Chapter 19 - THE CRIMINAL SENTENCING
The final act of justice occurred at the criminal sentencing hearing a month later.
The courtroom was packed once again,
the public eager to see the ultimate conclusion of the saga.
The criminal judge,
a notoriously strict woman,
looked down at Marcus with deep severity.
"You possessed every advantage in life,"
the judge stated,
her voice echoing through the chamber.
"Yet you chose to use your power to terrorize an innocent child,"
she scolded,
refusing to show leniency.
She sentenced Marcus Holloway to the maximum penalty allowed under the law: ten years in state prison.
He was led away immediately by the bailiffs,
the heavy metal doors closing behind him with a definitive clang.
He would serve his time in a maximum-security facility,
surrounded by the reality of his crimes.
Kellen,
who had been captured at an international airport,
faced his own trial for corporate fraud and obstruction of justice.
The entire family network was completely dismantled,
justice served in full measure.
As I walked down the courthouse steps into the bright spring sunshine,
May you like
I felt a massive weight lift from my shoulders.
The nightmare that began on a cold Christmas night was officially over.
