Chapter 18 - The Aftermath
The trial of Arthur Vance was the biggest media spectacle of the decade.
He was charged with attempted murder, domestic terrorism, and assault with a deadly weapon.
Despite his expensive lawyers, the evidence was absolutely overwhelming.
The jury deliberated for less than three hours before delivering a guilty verdict.
The judge sentenced Arthur to three consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole.
He showed absolutely no remorse as the sentence was read.
Marcus and I sat in the courtroom, holding hands tightly.
When the bailiff led Arthur away in shackles, a massive weight lifted off our shoulders.
We could finally breathe again.
The nightmare that started on Christmas morning was officially over.
But the scars left behind would take much longer to fade.
We had lost a father, a grandfather, and our sense of security in the world.
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But we had survived.
And we had protected the most precious thing in our lives.
