The Verdict
The jury deliberated for less than four hours.
When the foreperson stood up to read the verdict, the courtroom fell into a dead silence so profound that the ticking of the wall clock sounded like thunder.
"On the first count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree: We find the defendant, Lillian Vance, Guilty."
"On the second count of Assault on a Minor: Guilty."
"On the third count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child: Guilty."
Lily slumped into her chair, covering her face as her mother burst into loud sobs in the second row.
Judge Harrison did not hesitate. Before the gallery, she delivered a scathing sentencing address:
"You weaponized the sacred trust of a child. You used sickness and vulnerability as tools of greed. The law exists to protect the most defenseless among us."
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The sentence was handed down: twenty-five years to life at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, with no possibility of parole before twenty-two years had been served.
As the bailiffs led Lily away through the heavy side doors, Nate walked out of the courtroom into the bright afternoon sun. He took a deep, liberating breath. The nightmare had finally found its legal end.
