The Augusta native held hostage by Brian Nichols for seven hours spoke before the media for the second time Monday.

Ashley Smith held the press conference outside her aunt’s Columbia County home.

Smith was held hostage by Brian Nichols for seven hours after he allegedly opened fire in a Fulton County courtroom.

The Augusta native says she kept the image of her five-year-old daughter’s face in her mind during the ordeal.

In a prepared statement, she pleaded with the public for time to rest and heal after this weekend’s events.

“As I’m sure you can imagine, this event has been extremely difficult and exhausting for me and my extended family. I have experienced just about every emotion one could imagine in the span of just a few days. Throughout my time with Mr. Nichols, I continued to rely on my faith in God. God has helped me through times before and he will help me now.”

Smith also made it a point to mention her role in Nichols’ capture was very small. She said judicial and law enforcement officials are the real heroes.

Smith declined to answer questions Monday, but she did say she’ll focus her immediate attention on helping legal authorities with their investigation.

Family members say she has already been offered two book deals and a movie offer.