Chapter 12 - The Verdict
It took the jury less than four hours.
Claire wasn't in the courtroom when the verdict was read. She was back at the foundation, helping a young mother fill out a restraining order.
Richard called her just after lunch.
"Guilty," he said. The relief in his voice was palpable. "Guilty on all twenty-two charges. The judge denied bail pending sentencing."
Claire looked out the window of her office. It was raining gently, washing the city streets clean.
"What's the maximum sentence?" she asked softly.
"With federal guidelines? He's looking at twenty-five years without the possibility of early parole."
"Thank you, Richard."
May you like
Claire hung up the phone. She didn't cheer. She didn't pop champagne.
She just took a deep, steady breath, savoring the absolute lightness in her chest. For the first time in her adult life, she didn't have to look over her shoulder.
