Chapter 14 - The Final VerdictThe jury deliberated for less than two hours.
When they returned to the courtroom at 4:00 PM on a Thursday afternoon, the atmosphere was electric with tension. Judge Henderson took his seat and looked down at the jury foreman.
“Has the jury reached a unanimous verdict?” Judge Henderson asked.
“We have, Your Honor,” the foreman replied, standing up.
He read the verdicts one by one:
On Count 1: Felony Domestic Battery on a Pregnant Person — GUILTY.
On Count 2: Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon — GUILTY.
On Count 3: Witness Intimidation and Attempted Extortion — GUILTY.
Ryan collapsed into his chair, covering his face with his hands as heavy, gasping sobs broke from his chest.
The foreman turned to Patricia’s charges:
On Count 4: Accessory to Felony Assault — GUILTY.
On Count 5: Filing a False Police Report — GUILTY.
On Count 6: Conspiracy to Commit Real Estate Fraud — GUILTY.
Patricia’s mouth opened in a silent scream, but no sound came out. She clutched her pearl-less neck, slumping sideways against her attorney.
Judge Henderson did not hold back during sentencing two weeks later.
“Mr. Cole, your actions were not merely criminal; they were an act of horrific cruelty against a defenseless pregnant woman inside her own home,” Judge Henderson declared. “I sentence you to twelve years in the State Penitentiary without the possibility of parole for eight years.”
He then turned his gaze upon Patricia.
“Mrs. Cole, as a mother, your duty was to restrain violence and uphold human decency. Instead, you encouraged it, mocked the victim, and attempted to orchestrate a cover-up. I sentence you to six years in state prison.”
As the bailiffs clamped heavy iron shackles onto their wrists and ankles, leading them out through the side doors toward the transit van, Ryan turned back toward me one last time.
“Claire... please,” he wept, his voice cracking. “Let me see my daughter... just once...”
May you like
I looked at him with complete detachment.
“Her name is Maya,” I said softly. “And she will never know your face.”
