CHAPTER 4 — THE TRIAL
The courtroom overflowed with reporters.
Carter entered wearing an expensive suit.
Victoria sat beside him, still insisting it had all been "a family misunderstanding."
The jury watched every second of the recovered security footage.
No one looked away.
Emma testified through tears months later.
Her voice was soft.
But steady.
"I begged them to stop."
She rested a hand over the scar that crossed her abdomen.
"I told them the baby was moving."
Silence filled the courtroom.
Then Detective Morales presented the forensic evidence.
Blood.
DNA.
Medical reports.
The golf club.
The jury needed less than four hours.
"Guilty."
Attempted murder.
Aggravated assault.
Conspiracy.
Evidence tampering.
Child endangerment involving an unborn child.
As deputies placed handcuffs on Carter, he searched the courtroom for sympathy.
May you like
He found none.
Victoria lowered her head for the first time in her life.
