Chapter 18 - The Verdict
The jury deliberated for less than two hours.
When they returned to the courtroom, the foreperson stood up, holding the verdict sheets.
“On count one, attempted aggravated murder: We find the defendant, Deborah Monroe, guilty.”
“On count two, aggravated arson: Guilty.”
“On count three, child endangerment and fraud: Guilty.”
My mother sat completely still, her face turning as white as chalk as the judge read through every conviction.
Beside her, Jessica burst into loud, hysterical sobs, burying her face in her hands as her defense attorney tried to quiet her.
“On count one, attempted murder: We find the defendant, Jessica Monroe, guilty of conspiracy and accomplice liability.”
Judge Margaret Caskey looked down from the high bench, her eyes dark with disgust as she addressed my mother.
“Deborah Monroe, you used your position as a mother and an educator to inflict systematic torture on your own child,” Judge Caskey declared sternly. “You hid your malice behind a mask of civic grace. It is the order of this court that you serve thirty years at the Marysville Reformatory for Women without eligibility for early parole.”
“And Jessica Monroe,” the judge added, “you are sentenced to fifteen years for your active role in this conspiracy.”
The heavy wooden gavel came down with a sharp, final BANG.
Bailiffs stepped forward, clicking heavy iron chains around my mother’s waist and ankles, leading both women out through the side doors.
My mother looked back at me one last time as she reached the doorway.
Her eyes were filled with pure, burning hatred.
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I didn't look away. I didn't flinch.
I stood tall, watching her disappear into the dark corridor behind the courtroom.
