans waiting for them.

…

The luncheon they had after court was a slightly somber affair. No one spoke much. Everyone was caught up in own worlds of emotion in regard to finally getting justice.

"So, what's next for you Dr. Reid?" the banker asked.

"I think I'm going to stay in Texas," he said. "I have been asked to consult on cases on behalf of the FBI. I like the idea of being able to freelance without the risk of being shot at."

"Say the word, and my friends will investigate the FBI until Fickler is begging to have you back," the congressman said.

"The director and I have already spoken," he said. "My job is there if I want it after a rush to judgement. I don't want to be directly connected the FBI in the event they feel my past is too much for them to handle again."

"I can get you any sort of work you'd like," Judge Greer said.

"I also want to supervise the civil suit so they can't pull any dirty tricks like in the past," he said.

He could tell Elena was trying not to smile. In the two weeks since she stepped forward, they had grown close. It seemed impossible that something so good could come out of something so horrible. Yet Reid liked Elena and he had a feeling the sentiment was mutual.

The prostitutes, Amy and Shania, began buzzing about community college. They thanked the banker again.

"Those three did horrible things to us," Shania said. "Who knew something good could come out of it."

"Who indeed," Elena said.

Reid stood up.

"I need to get going," he said. "I have another celebration to attend."

"I'm hosting this thing every three months until we get sick of each other," the banker said. "Don't be a stranger, Dr. Reid."

"I won't," he said and smiled at Elena.

…

The team turned it into a family vacation of sorts. Morgan and J.J. brought their kids and they wandered around the Dallas Aquarium. They all took turns having private chats with him about the future. He assured each of them that he was going to be fine and loved them dearly.

"I'm glad you found peace, buddy," Morgan said.

"I still have nightmares and little things make me jump," he said. "But it's getting less frequent and I like the therapist recommended to me by the Amelia the housewife."

"It sounds like you found another family," he said.

"Not quite," he said. "I just found people who share the same sense of pain. I'll never forget you guys I promise. You're my first family in my heart."

"Good to know," he said. "Can I hug you?"

Reid stepped forward and hugged Morgan. He was far from recovered, but he knew between his team and the other survivors, he would never be alone.

THE END

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