Chapter 8 - The Trial
The trial began six months later.
Victoria had hired the best lawyers.
Evan had tried to plea bargain, but the state refused.
They wanted a full trial.
They wanted to make an example of the Bellacourt family.
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Claire testified.
She recounted everything.
The locked bathroom.
The pain.
The fear.
She showed the jury the evidence she had collected.
They were silent.
They were horrified.
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Victoria's lawyer tried to cross-examine her.
"Miss Mason, you're saying you were unaware of your husband's activities?"
"I'm saying I was unaware until I discovered the documents."
"And then you confronted him?"
"Yes."
"Why didn't you report him immediately?"
"Because I was pregnant. Because I was scared."
"Scared of what?"
May you like
"Scared of what he might do. He was willing to let me die in that bathroom."
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