CHAPTER 7: THE VERDICT
The trial lasted three weeks. Every lie was laid bare. Every piece of evidence was shown. After four hours of deliberation, the jury returned: guilty on all counts.
When the judge read the sentence—five years for Eleanor, two years plus mandatory counseling for Audrey—Eleanor looked across the courtroom at me. “I did it because I wanted what was best for you.”
“Love doesn’t lock people away,” I said quietly. “Love doesn’t hurt the helpless. Love doesn’t think it knows better than the people it claims to care about.”
As they were led out, Audrey glanced at me one last time. The arrogance was gone. Only regret remained.
---
