Chapter 19 - The Trial of the Decade
Three months later.
The Federal District Courthouse in downtown San Francisco was surrounded by hundreds of journalists, news vans, and spectators. The trial of Charles Vance, Audrey Vance, and Robert Hayes had become the most publicized corporate scandal in modern American history.
Inside the packed courtroom, Nathan and Margaret sat on the front row of the gallery, impeccably dressed, silent, and dignified.
Across the aisle sat the defendants. Charles Vance looked visibly aged, sitting stone-faced beside his defense team. Audrey sat beside her attorney, wearing a simple grey suit, her face pale, avoiding all eye contact with the gallery. Robert sat at the far end of the table, dressed in a grey prison jumpsuit, staring blankly at the polished wood table.
The presiding judge, Honorable Katherine Mercer, knocked her gavel against the wooden block, bringing the noisy room to absolute order.
'In the matter of the United States versus Charles Vance, Audrey Vance, and Robert Hayes,' Judge Mercer announced. 'The jury has reached its verdict.'
The jury foreman stood up, holding the official verdict sheets.
'On Count One: Corporate Espionage and Theft of Trade Secrets... we find the defendant, Charles Vance, GUILTY.'
A collective gasp echoed through the room.
'On Count Two: Wire Fraud and Stock Price Manipulation... we find the defendant, Charles Vance, GUILTY.'
Charles closed his eyes, his hands tightening into fists.
'Regarding defendant Audrey Vance: On Count One, Grand Larceny... in light of her full cooperation and plea agreement, we find the defendant GUILTY, with a recommendation for reduced sentencing.'
Audrey bowed her head, tears streaming silently down her face.
'Regarding defendant Robert Hayes: On Count One, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud... GUILTY. On Count Two, Aggravated Extortion... GUILTY.'
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Judge Mercer looked down at the defendants over her half-moon glasses. 'Charles Vance, you are sentenced to twenty-five years in federal prison without parole. Audrey Vance, you are sentenced to four years in a minimum-security facility. Robert Hayes... you are sentenced to twelve years in federal custody.'
The gavel struck the block with a final, booming thud. Justice had been delivered.
