Chapter 9 - The Verdict
The jury deliberated for less than two hours.
The courtroom was packed tightly with reporters, all waiting for the final nail in the coffin.
I sat quietly in the front row, squeezing the hand of the DA who had fought so hard for us.
When the foreperson stood up, you could hear a pin drop in the massive room.
“On the charge of attempted murder in the first degree, we find the defendant, Richard Sterling, guilty.”
“On the charge of conspiracy to commit murder, we find the defendant guilty.”
“On the charge of child endangerment and assault, we find the defendant guilty.”
Richard collapsed back into his wooden chair, his mouth hanging open in absolute shock.
He had genuinely believed his money and his name would save him, right up until the very last second.
The judge didn't waste any time scheduling a separate sentencing hearing.
“Mr. Sterling, you are a danger to society and a disgrace to the concept of family,” she stated coldly.
“I am sentencing you to consecutive life terms in a maximum-security federal penitentiary.”
“You will never breathe free air again.”
Richard began to weep loudly, burying his face in his handcuffed wrists as the bailiffs dragged him away.
Chloe was formally sentenced to her agreed fifteen years, her face pale and terrified as she was led out a different door.
I stood up from the wooden bench, feeling a massive, crushing weight lift off my shoulders.
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I walked out of the double doors of the courtroom and stepped into the bright, warm sunlight.
It was finally over.
