Chapter 18 - The Trial of Gary Vance
Three weeks later, the downtown federal courthouse was packed to capacity. The trial of Gary Vance—Sarah’s abusive and fraudulent ex-husband—was finally reaching its verdict.
Gary sat at the defense table, looking disheveled, hollowed out by the massive federal embezzlement charges and corporate fraud investigations that had systematically dismantled his life after the Morty legal team exposed his illegal accounts.
Judge Miller read the final federal audit report, his expression severe. "The defendant, Gary Vance, having been found guilty on all counts of grand larceny, corporate tax evasion, and judicial perjury, is hereby sentenced to twelve years in federal penitentiary with no parole eligibility."
Bang.
The gavel slammed down like a thunderclap.
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Gary buried his face in his hands, weeping openly as federal marshals stepped forward, snapping heavy steel cuffs around his wrists and leading him away through the side exit.
Sitting in the gallery, Sarah watched him go. She didn't feel triumph. She didn't feel anger. She simply felt a profound, weightless peace. The ghost of her past had finally been put to rest.
