Chapter 16 - The Verdict at Noon
Three months after the night on the frozen patio, the Federal District Court in Denver delivered the final reckoning.
The courtroom was packed to capacity with financial press, legal observers, and national reporters. I sat in the front row beside my father, wearing a tailored navy coat over my nine-month pregnant frame.
At the defense table, Diego Castillo looked like a ghost of the man I had married. His tailored suits were replaced by an ill-fitting navy prison jumpsuit, his posture slumped, his wrists bound by heavy steel shackles. Beside him, Brenna sat in stony, bitter silence, refusing to make eye contact with anyone.
Judge Miriam Vance—no relation to Evelyn, but known as one of the firmest federal judges in the district—adjusted her reading glasses and picked up the jury's verdict forms.
"Diego Castillo," Judge Vance read aloud, her voice ringing off the mahogany walls. "On Count One, Attempted Premeditated Murder, the jury finds you guilty. On Count Two, Aggravated Assault on a Pregnant Person, guilty. On Counts Three through Twelve, Corporate Wire Fraud and Grand Larceny, guilty."
A collective gasp swept through the gallery. Diego’s knees gave out, and he slammed heavily into his chair, dropping his head into his shackled hands as quiet, ragged sobs shook his shoulders.
"You are hereby sentenced to thirty-five years at the Federal Correctional Complex in Florence, without the possibility of early parole," Judge Vance announced, bringing her heavy wooden gavel down with a sharp, final CRACK.
Brenna was sentenced immediately after to twenty-two years for her role as co-conspirator and mastermind of the financial fraud.
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As the federal marshals pulled Diego toward the holding cell doors, he turned back toward the gallery one last time. His red, tear-streaked eyes met mine.
I didn't glare. I didn't mock him. I simply sat straight, one hand resting protectively over my baby, watching him disappear behind the heavy iron door that slammed shut forever.
