Chapter 9 - The Trial of Elena Vance
Autumn painted the courthouse grounds in bronze and scarlet. Elena’s plea bargain was finalized: twenty years without possibility of early parole for premeditated attempted homicide.
When Thomas took the witness stand, the courtroom fell breathless. Asked for a victim impact statement, he did not demand the maximum life sentence.
May you like
"Elena violated sacred trust and endangered my life," Thomas testified steadily, meeting her gaze. "She deserves this sentence, and justice must be served. But I seek no vengeance. I hope that in the quiet of her punishment, she finds the repentance that saves her soul."
Elena bowed her head, tears falling unchecked onto the defense table. She mouthed two silent words: I'm sorry.
