Chapter 12 - THE TRIAL OF RICHARD LANGLEY

Richard’s trial began sixteen months later.

He entered the courtroom wearing a dark gray suit.

He looked like an attorney arriving to represent someone more important.

The prosecution called Matthew first.

He admitted every transfer.

Every false report.

Every payment.

Richard’s attorney attacked his credibility.

“You are a thief.”

“Yes.”

“You betrayed Gabriel Mercer.”

“Yes.”

“You are testifying to reduce your sentence.”

“Yes.”

The admissions removed the performance.

Matthew’s testimony matched bank records.

Dr. Shaw testified next.

He admitted secretly medicating Thomas and Gabriel.

He admitted preparing false incapacity reports.

The prosecutor asked:

“Why?”

Dr. Shaw answered:

“Money.”

Then the greenhouse footage played.

Evelyn refusing the offer.

Richard striking her.

The security call.

The order to use the coastal road.

Iris sat beside Owen.

She did not look away.

Richard’s attorney called Evelyn a disgruntled employee who stole private records.

Iris took the stand.

“My mother copied evidence of crimes.”

“She did not sell it.”

“She did not ask for personal payment.”

“She tried to report it.”

The attorney asked:

“Was your mother loyal to the Mercer family?”

Iris looked toward the jury.

“She was loyal to people whose money and safety were being stolen.”

“That mattered more.”

Richard testified.

He called the transfers temporary loans.

He called Evelyn’s death an accident during a security intervention.

He blamed Camille for the assault.

He blamed Matthew for the money.

Then prosecutors displayed his message sent after the crash.

Evelyn resolved.

Daughter retained on estate.

Medical leverage remains useful.

Richard had kept Iris and Owen near Mercer House to monitor what Evelyn might have told them.

Housing had been surveillance.

Medical insurance had been control.

The jury convicted Richard of murder, racketeering, fraud, theft, and kidnapping conspiracy.

He received life imprisonment.

As officers approached, he looked toward Camille.

“You ruined everything.”

Camille stared back.

“No.”

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“You taught me to betray the person who became less useful.”

For the first time, Richard looked afraid of the daughter he created.