Chapter 9 - THE FINAL VERDICT
The jury deliberated for less than three hours—a record time for a high-profile attempted murder trial.
When the court reconvened, the tension in the room was palpable. The judge asked the defendants to stand. My mother had to be supported by her attorney, her legs shaking uncontrollably. Tessa stood stiffly, though her lips were trembling.
"Will the foreperson please read the verdict?" Judge Reyes instructed.
The foreperson, a stern-looking man in his fifties, stood up and unfolded the paper.
"In the matter of State versus Tessa, on Count One, Attempted First-Degree Murder: Guilty. On Count Two, Reckless Endangerment of a Critical Patient: Guilty. On Count Three, Insurance Fraud: Guilty."
A collective gasp echoed through the courtroom. Tessa collapsed into her chair, bursting into frantic, ugly sobs.
"In the matter of State versus Eleanor," the foreperson continued, "on Count One, Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder: Guilty. On Count Two, Insurance Fraud and Forgery: Guilty. On Count Three, Felony Child Neglect and Endangerment: Guilty."
My mother shrieked, clutching her lawyer's sleeve, weeping hysterically, begging the judge for mercy, blaming Tessa, blaming the police, blaming everyone but herself.
Judge Reyes showed no leniency. "The actions of both defendants represent the pinnacle of human cruelty and moral bankruptcy. Taking advantage of a vulnerable family member for financial greed is an offense against basic humanity."
The sentences were handed down immediately: Tessa was sentenced to thirty-five years in state prison without the possibility of parole. Eleanor was sentenced to twenty-five years.
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As the bailiffs clamped heavy metal handcuffs around their wrists and led them away to serve their time, Tessa turned back one last time. Her eyes caught mine, filled with defeat and desperation.
I didn't smile. I didn't gloat. I simply turned my back on them and walked out into the sunlight.
