Chapter 7 - Ashes to Ashes
The jury deliberated for less than four hours.
When they filed back into the courtroom, the air was heavy, practically buzzing with electricity.
I sat with my hands folded in my lap.
Julian’s hand rested comfortingly on my shoulder, right beside my scars.
The judge asked the foreman if they had reached a verdict.
“We have, Your Honor.”
Adrian stood, his knees visibly shaking.
Lorraine stood beside him, her face a mask of pale fury.
“On the charge of Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Assault, we find the defendant, Lorraine Vance... Guilty.”
Lorraine swayed but didn't fall.
“We find the defendant, Adrian Vance... Guilty.”
Adrian let out a choked sob.
The foreman continued down the list.
Guilty of Extortion.
Guilty of Bribery of a Public Official.
Guilty of Fraud.
Every single charge.
The judge didn't wait. He moved straight to sentencing.
Because of the severity of the crimes and the lack of remorse, the judge showed no mercy.
“Lorraine Vance, I sentence you to twenty-five years in a federal penitentiary.”
Lorraine began to wail, a horrible, high-pitched sound.
“Adrian Vance, for your active role in this horrific assault and the orchestration of widespread municipal fraud, I sentence you to thirty years.”
“No!” Adrian screamed, struggling against the bailiffs who moved in to cuff him.
“Elena! Please! Tell them!”
He looked at me, his eyes wide with terror, begging for the mercy he had denied me when I was screaming on his kitchen floor.
I stood up slowly.
I didn't smile.
I didn't gloat.
I simply looked at him with nothing but absolute indifference.
“Enjoy your new life, Adrian,” I said softly, though the silence in the courtroom carried my voice.
“I know I will.”
I turned my back on them.
I walked down the aisle of the courtroom, my heels clicking against the hardwood floor.
I could hear the click of handcuffs behind me.
I could hear Lorraine cursing my name.
But as I pushed open the heavy wooden doors of the courtroom, the sounds faded away.
I stepped out into the bright afternoon sun.
The air smelled clean.
Mr. Hale was smiling.
Detective Miller gave me a respectful nod.
And Julian was waiting by the car, holding the door open for me.
May you like
The monsters were locked away in cages of their own making.
The fire was finally out.
