Chapter 14 - The Verdict
Elaine was convicted on almost every major count.
Attempted murder.
Conspiracy.
Fraud.
Forgery.
Administering a controlled substance.
Evidence tampering.
Criminal conduct connected to Daniel's death.
The jury did not convict her of intentional murder for Daniel.
The evidence supported reckless homicide and conspiracy.
Accuracy mattered.
Mark received a reduced sentence for cooperation.
Miriam lost her license and went to prison for fraud and obstruction.
Elaine was sentenced to twenty-four years.
At sentencing, she asked to speak.
She looked at Evan.
"I loved you."
He stared at the table.
Elaine continued.
"I thought Sarah was taking you from Rebecca."
I almost laughed.
But I did not.
The judge interrupted.
"Love is not a defense to coercion."
Elaine began crying.
Then she looked at me.
"You got everything."
I answered before my lawyer could stop me.
"No."
"Daniel is dead."
"Rebecca is dead."
"Evan is in treatment."
"My leg will hurt for the rest of my life."
"You turned a cabin into a graveyard of people who are still breathing."
The judge asked me to sit.
I did.
Afterward, reporters asked if I felt justice had been done.
"I think the truth was recorded correctly."
That was enough.
The cabin trust was restored.
Evan became sole future beneficiary.
I retained my life interest.
Then I made a decision.
I transferred my life interest into a neutral trust.
Neither Evan nor I could sell the cabin alone.
A professional trustee controlled it until Evan turned twenty-five.
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No one would ever again use that property to force loyalty.
