Chapter 9 - The Sentencing
The courtroom was packed for the sentencing hearing. I sat in the front row, wearing a new dress Martha had bought me. My leg was finally out of the cast, though I still walked with a slight limp.
The judge looked down at my family from the bench with absolute disgust.
"In my twenty years on the bench, I have rarely seen a family so consumed by vanity and cruelty," the judge declared, her voice ringing through the silent room.
"Vanessa Hayes. You are a violent, unrepentant abuser. For the charge of aggravated assault, I sentence you to four years in the state penitentiary, to be followed by five years of probation."
Vanessa collapsed into her chair, sobbing hysterically as the bailiff approached with the handcuffs.
"David and Susan Hayes," the judge continued. "You allowed your youngest child to be tortured to protect your social standing. Because of your cooperation, I am accepting the plea deal for probation on the endangerment charges. However, due to the new financial evidence brought to light, you will both be facing federal fraud charges in a separate trial next month."
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My parents looked like ghosts. They had lost their golden child, their youngest daughter, their reputation, and soon, their wealth.
As they were escorted out of the courtroom, my mother looked back at me, tears streaming down her face. I didn't cry. I just turned away and hugged Martha. It was finally over.
