Chapter 14 - The VerdictThe jury deliberated for less than three hours.
When they returned to the courtroom, the silence was suffocating. Scott stood at his table, shaking visibly, his eyes wide with sheer terror.
"On Count One: Grand Larceny and Embezzlement," the jury foreman announced in a clear, firm voice, "we find the defendant, Scott Carter, guilty."
"On Count Two: Corporate Forgery and Wire Fraud... guilty."
"On Count Three: Conspiracy to Defraud... guilty."
The foreman turned his gaze toward Richard Vance.
"On all counts of Criminal Conflict of Interest, Wire Fraud, and Conspiracy... we find the defendant, Richard Vance, guilty."
Scott collapsed back into his chair, covering his face as a choked sob escaped his throat. Beside him, Richard Vance stared blankly at the mahogany table, knowing his legal career was permanently dead and his freedom was gone.
The judge slammed her gavel down with an echoing CRACK.
"Sentencing will take place in thirty days," the judge declared sternly, looking down from the bench at Scott and Richard. "Given the sheer magnitude of the financial fraud, the premeditated nature of the crimes, and the callous endangerment of an infant child, this court will not entertain bail. Defendants will be remanded into state custody immediately."
Two bailiffs stepped forward, pulling Scott’s arms behind his back and snapping heavy steel handcuffs around his wrists.
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As they led him away toward the holding cells, Scott turned his head toward the gallery, tears streaming down his pale cheeks. "Diane! Mom! Please! I'm sorry! Please help me!"
Evelyn didn't move. She didn't flinch. She sat beside me, her head held high, watching her son pay the price for his greed without a single tear in her eyes.
