Chapter 8 - Justice DeliveredThe jury deliberated for less than ninety minutes—one of the fastest verdicts in the county’s judicial history.
When the court reconvened, Judge Harold Thomas stood at the bench, holding the official verdict sheets.
“On count one, Attempted Premeditated Murder in the First Degree,” Judge Thomas read aloud, his voice thunderous. “We find the defendant, Derek Vance, GUILTY.”
A wave of emotional murmurs swept through the gallery.
“On count two, Aggravated Domestic Torture and Felony Child Endangerment, we find the defendant, Derek Vance, GUILTY.”
Derek collapsed forward, slamming his head onto the defense table, sobbing hysterically as the guilty verdicts kept coming—grand larceny, corporate fraud, conspiracy, and insurance fraud.
“On count one, Conspiracy to Commit Premeditated Murder,” Judge Thomas continued, glaring down at Beatrice. “We find the defendant, Beatrice Vance, GUILTY.”
Beatrice let out a sharp, choked gasp, slumping sideways into her attorney’s arms.
“On count one, Corporate Conspiracy to Commit Murder for Financial Gain,” Judge Thomas read, looking at Chloe Montgomery. “We find the defendant, Chloe Montgomery, GUILTY.”
Three weeks later, during the formal sentencing hearing, Judge Thomas showed zero mercy.
“Derek Vance,” Judge Thomas declared, slamming his gavel down with resounding force. “Your actions represent the apex of human cruelty, greed, and cowardice. I sentence you to Life Imprisonment without the possibility of parole, to be served at Pontiac Correctional Center.”
“Beatrice Vance, you are sentenced to forty years in state prison without the possibility of early release.”
“Chloe Montgomery, you are sentenced to twenty-five years in federal prison.”
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As the bailiffs chained Derek to lead him away to his permanent cell, he turned back toward the gallery one last time, tears streaming down his gaunt face, mouthing: “Hannah... please forgive me...”
I didn't utter a single word. I simply stood up, adjusted my coat, and walked out of the courtroom into the bright afternoon sunlight without looking back once.
