Chapter 9 - The VerdictThe jury deliberations in the criminal trial of Marcus and Evelyn Vance lasted less than five hours.
On a rainy Tuesday in April, the courtroom reconvened to hear the verdict. Clara sat beside Detective Lin in the gallery, holding herself completely still.
"On the first count of aggravated domestic assault with severe bodily harm: Guilty," the jury foreman announced.
"On the second count of false imprisonment: Guilty."
"On the third count of witness intimidation: Guilty."
"On the fourth count of fraudulent financial conversion: Guilty."
Evelyn Vance was found guilty on two counts of conspiracy and reckless endangerment, carrying mandatory prison sentences.
When the judge revoked Marcus’s bail entirely pending formal sentencing—which carried a minimum guideline of fifteen years without parole—Marcus finally broke his composure. He stood up abruptly, shouting at his attorneys, claiming a mistrial, demanding to speak.
"Remove the defendant," the judge commanded sharply.
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Two bailiffs seized Marcus, pinning his arms and walking him through the side door leading to the holding cells. For a fleeting moment, Marcus caught Clara’s eye through the glass partition.
There was no fear left in Clara. She felt no vindictive joy, no triumphant rush of vengeance. She felt only the profound, silent peace of justice accomplished. She turned her back on the doorway before the lock even clicked shut.
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