Chapter 22 - The Verdict
After less than forty-five minutes of deliberation, the jury returned to the courtroom with a unanimous verdict.
The court clerk stood up, reading from the official paper with a loud, ringing voice that filled the silent room.
"On count one, felony child injury: Guilty. On count two, attempted second-degree murder: Guilty."
"On count three, distribution of controlled substances to a minor: Guilty."
Evelyn collapsed onto the defense table, letting out a wild, screeching howl like a wounded animal being dragged into darkness.
The judge slammed his heavy wooden gavel down three times, his face stern and unforgiving.
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"Evelyn Vance, you are sentenced to forty-five years in the Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women without parole."
As bailiffs dragged the screaming woman out through the rear door, Claire took a deep, peaceful breath of air.
