Chapter 8 - The VerdictThe jury deliberated for a remarkably short time—just forty-two minutes.
When the buzzer sounded and the bailiff re-entered the courtroom, a heavy hush fell over the room. Even the reporters stopped typing, their fingers frozen above their keyboards as Judge Sterling re-entered the chamber.
“Have you reached a verdict?” Judge Sterling asked the jury foreperson.
“We have, Your Honor,” the foreperson replied, standing up and holding a crisp white document. “On all counts of federal grant embezzlement, extortion under color of official right, deprivation of civil rights, and assault on a federal officer, the jury finds the defendant, Michael Harris, Guilty.”
A collective gasp of sheer relief rippled through the gallery. Several elderly residents in the back rows openly wiped tears from their eyes.
Michael slumped forward, burying his face in his cuffed hands as the final anchor of his petty empire snapped completely. His attorney murmured a few perfunctory words, but there was nothing left to save.
Judge Sterling slammed her gavel down with a sharp, resounding crack.
“Chief Michael Harris, in light of the severity of your crimes, the wholesale corruption of public trust, and the calculated destruction of civilian lives under your badge, this court sentences you to twenty-five years in federal penitentiary without the possibility of parole.”
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The bailiff stepped forward, grabbing Michael by the shoulder and hauling him to his feet. As he was led away through the side door, Michael cast one last, bitter glance back toward the gallery—only to find a room full of citizens who were finally unafraid to look him in the eye.
Captain Vance turned to me with a faint smile. “Well, General. Looks like justice still works when someone is brave enough to make the call.”
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