Chapter 9 - Justice Served
The jury deliberated for less than two hours before returning to the courtroom.
The judge asked Ethan and Diane to stand and face their absolute ruin.
"On the charge of conspiracy to commit murder, we find the defendants guilty," the forewoman read loudly.
"On the charge of aggravated domestic assault, guilty."
"On the charges of grand theft and wire fraud, guilty."
Diane collapsed, screaming hysterically as the bailiffs grabbed her arms to hold her up.
Ethan just stood there, completely numb, staring blankly at the wooden table.
The judge did not offer an ounce of mercy during the sentencing phase.
"You preyed upon the woman you swore to protect, out of nothing but sheer greed and cruelty," the judge stated furiously.
Diane was sentenced to twenty years in federal prison for conspiracy and fraud.
Ethan, due to his physical violence and the betrayal of his military oath, received a sentence of forty-five years without the possibility of early parole.
As they placed the heavy iron chains around Ethan’s wrists, he looked back at Olivia one last time.
"I'm sorry," he mouthed silently, tears streaming down his face.
May you like
Olivia did not offer him forgiveness, nor did she smile.
She simply turned her back on him and walked out of the courtroom, into the bright sunlight.
