Chapter 10 - GuiltyThe jury deliberated for hours.
I sat beside Ryan.
Neither of us spoke.
Finally, the bailiff entered.
“The jury has reached a verdict.”
My heart stopped.
The foreman stood.
“Guilty.”
On both counts.
Child endangerment.
Assault on a minor.
Diane's face collapsed.
The judge revoked her bail.
As the bailiffs approached, Diane looked at Ryan.
“You did this.”
Ryan stood.
“No, Mom.”
His voice was calm.
“You did.”
The handcuffs closed around her wrists.
For the first time in years, she couldn't control what happened next.
The doors closed behind her.
I took a breath.
May you like
It was over.
Or so I thought.
Related Stories
Chapter 11 - Five YearsThe sentencing hearing came two weeks later.
Chapter 12 - A New BeginningLife after the trial was quieter.
Chapter 13 - The LetterWe moved into a new house.
Chapter 14 - The Family We ChoseOur first family vacation was to the beach.
Chapter 15 - Noah's Second BirthdayNoah's second birthday became a celebration of survival.
Chapter 16 - Family GroundsYears passed.
