Chapter 10 - The Prison Trial And Final Judgment
The federal courtroom was packed to the gallery for the final sentencing hearing of Flynn Vance and his co-conspirators.
Judge Harrison presided over the bench,
his expression grave as he reviewed the thick case files and victim impact statements.
Flynn stood at the defense table in his orange prison jumpsuit,
his posture broken,
refusing to look up at the gallery.
Selina Cole sat at a separate table across the aisle,
wearing her own inmate uniform and staring blankly at the polished wooden floor.
“Mr.
Vance,
Ms.
Cole,
you have both been found guilty on multiple counts of conspiracy,
fraud,
and attempted murder,
” Judge Harrison announced.
“The premeditated nature of this crime,
the fabrication of false evidence,
and the tragic loss of unborn life demand maximum penalties.
” The courtroom fell into an absolute,
breathless hush as everyone awaited the definitive sentences.
“Flynn Vance,
for the charges of attempted murder in the second degree and corporate conspiracy,
you are hereby sentenced to twenty-five years in federal prison without parole.
” Flynn closed his eyes tightly,
a muffled groan escaping his lips as the gavel crashed down with a deafening thud.
“Selina Cole,
for perjury,
obstruction of justice,
and conspiracy to commit assault,
you are sentenced to twelve years in federal prison.
” Selina burst into shrill,
desperate tears,
screaming out protests that were immediately silenced by the surrounding bailiffs.
“Take them away,
” Judge Harrison commanded firmly,
striking the gavel once more.
Guards swarmed the defense tables,
snapping handcuffs onto Flynn and Selina and dragging them out through the secure side doors.
Mabel Vance sat in the front row of the gallery,
dressed in classic black,
watching them leave without a flicker of emotion in her eyes.
She stood up slowly,
smoothing down the front of her jacket as her brother Julian placed a supportive hand on her arm.
“It's finally over,
Mabel,
” Julian whispered gently.
“No,
Julian,
” Mabel replied,
looking toward the bright sunlight streaming through the courthouse windows.
“It's just the beginning.
” They walked out of the courthouse side-by-side,
leaving the ghosts of their past behind forever.
The media swarmed the front steps,
but Mabel did not stop to speak to them,
slipping into her secure black SUV without a backward glance.
The door closed with a solid,
reassuring thud,
sealing her inside a world of absolute peace,
power,
and unshakeable strength.
The car pulled away into the Chicago traffic,
carrying the undisputed queen of Apex-Vance toward a bright and limitless future.
Every bitter tear had been dried,
every drop of blood avenged,
and every enemy cast into the shadows of their own making.
Mabel closed her eyes for a brief moment,
whispering a silent vow to her lost twins that would echo through eternity.
“We won,
my babies.
May you like
We won everything.
” And the city of Chicago rolled out its glittering skyline before her victorious gaze.
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