Chapter 8: The Verdict
The trial was brief and brutal. The evidence was overwhelming. The text messages from Marissa, the forensic financial ledgers Marcus Vance had uncovered, the recorded attempted bribe from the prison cell, and the haunting, undeniable photographs of Audrey’s chemical burns painted a picture of absolute, sociopathic evil.
Audrey did not have to testify. The prosecutor stated that putting her on the stand was unnecessary given the mountain of irrefutable evidence.
On a rainy Tuesday in late autumn, the jury returned their verdict after only three hours of deliberation.
Guilty on all counts.
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The judge, looking down at Victoria with profound disgust, did not show mercy. He sentenced her to thirty-five years in federal prison without the possibility of parole.
When the gavel fell, I felt a massive, invisible weight lift off my chest. I walked out of the courthouse, the flashing cameras of the press lighting up the rainy street. I didn't stop to give a statement. I got into my waiting car and told the driver to head to the hospital.
