Chapter 8 - The Verdict of Fire
The jury deliberated for less than ninety minutes. The courtroom was so quiet you could hear the snow hitting the large glass windows outside.
"On all counts of conspiracy, wire fraud, and deprivation of civil rights under color of law, we find the defendants, Gail Merritt and Holt Merritt... Guilty."
Gail didn't scream this time. She sat down heavily in her chair, her face draining of all color, looking exactly as she had when the detective met her on the cruise ship gangway. Holt leaned his head against the defense table, weeping silently.
The judge didn't hold back during sentencing. "Your behavior is an affront to human decency. You used legal documents as a cloak to hide torture. You exploited a mother's love and a child's vulnerability for financial gain."
Gail was sentenced to life in a federal penitentiary without the possibility of parole. Holt received thirty-five years. Derek was sentenced to five years for criminal negligence and complicity.
As they were led out in chains, the sound of the metal clinking against the courtroom floor didn't scare me anymore. It sounded like justice. It sounded like the final door slamming shut on the nightmare.
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Wanda wrapped her arms around me as we stood up. "It's over, Rachel. They can never touch her again."
"Now we start living," I said, looking out at the snow-covered streets of Dayton.
