Chapter 9 - The Federal Gavel of Justice
Six months later, Courtroom 4B of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York delivered the final judgment.
Sitting in the front row of the gallery were Dominic, myself, and Lily. Lily wore a pretty yellow dress, holding Dominic’s hand with quiet, happy confidence.
Victor Moretti and Thomas Henderson sat at the defense table in bright orange federal detention jumpsuits, their hands and feet bound in heavy iron chains. Their former arrogance and wealth had been completely crushed by months in solitary holding.
Chief Judge Evelyn Sterling took the bench with severe, uncompromising moral authority.
“Victor Moretti, Thomas Henderson,” Judge Sterling declared, her voice echoing through the stone chamber. “You engaged in a calculated, depraved campaign of corporate grand larceny, forgery of estate trusts, and premeditated conspiracy to commit murder against an innocent woman and child.”
Judge Sterling brought down her heavy wooden gavel with a resounding crack that shook the courtroom.
“Victor Moretti is hereby sentenced to twenty-two years at the United States Penitentiary, Otisville, without the possibility of early parole, followed by mandatory financial restitution of $34 million.”
“Thomas Henderson is sentenced to twelve years in federal correctional custody.”
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As the federal marshals hauled the two weeping convicts through the iron holding doors forever, Dominic looked down at me and smiled—a warm, radiant smile that banished every shadow of our past.
Justice was absolute, complete, and unshakeable.
