Chapter 9 - The Final Verdict
Six months later, Caleb sat perfectly still in the front row of the county courtroom.
Hannah sat beside him, holding his hand tightly while their healthy son slept in a carrier at her feet.
Lorraine Rowan sat at the defense table wearing a bright orange prison jumpsuit.
She looked entirely completely hollowed out, stripped of her expensive jewelry and arrogant smirk.
The prosecution had played the neighbor's high-definition security footage for the jury three times.
They had also presented the financial records proving Lorraine bribed the local police detective.
Dr. Morgan had provided expert medical testimony regarding the delayed emergency care.
The jury deliberated for less than two hours before returning to the wooden box.
"On the charges of kidnapping and attempted murder in the first degree, we find the defendant guilty," the foreman read clearly.
Lorraine collapsed into her chair, weeping loudly as the heavy gavel slammed down.
The judge sentenced her to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
She turned to look at Caleb as the bailiffs dragged her away in heavy chains.
"I only did it because I loved you!" she screamed desperately across the quiet courtroom.
Caleb did not blink, nor did he offer her a single word of comfort.
He simply turned his back on the monster who raised him and walked out of the building.
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The bright afternoon sun felt incredibly warm against his face as he escorted his family to their car.
The nightmare was officially over, and they were finally free to live their lives in peace.
