Chapter 16 - The Trial at Crow Ridge
The verdict came in January.
August Mercer was convicted on multiple counts related to fraud, bribery, conspiracy, and obstruction, while Rourke faced responsibility for Peter Hale's killing under the applicable charges brought against him. Reed and Briggs were also convicted on charges arising from the corruption scheme.
The courtroom remained silent as the verdicts were read.
Min did not smile.
Neither did Hilton.
Justice was not happiness.
It did not bring Jian back.
It did not restore Hale.
It did not rebuild the months Min had spent afraid.
But it mattered.
Outside, reporters asked Min how she felt.
She answered simply:
“Now names stay written.”
That became the sentence people remembered.
The town commissioned a memorial.
All fourteen names were carved into stone.
Equal size.
Equal depth.
Jian Liang appeared among them.
At the dedication, Min touched his name.
Then stepped back.
Hilton stood beside her.
She reached for his hand.
May you like
This time she did not let go.
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