Chapter 14 - THE VERDICT
The jury deliberated for nineteen hours.
Ava waited at Rebecca’s home.
She did not want to sit inside the courthouse while strangers studied her reactions.
Ethan respected the choice.
Lena stayed with her.
They baked bread badly.
Rebecca burned the first loaf.
Ava laughed for almost a full minute.
The sound surprised everyone.
Healing sometimes arrived without permission.
Detective Collins called shortly after four in the afternoon.
Margaret was guilty of first-degree murder in Richard’s death.
Guilty of attempted murder in Ava’s crash.
Guilty of kidnapping.
Guilty of medical fraud.
Guilty of financial conspiracy.
Guilty of unlawful imprisonment.
Guilty of evidence tampering.
Guilty of assault.
Victor and Mercer received long prison sentences under their agreements.
Nathan Cole received a reduced sentence for conspiracy and obstruction.
Judge Calloway was convicted separately for bribery.
Several hospital executives lost their licenses and positions.
At sentencing, Margaret turned toward Ethan.
“You cannot let them take me.”
He remained seated.
“I am your mother.”
Ethan looked at Ava.
Then back at Margaret.
“You taught me that family means protecting the person causing harm.”
“You were wrong.”
Margaret’s face twisted.
“She will leave you.”
“That is her right.”
“She will take the companies.”
“They were never yours.”
“I made you.”
“No.”
Ethan’s voice remained quiet.
“You controlled me.”
“That is not the same thing.”
The judge sentenced Margaret to life without parole.
Before deputies led her away, she called Ethan’s name again.
He did not move.
The courtroom doors closed.
Outside, reporters asked Ava whether she forgave Margaret.
Ava answered:
“Forgiveness is not a public performance.”
Another reporter asked whether she blamed Ethan.
Ava considered the question.
“I blame him for the times he chose comfort over listening.”
“I also recognize what he did after he understood.”
“Both are true.”
Ethan heard the statement from several feet away.
May you like
He did not ask her to soften it.
That was one of the first signs he was changing.
