Chapter 18 - THE FINAL APPEAL
Three weeks later the New York State Supreme Court heard the combined cases.
Murder.
Kidnapping.
Forgery.
Coercion.
Attempted murder of a child.
Isabella sat at the defense table in prison orange.
Frank sat beside her in chains.
The video of Eleanor played on the large screen.
The courtroom was silent when it ended.
Isabella’s lawyer tried to object.
The judge silenced him with a look.
Detective Miller testified about the warehouse.
About the empty hatch.
About the residual poison in Ethan’s blood.
Emma took the stand last.
She spoke clearly.
No emotion.
Only facts.
When she finished the prosecutor rested.
The jury deliberated for four hours.
Guilty on all counts.
The judge sentenced Isabella Vance to life without parole.
Frank Vance received the same.
As the bailiffs led them away Isabella turned one last time.
She looked at Emma.
Her voice was soft enough that only the front row heard.
May you like
“This isn’t over.”
Emma met her eyes and did not look away.
