Chapter 19 - The Verdict
Jury deliberated two days.
I sat with Sarah.
Did not bring Emma.
At 2:11 p.m., we returned.
Julian stood.
Count one:
Attempted murder.
Not guilty.
My stomach dropped.
Sarah touched my wrist.
“Wait.”
Count two:
Aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury.
Guilty.
Count three:
Aggravated assault/endangerment involving pregnant victim.
Guilty.
Count four:
Coercion related to property transfer.
Guilty.
Count five:
Attempted financial fraud.
Guilty.
Count six:
Evidence tampering.
Guilty.
Count seven:
Obstruction.
Guilty.
Some lesser counts merged.
The jury believed he committed serious intentional violence.
They were not convinced beyond reasonable doubt he specifically intended death.
That distinction hurt emotionally.
Then I understood.
Justice had not said accident.
It had said violence.
Premeditated coercion.
Fraud.
Cover up.
Serious injury.
The one thing it refused was a conclusion evidence could not establish beyond reasonable doubt.
That made verdict stronger.
Julian stared forward.
No tears.
May you like
When deputies cuffed him, he finally looked at me.
I did not look away.
