Afterwards, Marianne came up to Lisa, "Lisa, just a quick one, because I have to get back to the counter. This was the most special session I've ever experienced here. Thank you, for your response to the mayor. I'm sure he will still be convicted, but the important thing is that he has spoken his heart and realizes that things should have been different. It was great to be a part of it! And now I'm going back to work soon!" Marianne nodded to her and walked back to the counter.

The mayor had already been taken away by the guards. In principle, the guards were required to lead him away in handcuffs, but because of what had happened in the courtroom, after a brief consultation with each other, they left the handcuffs off. "Mayor," one of them had said, "after what just happened, the cuffs seem unnecessary to us. We trust you to just walk with us."

The mayor had looked at him, smiling, "I certainly will, I am well aware that I have acted damaging. Whatever punishment Johan imposes on me will be just."

.

The people who had come with Lisa poured each other coffee and tea and enjoyed the cookies that Janny had brought. Conversations naturally turned to the past hour, and were full of gratitude and joy.

.

At the end of the day, after the last session, the group was in the process of saying goodbye to Johan, Marieke, Ellen and Marianne, when Janny stepped forward and invited them too for the meal at their home. "We were such a family today, there was such unity, I would love it if you would come with us. We have plenty of soup and sandwiches, so it's easy!" The foursome looked at each other. They nodded cheerfully at each other and joined the group.

The meal was simple, but looking back on a day when the other four suspects also came to similar discoveries and statements as the mayor, the atmosphere was particularly celebratory.

"We have achieved the highest goal, dear people," summarized Johan. "We have achieved that all the suspects were touched, and had their hearts spoken. It was so far the most amazing day in my career here."

Marieke complemented: "You were all strong, Ellen, Lisa and you Johan. When the date was announced, I knew I had to be there. And I just sat there wondering why it was so important. Well, I felt it through the day. When two soulmates are together, they strengthen each other. I stood behind you, Johan, as Sjaak and all the other soulmate couples of the Bloemenhof family and friends stood behind Lisa. Fortunately, everything together turned out to be more than enough.

I also noticed with the lawyers of the defendants that they were deeply touched and surprised. Together we have stirred something up in this court, and I am convinced that this will continue, as with a stone that you throw into the pond. Waves are created which then create new waves. This court will be a court that will set great examples for courts around the world. That sounds grand, but I am convinced it will be!"

"Amen!" grinned Johan, "so it will be! I feel that you are right. We have achieved not only fivefold victory for Lisa, but also for the defendants, their lawyers, for our court and for justice in general! A day full of glory and victory!" Johan put his arm around Marieke, pulled her to him and kissed her.

To chapter 209. Breakfast in bed

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