Chapter 8 - The Law Closes In
The trial of Derek Callahan and Sloane Avery became the biggest scandal Richmond had seen in a decade.
Every day, the papers were filled with details of Derek’s abuse, his massive financial fraud, and the spectacular collapse of his fake empire. The media, which had once praised him as a self-made prodigy, now painted him as the ultimate cautionary tale of greed and hubris.
I sat in the courtroom on the final day of the trial.
Derek sat at the defense table, looking twenty years older. His hair was messy, his skin sallow, and his expensive suits now hung loosely off his frame. Sloane sat on the opposite side of the table, refusing to look at him.
The judge slammed her gavel.
"For the charges of grand larceny, wire fraud, and tax evasion, I sentence you, Derek Callahan, to twelve years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release."
A gasp went through the courtroom.
"And for the charge of domestic assault, you are sentenced to an additional three years, to be served consecutively."
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Derek looked as if he had been struck by lightning. He looked back at me, his eyes begging for some shred of mercy, but I only looked at him with a calm, quiet strength.
Sloane was sentenced to six years for her role in the financial crimes. As she was led away in handcuffs, she wept openly, her dreams of luxury completely ruined.
