Chapter 12
After three tense hours of deliberation, the courtroom buzzer rang out, signaling that a verdict had finally been reached. The jury foreman stood up, holding a stiff manila envelope containing the official verdict sheets for each charge.
Judge Harrison took the papers, scanning them silently before looking directly at the defense table. "On count one through twelve, conspiracy, financial fraud, and unlawful imprisonment, how does the jury find the defendant?" the judge asked.
"Guilty on all counts, Your Honor," the foreman stated clearly and resonantly across the courtroom. Gasping echoes rippled through the gallery as Eleanor’s face hardened into a mask of pure, unadulterated hatred.
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"On count thirteen through twenty-four, child endangerment, administration of illicit substances, and torture, how does the jury find?" "Guilty on all counts, Your Honor," the foreman repeated without hesitation.
Eleanor Vance stood up abruptly, pointing an accusing finger at the jury box before federal marshals forced her back down.
