Chapter 17 - The Trial of Marcus Bell
Bell’s trial lasted seven weeks.
Linda testified.
Reeves testified.
Rebecca testified.
Caldwell testified about the hidden records.
Finally, Elena took the stand.
Bell stared at her.
Five years earlier, that stare had terrified her.
Not anymore.
The prosecutor asked:
“Ms. Cole, what did the defendant take from you?”
Elena thought carefully.
“Time.”
She looked toward Chloe.
“He took birthdays. Christmas mornings. First days of school. Bedtime stories. Five years of watching my daughter grow.”
She turned toward the jury.
“But he didn’t take everything.”
“What remained?”
“The truth.”
Bell was convicted of murder, conspiracy, evidence tampering, obstruction of justice, and multiple financial crimes.
When the verdict was read, Elena did not celebrate.
May you like
She simply reached for Chloe’s hand.
That was enough.
