Chapter 34 - The Trial Begins
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Six months later, the federal trial of United States v. Julian Vance and Owen Sterling commenced in the Dirksen Federal Courthouse. The trial attracted national media attention, with major news networks setting up broadcast tents along the sidewalk outside.
I arrived on the fourth day of trial, scheduled as the prosecution’s star expert witness.
The courtroom was packed wall-to-wall with journalists, corporate executives, and curious onlookers. Owen sat at the defense table beside his court-appointed attorney, staring down at his hands, refusing to look up. Julian Vance sat two seats away, surrounded by a team of five elite defense lawyers who looked visibly exhausted.
"The government calls Ms. Clara Rowan to the stand," announced Federal Prosecutor Marcus Vance.
I walked down the center aisle with a smooth, unhurried stride. I wore a tailored navy trousersuit, my posture straight, my head held high. I took the oath, swore to tell the truth, and sat down in the wooden witness box.
Prosecutor Vance stepped forward, smiling warmly.
"Ms. Rowan, please state your full name and occupation for the record."
"Clara Rowan," I replied, my voice echoing clearly through the courtroom sound system.
"I am a certified public accountant and the principal owner of Rowan Forensic Consulting."
"Ms. Rowan," Prosecutor Vance continued, gesturing to a massive projection screen set up beside the jury box,
"did you conduct an independent financial audit of the corporate accounts belonging to Vance Global and its subsidiaries?"
"I did," I answered calmly.
"And what did that audit reveal?"
I looked directly at the twelve men and women sitting in the jury box.
"It revealed systematic, premeditated corporate fraud, money laundering, and municipal bribery exceeding one hundred and forty million dollars over a seven-year period."
A low murmur rippled through the gallery. Judge Miller rapped his gavel sharply on the bench.
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"Silence in the court," the judge warned.
I sat calmly in the witness box, ready to lay out every single piece of evidence until justice was served.
