Chapter 8 - The Verdict
The jury deliberated for less than four hours.
When the foreperson stood to read the verdict, the courtroom was so quiet you could hear the ticking of the wall clock.
"On the count of aggravated domestic battery, we find the defendant, Daniel Vance, guilty." "On the count of grand larceny and corporate embezzlement, we find the defendant, Daniel Vance, guilty." "On the count of conspiracy to commit financial fraud and tax evasion, we find the defendant, Vivian Vance, guilty."
Vivian gasped, collapsing back into her chair as her attorneys tried to comfort her. Daniel didn't move. He looked like a hollow shell.
The judge didn't show them an ounce of leniency. "The conduct displayed by both defendants represents the absolute worst of human greed and cruelty. To use physical violence to extort property, and to abuse corporate systems to steal millions, warrants the maximum penalty."
Daniel was sentenced to twelve years in a federal penitentiary with no possibility of parole. Vivian, due to her age and lack of prior physical violence, was sentenced to six years. Their beloved Aegis Holdings was ordered to be liquidated to pay back taxes, fines, and restitution.
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As they were led away in handcuffs, Daniel looked back at me one last time. There was no anger left in his eyes—only a profound, terrifying realization of what he had done.
I didn't smile. I didn't cry. I simply turned my back on him and walked out into the sunlight.
