Chapter 15 - The Final Fall of the AccomplicesArthur Vance stumbled down from the witness stand, his face drained of all color, while two federal marshals stepped forward to block his exit from the courtroom. The judge didn't even wait for closing arguments from Vanessa's defense team.
"This court will not tolerate perjury, witness tampering, or pathetic attempts to manipulate judicial proceedings," Judge Thomas said, his voice dripping with ice.
He turned his gaze toward Vanessa, who was now trembling violently in her orange jumpsuit, realizing she had been completely abandoned by the men who had used her.
"Vanessa Cole, for the crimes of aggravated assault resulting in severe bodily injury, attempted manslaughter of an unborn child, and first-degree premeditated arson, this court sentences you to fourteen years in state prison with no possibility of parole."
The gavel came down one final time.
Thud.
Vanessa burst into gut-wrenching sobs, burying her face in her cuffed hands as the bailiffs grabbed her shoulders and hauled her away through the side doors. Arthur Vance was detained on the spot for questioning regarding perjury and corporate fraud.
As the courtroom slowly emptied, Maya let out a long, shuddering breath, slumping back into her seat.
"Remind me never to get on your bad side, Em," Maya whispered, a breathless, triumphant laugh escaping her lips.
"I didn't do anything," I replied softly, sliding my phone back into my bag. "I just let them trip over their own lies."
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We walked out of the courthouse together into the bright afternoon sun. The media swarm rushed toward us, microphones thrusting forward, flashbulbs blinding us.
I didn't hide. I looked directly into the camera lenses, smiled a quiet, radiant smile, and got into the car with my sister to go home to my daughter.
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