Chapter 9 - The Reckoning
The trial did not last long. With Julian’s devastating testimony, the verified audio recording of Evelyn’s confession, and the overwhelming forensic evidence of financial fraud, the defense had no ammunition.
The jury deliberated for less than three hours.
I sat next to my father, who was now in a wheelchair, looking strong and dignified in a custom suit. When the foreman read the verdict, the courtroom was dead silent.
"On the charge of attempted murder in the first degree... we find the defendant, Evelyn Vance, guilty."
"On the charge of elder abuse... guilty."
"On the charge of wire fraud and forgery... guilty."
Evelyn didn't cry. She didn't scream. She simply stared straight ahead, a hollow shell of the woman who used to press her stiletto into injured men.
The judge did not hesitate. He sentenced Evelyn to forty years in a maximum-security state penitentiary without the possibility of parole. She would die in a cage. Julian, despite his cooperation, was sentenced to twelve years for his active role in the fraud and abuse.
As they were led out of the courtroom, my father reached over and squeezed my hand.
May you like
"It's over, Victoria," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "You did it."
"No, Dad," I replied, looking at the empty defense table. "We did it."
