Chapter 13 - THE TRIAL OF THE BLACKWOODS
Victor and Conrad were tried together.
The government charged them with murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, medical torture, financial fraud, conspiracy, and obstruction.
Conrad entered court in a wheelchair.
He looked fragile.
The prosecutor displayed photographs of the underground rooms.
Age did not make them less real.
Victor’s defense claimed he acted under lifelong control by Conrad.
His attorneys described an abusive childhood.
They said Conrad trained him to obey family interests above morality.
The prosecutor did not dispute the abuse.
Then she showed Victor entering Amelia’s room with a syringe.
“Being controlled may explain how he learned cruelty.”
“It does not excuse seven years of choosing it.”
Grace Holloway’s sister testified.
Sarah Lin testified.
Nora testified.
Dr. Hayes explained the poison.
Marcus described the rescue.
Board members described hidden payments.
Amelia testified behind a protective screen.
She spoke for two days.
She described waking after the fire.
Victor telling her Ethan and Lily were dead.
Conrad demanding signatures.
The dark rooms.
The injections.
The window overlooking the lighthouse.
“Why did you refuse to sign?” the prosecutor asked.
“Because the papers listed my daughter as deceased.”
“Signing would have made their lie part of the company record.”
Ethan testified next.
Conrad’s attorney asked whether grief had affected his judgment.
“Yes.”
“Did you become isolated?”
“Yes.”
“Could you have mistaken Lily’s resemblance for proof?”
“I did not rely on resemblance.”
“I relied on DNA, hospital records, a hidden live feed, a confession, and the men sitting at that table.”
Lily did not testify in person.
Her interview about the poisoned tea and dark room was played.
The courtroom heard her scream.
DADDY, DON’T DRINK THE TEA.
Victor closed his eyes.
Conrad did not react.
The jury deliberated for six days.
They convicted both men on every major count.
Victor looked toward Amelia.
May you like
Conrad looked toward the company attorneys.
Even at the end, each man revealed what he valued most.
