Chapter 7 - The Trial of Victor Vale
Six months later.
The high-security federal court in Manhattan was quiet as the jury returned to deliver its verdict in the trial of United States v. Victor Vale.
Victor sat at the defense table, wearing an orange jumpsuit, his hair thin and unkempt, his face haggard. Beside him sat Dr. Kell and former Judge Arthur Bennett, both wearing matching prison scrubs.
I sat in the front row of the gallery beside Adrian, holding his hand tightly beneath a dark wool blanket.
"Has the jury reached a verdict?" the presiding federal judge asked.
The forewoman stood up, holding a stack of papers. "We have, Your Honor."
"On count one, first-degree murder in the death of Elena Vale?"
"Guilty."
"On count two, first-degree murder in the death of Maya Vale?"
"Guilty."
"On count three, systematic attempted murder via chemical poisoning of Adrian Vale?"
"Guilty."
A quiet, collective sigh of relief passed through the courtroom.
Victor slumped forward in his chair, his face buried in his bound hands, weeping silently as the judge slammed his heavy mallet down.
"Victor Vale," the judge intoned, his voice cold and devoid of mercy. "For your monstrous crimes against your own family, you are hereby sentenced to two consecutive terms of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, to be served at ADX Florence."
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As the federal marshals pulled Victor out through the side doors, Victor looked back one last time at Adrian.
Adrian didn't look away this time. He didn't show hatred, anger, or triumph. He simply met his brother's eyes with a calm, unshakeable finality—a man who had faced the darkest night and walked out into the morning sun.
