Chapter 13 - THE VERDICT
The jury deliberated for thirty-one hours.
Vanessa was convicted of aggravated assault, child endangerment, attempted theft, fraud, conspiracy, and evidence destruction.
She was acquitted of attempted murder.
The jury believed she intended violence but could not prove she intended death.
Patricia was convicted of conspiracy, fraud, identity theft, insurance fraud, obstruction, and solicitation connected to the planned elevator accident.
She was also convicted for her role in the attempted kidnapping of Anna and James.
Eric received fourteen years under his plea agreement.
Dr. Grey lost his medical license and received six years.
The elevator contractor received nine.
Vanessa received twenty-two years.
Before sentencing, she asked permission to address me.
The judge allowed it.
Vanessa stood.
Her face looked older.
“I told myself I was saving my son.”
“I told myself Rachel could afford to lose the money.”
“I told myself Daniel would fix the company.”
“I told myself Mom would protect me.”
She looked toward Oliver’s grandmother in the gallery.
“My son will grow up knowing what I did.”
“That is my punishment before prison even begins.”
I did not answer.
Her shame belonged to her.
I would not carry it.
Patricia received thirty-six years.
At sentencing, she showed no remorse.
She spoke about the company.
Her husband’s legacy.
The jobs she created.
The charitable events she funded.
The judge waited until she finished.
“Your achievements do not purchase permission to destroy your children.”
Patricia looked toward Daniel.
“I made him.”
The judge answered.
“You gave birth to him.”
“That is not the same as owning him.”
Daniel closed his eyes.
The sentence ended a lifetime of confusion.
As officers led Patricia away, she turned toward him.
“You will come back.”
“No,” Daniel said.
She stopped.
“You always come back.”
“Not this time.”
The doors closed behind her.
Outside the courthouse, reporters surrounded us.
Daniel gave no victory speech.
I did not raise my hands or smile.
Anna and James were waiting at home with our caregiver.
They were eighteen months old.
James had begun walking two weeks earlier.
Anna said the word light whenever the sun entered the kitchen.
That was where we wanted to be.
May you like
Not beneath courthouse cameras.
At home.
