Chapter 8 - The Hammer of Justice
The jury took less than forty-five minutes to reach a verdict.
“On count one, Felony Burglary: Guilty. On count two, Grand Larceny: Guilty. On count three, Identity Theft and Forgery: Guilty. On count four, Criminal Conspiracy: Guilty.”
The judge, a formidable woman named Honorable Justice Katherine Vance, didn't hold back during sentencing.
“Teresa Bradley,” Judge Vance said, her eyes burning down at my mother from the bench. “In my twenty-five years on the bench, I have rarely witnessed a display of domestic malice so calculated, so cold, and so utterly devoid of maternal affection. You targeted your own son, abused his loving wife, put your infant grandchild’s health in grave danger, and attempted to plunder their life out of sheer greed and narcissism.”
Judge Vance slammed her gavel down.
“You are sentenced to twelve years in the Tennessee State Penitentiary for Women, without eligibility for parole for eight years.”
Teresa collapsed into her chair, sobbing hysterically as bailiffs stepped forward to escort her away.
Mason Carter was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for financial fraud, while Aunt Betsy received three years of probation and four hundred hours of community service for her accessory role.
As Teresa was led through the side door in chains, she looked back at me one last time, her eyes filled with desperate, tearful pleading. “Connor… please… tell them to stop… I’m your mother…”
I looked at her calmly, standing side-by-side with my wife.
May you like
“Goodbye, Teresa,” I said simply.
She was led into the dark hallway, and the heavy metal doors clicked shut behind her forever.
