Chapter 7 - The Verdict
The jury deliberated for less than two hours. A record speed for a case of this magnitude.
"On the count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon—the granite stairs—we find the defendant, Arthur Harrison, guilty," the foreperson read. "On the count of reckless endangerment of an unborn child, guilty. On the count of corporate fraud, guilty."
Arthur collapsed into his chair, staring blankly at the table. He was sentenced to twelve years in a maximum-security state penitentiary without the possibility of parole for the first seven years.
Eleanor Harrison was found guilty of obstruction of justice, corporate fraud, and complicity. Due to her lack of prior criminal record, she was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay millions in restitution, stripping her of every single piece of jewelry, art, and property she owned.
May you like
Chloe, found guilty of conspiracy and fraud, avoided prison time but was sentenced to five years of strict probation and 2,000 hours of community service at a public health clinic—ironically, assisting pregnant women in low-income brackets.
As Arthur was led away in handcuffs, he turned to look at Sarah one last time, his eyes pleading for a shred of remorse. Sarah didn't look away. She stared at him with cold indifference. He was no longer her father. He was just a criminal serving his time.
