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Show 161 "I can live with it if you can, your Honor," she said, sending a ripple of delight through the courtroom. The final business took less than five minutes. Ultimately, Dyna was to be released to the custody of her grandmother. Restitution must be made, in amounts and over a period of time determined by Dyna's committee. "In lieu of probation, which I feel is not warranted due to the maturity and growth you have evidenced, I hereby order you to continue keeping company with the members of this class and your teacher. Would you consent to that, Dyna?" She nodded her head vigorously. In fact, her whole upper torso nodded, and the class who had just become her custodial family burst into applause. By the time the courtroom quieted again, Judge Kranes was on his feet and smiling. "•Justice is truth in action,*" he said, looking at each of them in turn. "Disraeli said that. I believe Dyna's hearing illustrates it. We shall not easily forget this day." Then the judge's gavel tapped wood and the bailiff moved to Dyna's side. She waved warmly at the class and they all waved back. As the judge leaned over the desk, informal now, talking to Dyna and her grandmother, Mr8. Simpson began herding the students out of the courtroom. Parker lingered, reluctant to leave. It had been a summit experience for him. He was seeing a new Dyna, a girl stronger and braver in her way than he had ever been. She was leading this climb. She was negotiating her own route and doing it with impressive confidence. He wanted to salute her, to join in her "Off belay!" as it reverberated down the hall, out the doors, and into the canyons beyond. He wanted to smash granite walls with fists full of joy. Dyna had made it to the top! Inexplicably, Parker felt as if he had topped over, too. |
