Chapter 17 - The Verdict
It took the jury less than three hours to deliberate.
I stood in the gallery, holding Eleanor's hand, as the foreman read the verdict.
"On the charge of Felony Assault in the second degree against Arthur Vance... we find the defendant Guilty."
Arthur collapsed into his chair, burying his face in his hands.
"On the charge of Felony Child Endangerment and Conspiracy against Beatrice Vance... we find the defendant Guilty."
Beatrice let out a piercing wail, turning to look at David, who was sitting two rows back. David couldn't even look at his mother. He stared at the floor, a broken, ruined man.
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The judge didn't hold back during sentencing. He berated them for utilizing their wealth and privilege to abuse the most vulnerable member of their own family. Arthur was sentenced to three years in state prison. Beatrice, for orchestrating the abuse of a child, received five years.
As the bailiffs clamped handcuffs on the in-laws who had made my life a living hell, I felt a massive, crushing weight lift off my chest. Justice wasn't just served; it was delivered on a silver platter.
