Chapter 9 - The Verdict
The jury deliberated for exactly forty-two minutes.
When the court reconvened, the atmosphere inside the courtroom was electric. Marcus sat strapped to a security chair, a leather spit-mask over his face, his eyes wild and bloodshot.
“Has the jury reached a verdict?” Judge Reed asked.
“We have, Your Honor,” the jury foreperson stood up, holding a stack of papers.
“On Count One: Attempted First-Degree Murder—Guilty. On Count Two: Aggravated Kidnapping—Guilty. On Count Three: Torture and Unlawful Imprisonment—Guilty. On Count Four: Child Endangerment—Guilty. On Counts Five through Twelve: Financial Fraud and Grand Larceny—Guilty on all counts.”
A massive wave of cheers broke out in the gallery. Clara squeezed my hand tightly, tears of relief streaming down her cheeks. I closed my eyes and let out a long, quiet breath.
Judge Reed did not wait for a separate sentencing hearing. She revoked all privileges and ordered Marcus to stand.
“Marcus Vance,” Judge Reed said, her voice cutting through the room like shattered glass. “In my thirty years on the bench, I have rarely encountered a human being so entirely destitute of morality, mercy, or humanity. You treated your pregnant wife worse than a beast, using her agony for your own cruel entertainment while living in luxury.”
She leaned forward over her desk.
“I sentence you to Life in State Prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional sixty years for financial fraud and torture. You will spend the rest of your natural life in a six-by-eight concrete cell—a space much like the cage you put your wife in, except you will never leave it.”
May you like
Judge Reed slammed her gavel down.
Marcus was hauled away by guards, thrashing and screaming uselessly against his restraints, as he was dragged out into the dark shadows of the judicial holding cells forever.
