Chapter 7 - THE GAVEL FALLSThe jury deliberation lasted a mere forty-two minutes.
When the buzzer echoed through the courtroom, signaling a verdict had been reached, the tension in the room was so thick it felt tangible. The bailiff instructed everyone to rise as Judge Harrison re-entered, his expression grave and resolute.
"Has the jury reached a verdict?" Judge Harrison asked.
The foreperson, a stern-faced woman in her fifties, stood up holding a crisp manila envelope. "We have, Your Honor. On the count of Attempted First-Degree Murder with Premeditation against Samuel Sanders, we find the defendant Guilty."
A sharp gasp escaped Samuel’s lips as his knees buckled. He grabbed the edge of the defense table to steady himself, staring blankly ahead.
"On the joint count of Aggravated Battery, Torture, and Conspiracy against Joyce Sanders, we find the defendant Guilty," the foreperson continued without missing a beat. "And on all associated charges of financial fraud, asset usurpation, and domestic intimidation against both defendants, we find them both Guilty on all counts."
Judge Harrison nodded slowly, looking down at the fallen elites who had once believed they were untouchable.
"Samuel Sanders and Joyce Sanders," the judge’s voice boomed through the courtroom with absolute finality. "In light of the heinous, calculated nature of your crimes, the abuse of trust, and the clear intent to permanently maim and silence an innocent individual, I sentence you both to the maximum statutory penalty under the law. Samuel Sanders: twenty-five years to life without the possibility of parole. Joyce Sanders: twenty years to life. Take them away."
The heavy click of handcuffs echoed sharply as the bailiffs grabbed both of them. Joyce let out a shrill, hysterical shriek as she was dragged toward the side exit, cursing my name until the heavy wooden doors slammed shut behind her.
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Samuel didn't scream. As the bailiffs pulled him past the prosecution table, he slowly turned his head and looked at me one last time. His eyes weren't filled with anger anymore; they were hollow, drowning in the terrifying realization of what he had thrown away for greed and control.
I didn't blink. I didn't smile. I simply adjusted the lapel of my jacket, picked up my obsidian cane, and watched them disappear into the shadows.
