Chapter 8 - The Shadow of the Gavel
The federal hammer fell three weeks later. The US Attorney’s office announced a formal indictment against me for corporate tax fraud and conspiracy to misappropriate funds.
Because of my total cooperation in the divorce and my lack of a prior criminal record, Robert Vance was able to negotiate a plea agreement. The firm of Reed & Parker agreed not to pursue criminal restitution in exchange for my complete forfeiture of all deferred compensation and partnership shares.
The day of my sentencing arrived on a bleak, freezing Tuesday in February. The courtroom was mostly empty, save for a few financial journalists and Robert Vance.
I stood before Judge Evelyn Alvarez, wearing a simple dark suit, stripped of my Rolex, my tailored shirts, and my arrogance.
"Mr. Reed," Judge Alvarez said, looking down from the bench. "You had achieved the pinnacle of American professional success. You were trusted by investors, respected by your peers, and blessed with a family. Yet, you chose to use your intelligence and your resources to construct a web of deception, driven by nothing but vanity and greed."
She adjusted her glasses. "However, the court notes that you have taken full responsibility for your actions. You did not drag your family through a protracted legal battle, and you have cooperated fully with the internal audit. Therefore, I am sentencing you to twenty-four months at the Federal Correctional Institution in Oxford, Wisconsin, followed by one year of supervised release."
Twenty-four months. Two years.
I closed my eyes, a deep shudder passing through my body. It was a prison sentence, but it was a lenient one given the severity of the original charges. I would be away from the world. I would miss the birth of my son. I would miss his first steps, his first words.
"Thank you, Your Honor," I whispered.
As the bailiff stepped forward to escort me out, I looked back at the gallery one last time. Sitting in the very back row, wearing a heavy winter coat, was Thomas Bennett.
He didn't wave, he didn't smile. He just gave me a firm, respectful nod. He had come to witness the final consequence of the life he had helped me manage.
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As I was led through the side door into the holding cell, the heavy iron lock clicking into place, I realized that my old life was officially dead. The senior partner, the powerful man of Chicago real estate, was gone.
Only Dominic remained. A man who finally had nothing left to lose, and everything left to learn.
