Chapter 174

Brendan lifted his head. "Are you done with your work?" Naomi approached the bed, slipped under the covers, and rested her feet against him. "For now. I'm currently working on an angle based on Charles' mental state. But I still can't provide a definitive clinical assessment.” After a deep sigh, Naomi continued, "I'm hoping the judge will show leniency in his judgment tomorrow and offer Charles some hope." Naomi, usually jovial, rarely showed her serious side. Witnessing her discuss her work with such gravity stirred something within Brendan. Since their marriage, they hadn't often had such calm, open conversations. Brendan set his book aside and asked, "Are you considering a verdict of manslaughter?" Naomi turned to him and responded, "Manslaughter was brought up in the previous trial. The prosecution claimed it was a retaliatory action. I believe that Charles' mental well-being may have been compromised due to constant exposure to a stressful and unhealthy environment.