Six months later, the high arched windows of the county criminal court looked down on a packed gallery of reporters, family members, and observers.
Richard sat at the defense table wearing a dark gray correctional jumpsuit, his hair thin and white, his hands resting heavily on the wooden table.
The judge brought down his wooden gavel with a loud, echoing crack that silenced the courtroom.
Judge Miller: On count one of grand corporate embezzlement, how does the jury find the defendant?
Jury Foreman: Guilty, Your Honor.
Judge Miller: On count two of felony child endangerment and unlawful imprisonment...
Jury Foreman: Guilty, Your Honor.
Judge Miller: On count three of forgery and obstruction of justice...
Jury Foreman: Guilty on all counts, Your Honor.
A soft murmur swept through the spectator benches as Richard slumped forward in his seat, placing his face in his trembling hands.
Judge Miller: Richard Sterling, you demonstrated a shocking level of calculated cruelty against your own family members for personal financial gain. I sentence you to twenty-two years in state prison without the possibility of parole for the first fifteen years.
Richard raised his head slowly, looking back toward the gallery where Clara sat quietly in a simple blue dress.
Richard: Clara... please... tell them I'm an old man... I'll die in there!
Clara: You should have thought about that before you put a child inside a wall, Richard.
The court bailiffs stepped forward, pulling Richard up from his chair and leading him through the side security door as the heavy metal lock clicked shut behind him.
Clara stood up from her seat, buttoning her coat as Judge Vance walked beside her into the hallway corridor.
Judge Vance: It's finally over, Clara. He will never touch this family again.
Clara: It feels like I can finally breathe for the first time in six months.
Judge Vance: How is Lily doing at her new school?
Clara: She's thriving, Judge. She made three new best friends, and she's taking painting lessons every Tuesday after class.
Judge Vance: Real painting, I hope?
Clara: Beautiful, bright pictures of sunny gardens and happy families.