Chapter 7 - The Master Stroke
The criminal trial of State v. Grant, Elaine, and Dennis Montgomery lasted precisely four days.
With the mountain of digital evidence, the live-stream recordings, and the financial audit logs proving decades of fraud and conspiracy, the defense had no ground to stand on.
On the final day, the courtroom was silent as the jury returned with the verdict.
Grant stood at the defense table, looking hollowed out. Elaine was shivering uncontrollable, while Dennis sat motionless, staring blankly at the floor.
“On count one, aggravated felony assault and torture: guilty.” “On count two, unlawful imprisonment: guilty.” “On count three, corporate fraud and racketeering: guilty.” “On count four, conspiracy to commit grand larceny: guilty.”
The clerk read through all forty-eight counts. Guilty across the board for all three defendants.
Judge Vance did not hold back during sentencing.
“The level of cruelty, calculation, and utter lack of human empathy displayed by the defendants is among the worst this court has ever seen,” Judge Vance declared, her voice echoing in the silent room.
“Grant Montgomery, you are sentenced to forty-five years in state penitentiary without the possibility of parole for twenty-five years.”
Grant collapsed into his chair, sobbing loudly.
“Dennis Montgomery, for your role in orchestrating this conspiracy and decades of financial fraud, you are sentenced to thirty years.”
“Elaine Montgomery, for aiding, abetting, and actively participating in torture, you are sentenced to fifteen years.”
As the guards moved in to lead them away in heavy chains, I stood up from my seat in the front gallery.
Grant caught my eye one last time. “Clara... please... you won... you took everything from us...”
I walked slowly down the center aisle, stopping right in front of the defense gate. I leaned in close so only the three of them could hear me.
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“You didn't just lose your freedom, Grant,” I whispered softly. “You fulfilled my grandmother’s plan.”
Grant’s eyes widened in confusion. “What... what are you talking about?”
