Chapter 17 - The Verdict
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The jury deliberated for exactly forty-two minutes.
When the bailiff announced that a verdict had been reached, Clara sat in the gallery, holding Eleanor’s hand tightly. The courtroom was packed to capacity, the air thick with anticipation.
Gabriel Linwood was forced to stand and face the jury box. He looked like a hollow, broken shell of a man, his arrogant facade completely shattered by the overwhelming weight of his own monstrous actions.
The forewoman of the jury, a stern-looking older woman, stood up and handed the verdict form to the bailiff, who passed it to Judge Holloway.
The judge read the form in silence, her expression giving nothing away. She handed it back to the clerk.
“On the charge of Grand Larceny and Wire Fraud,” the clerk read loudly, “we find the defendant, Gabriel Linwood... Guilty.”
Gabriel closed his eyes, his shoulders slumping.
“On the charge of Reckless Endangerment of a Minor,” the clerk continued. “We find the defendant... Guilty.”
Clara squeezed Eleanor’s hand, her heart pounding a frantic rhythm against her ribs.
“And on the charge of Attempted Murder in the First Degree,” the clerk’s voice echoed through the silent courtroom. “We find the defendant, Gabriel Linwood... Guilty.”
A collective gasp of relief washed over the gallery. Clara buried her face in her hands, sobbing with pure, overwhelming gratitude. The nightmare was officially, legally over.
Judge Holloway slammed her gavel down, restoring order to the chaotic room.
“Mr. Linwood,” the judge said, her voice dripping with absolute contempt. “You are a disgrace to the concept of fatherhood and humanity. You will be remanded immediately to state custody to await sentencing. Given the severity of your crimes, I am denying any request for bail pending appeal. Bailiff, take him away.”
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Gabriel was handcuffed and dragged out of the courtroom. He didn't look back. He didn't look at Clara, and he certainly didn't look at the little girl who had bravely orchestrated his downfall.
He was finally gone forever.
