Chapter 13 - Sentenced to Silence
The jury deliberated for less than two hours.
When they returned to the courtroom, the foreman stood tall and read the verdict:
"On count one, Racketeering and Fraud: Guilty. On count two, Child Endangerment and Abuse: Guilty. On count three, Wire Fraud and Larceny: Guilty. On count four, Filing a False Police Report: Guilty."
Candice collapsed back into her chair, burying her face in her hands, weeping hysterically. Her mother Evelyn and sister Rita received similar guilty verdicts across all major counts.
Judge Thomas adjusted his glasses and looked down at the defendants with cold authority.
"Candice Lawson," Judge Thomas spoke, his voice echoing through the silent courtroom. "In my thirty years on the bench, I have rarely encountered a pattern of conduct as calculating, heartless, and predatory as yours. You targeted grieving hearts, exploited vulnerable children, and weaponized the legal system for personal gain."
He slammed his gavel down.
"I sentence you to twenty-eight years in the Marysville Correctional Institution without the possibility of parole for the first fifteen years. Evelyn Vance, you are sentenced to eighteen years. Rita Vance, twelve years."
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As the bailiffs stepped forward to lead the weeping women away in chains, Candice looked back one last time at Gabriel.
Gabriel didn't gloat. He didn't yell. He simply stood beside his son, his arm wrapped firmly around Lucas’s shoulders, as the doors of justice closed behind her forever.
