The judge cut him off. “That’s enough. The court will now recess to deliberate.”
Everyone knew the sentence would be severe. Two hours later, the judge returned and read the verdict. Tamara was sentenced to 18 years to life for murder and grand larceny. Andy received 10 years for his role as an accessory. Linda was given 12 years for embezzlement and fraud.
Tamara collapsed to the floor of the defendant’s box with a wild shriek. “I’ll never survive that long! You’re killing me! Kate, you’re killing me!”
The bailiffs lifted her to her feet and led her away. Andy walked out in silence, his head hung in shame. Linda wept, apologizing to anyone who would listen. The courtroom buzzed as they were escorted out.
After the trial, Kate was fully exonerated. Her criminal record was expunged, and her files were marked with a declaration of innocence. The house was returned to her, as stipulated in her father’s will. The state awarded her $500,000 in compensation for wrongful imprisonment. The stolen money was recovered from Tamara’s and Andy’s accounts, and the $250,000 was returned to the children’s charity.
The new director of the charity personally visited Kate to apologize for his predecessor’s actions and promised the funds would be used as intended.
“Your father was a hero,” he said. “He saved those children by fighting for the truth.”
Linda sent Kate a long, tearful letter of apology from jail, swearing her remorse. Kate read the first few lines and tore it to pieces. Words couldn’t bring back her father or erase five lost years. Some things were beyond forgiveness.
A month after the trial, Kate held a proper funeral for her father. She buried him in the town cemetery, next to her mother, just as he had asked in his letter. The whole town came: neighbors, former students, old colleagues. One by one, they apologized for turning their backs on him when he needed their help.
The school principal gave a eulogy, weeping openly.
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