Chapter 8: The Verdict of Justice
Chapter 8: The Verdict of Justice
The jury deliberated for less than ninety minutes.
When they filed back into the courtroom, the air was thick with the weight of impending judgment. Eleanor stood up, her jaw clenched, still trying to project an aura of unbothered superiority. Audrey had to be assisted to her feet by her lawyer, her legs shaking uncontrollably.
"On the count of felony child endangerment, how do you find?" the judge asked.
"Guilty," the jury foreperson announced clearly.
"On the count of aggravated domestic battery..." "Guilty."
"On the count of identity theft and grand larceny..." "Guilty."
A soft, broken sob escaped Audrey’s lips as she collapsed into her chair. Eleanor didn't move, her eyes wide with a sudden, paralyzing realization that her wealth, her name, and her connections could not save her from a prison cell.
The judge, a formidable man with thirty years on the bench, looked down at the two women with absolute disgust.
"The behavior displayed by the defendants is not merely criminal; it is predatory and demonic," the judge declared, slamming his gavel down. "To abuse a young mother and a helpless newborn infant while the father is deployed overseas defending our nation is an act of supreme cowardice. Eleanor Bennett, you are sentenced to fifteen years at Logan Correctional Center. Audrey Bennett, for your role in the physical abuse and the financial theft, you are sentenced to twelve years. No parole."
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As the bailiffs stepped forward to lead them away in heavy chains, Audrey turned toward me, screaming, "Lucas! Please! I’m your sister! Don't let them take me! Please!"
I didn't blink. I didn't move a muscle. I simply watched them walk through the heavy metal door, knowing they would never threaten my family again.
