Chapter 17 - The Final Sentencing
Six months after that fateful morning at the Galleria Mall, the criminal trial concluded at the Harris County Criminal Courts Building.
Evelyn Vance sat at the defense table wearing a gray prison jumpsuit, her once-immaculate hair now completely white and unstyled.
David sat beside her, looking frail and hollowed-out, having lost thirty pounds during his months in county custody.
The judge, a formidable woman with thirty years of legal experience, delivered her final sentencing address with stern authority.
"Evelyn Vance, you operated a cold, calculated criminal enterprise targeted directly at your own family members," the judge declared.
"Your greed, arrogance, and total lack of moral conscience are truly appalling."
"I sentence you to eighteen years in the Texas Department of Criminal Corrections without possibility of early parole."
Evelyn collapsed onto the table, sobbing hysterically as the bailiffs stepped forward to take her into custody.
"David Vance, for your role in forging documents and betraying your wife and child, you are sentenced to nine years in state prison."
May you like
David buried his face in his hands, weeping silently as the heavy steel handcuffs clicked around his wrists once again.
I stood up from the gallery bench, smoothed my coat, and walked out of the courtroom into the bright Texas sunshine without looking back.
