The Verdicts
Chapter 16 - The Verdicts
The jury found Julian guilty on every major count, including vehicular homicide, theft, evidence tampering, conspiracy, and obstruction.
He stood motionless as the verdicts were read. Only when the judge ordered him remanded did he turn toward Arthur.
“Dad.”
Arthur closed his eyes but did not move.
Celeste’s trial ended three weeks later. The offshore records, Thomas’s recordings, and her attempt to flee with cash left little doubt. She was convicted of fraud, conspiracy, obstruction, and accessory after the fact.
At sentencing, Evelyn was permitted to speak.
She did not mention the value of the Aurora Necklace.
“You treated charity as decoration,” she told Celeste. “You stood beneath chandeliers and accepted applause for helping children while taking away their medicine, their equipment, and their time. You chose me because you thought poverty made me powerless. You chose Thomas because you thought honesty made him weak. You were wrong about both of us.”
Celeste did not look at her.
Julian received eighteen years. Celeste received twenty-two.
The court ordered the seizure of their personal assets to repay the foundation.
Afterward, reporters crowded Evelyn on the courthouse steps. She gave only one statement.
“Justice is not a family falling. Justice is the children finally receiving what was promised to them.”
Arthur stood several feet away, alone.
Evelyn walked toward him.
“I testified because it was true,” he said. “Not because I stopped being his father.”
“I know.”
“Does that make me weak?”
“No. Pretending he did nothing would have made you weak.”
Arthur looked at the sky. “Margaret used to say a name is only borrowed. You return it better or worse.”
May you like
Evelyn touched the paper star in her pocket.
“Then start returning yours.”
