54. Vice Versa
Summary
- Tom offers seats to Tate, Jodie, Scupper, and Robert Foster in a small conference room where they will be waiting for the results of Kya's trial. Kya is currently in her cell, awaiting a verdict, and the room is left in a somber mood.
- Tom states that the jury may take some time to decide the verdict. If some jury members believe that Kya's guilt has not been proven definitively, he believes there might be a chance for her. Tom leaves, promising to keep the group updated with any news.
- Kya is left alone in her cell, experiencing a new level of loneliness as she awaits the verdict of her own murder trial. She fears the prejudice against her and the possibility of getting an early verdict, which would likely result in her conviction.
- Two hours later, Tom informs the group that the jurors have requested to see the court record of the bus drivers’ testimonies, which he takes as a sign that they are carefully considering all aspects of the case. The group agrees to stay put and orders some burgers to eat while they wait.
- By 2:15, the jurors have requested to see the coroner’s testimony. At 4:00, Tom returns with news that the jury has reached a verdict and everyone is ordered back into the courtroom.
- The room is filled with a tense air as everyone waits for the verdict. After a small paper is passed around to the judge and the court's recorder, the verdict is finally read aloud: Kya is found not guilty of the first-degree murder charge against her. The courtroom erupts in confusion, some disappointed in the outcome.
- Kya is surrounded by Jodie, Tate, Scupper, Jumpin', Mabel, and Robert, all of whom are excited and relieved by the verdict. Kya thanks each one of them, including Scupper whom she's never met before but recognizes from his resemblance with Tate. Kya then leaves the courtroom with Jodie, walking out into the fresh sea air as a free woman.