Chapter 14 - The Verdict and Retribution
The jury deliberated for less than twenty-eight minutes—the fastest unanimous verdict in the history of Dallas County capital proceedings.
When the jury foreperson stood to read the verdict forms, the silence in the courtroom was so absolute that the hum of the air conditioning sounded like a jet engine.
"On the count of attempted capital murder of a child under ten years of age, we find the defendant, Marcus Vance, guilty," the foreperson read with unwavering clarity.
"On the count of conspiracy to commit capital murder for financial remuneration, we find the defendant, Marcus Vance, guilty."
"On the count of attempted capital murder of a child under ten years of age, we find the defendant, Beatrice Vance, guilty."
"On all additional counts of aggravated child endangerment, grand larceny, and mortgage fraud, we find both defendants guilty as charged."
Judge Amanda Ramirez adjusted her spectacles, looking down at the convicted felons with the cold, unyielding weight of absolute justice.
"Marcus Vance and Beatrice Vance, you have displayed a degree of moral depravity and cruelty that shocks the conscience of civilized humanity," Judge Ramirez declared.
"You weaponized the innocent breath of your own flesh and blood for paper and prestige."
"This court sentences Marcus Vance to life imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice without the possibility of parole."
"This court sentences Beatrice Vance to life imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice without the possibility of parole."
"Furthermore, under the Texas Civil Asset Forfeiture Act, every asset registered to Apex Meridian Holdings, including the Preston Hollow mansion, is seized and transferred into the sole ownership of Olivia Sterling Vance."
BANG!
The crack of the heavy wooden gavel echoed like the closing of a tomb.
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Beatrice collapsed onto the defense table in hysterical wails as armed bailiffs hauled her and Marcus toward the subterranean prisoner transport tunnel.
Justice had arrived, final, absolute, and merciless.
