Chapter 9 - The Verdict
The jury deliberated for less than four hours.
When the foreman stood up to read the verdict, I reached out and grabbed Sarah’s hand. My heart was pounding so hard I thought my ribs would crack.
“On the charge of Felony Child Abuse in the First Degree, we find the defendant, Eleanor Sterling… Guilty.” “On the charge of Witness Tampering and Intimidation, we find the defendant… Guilty.”
A collective gasp went up in the gallery. Eleanor collapsed back into her chair, staring blankly ahead. Vance Sterling began aggressively packing his briefcase.
The judge looked down from the bench. “Eleanor Sterling, you have shown a chilling lack of remorse for the torture of your own granddaughter. I am remanding you to custody immediately pending sentencing.”
The bailiff approached her. The clicks of the handcuffs sounded twice as loud as they had in her living room. She didn't look at me as they led her away.
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Marcus wasn't there. He had taken a plea deal the day before: he pled guilty to child endangerment and accessory to abuse. In exchange for a lighter sentence, he surrendered his parental rights completely. He would serve two years in a minimum-security facility, and he would never be allowed near Chloe again.
It was over. The nightmare was finally, truly over.
