Chapter 9: The Verdict of Freedom
The judge’s gavel struck the wooden block with a loud, resonant crack that echoed off the high courtroom walls.
""Marcus Vance,"" the judge declared, his stern voice carrying across the courtroom, ""based on the clear forensic record, physical evidence, and witness testimony, you are sentenced to eight years in state custody without parole eligibility for domestic violence and felony financial fraud. A permanent, lifetime restraining order is issued for Sarah Vance and Lily Vance.""
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Marcus slammed his fist onto the table, but officers immediately pinned his arms and escorted him through a side door.
Sarah closed her eyes and took a long, deep breath. For eight years, her chest had felt compressed, as if a tight iron band was wrapped around her ribs. As the heavy doors shut behind Marcus, she felt that iron band snap. She was free. Truly, legally, and permanently free. She shook her attorney's hand, walked out onto the courthouse steps, and looked up at the sun breaking through the thick coastal clouds.
