Chapter 10 - THE TRIALS OF MEN WITH FEARED NAMES
Mikhail’s trial began eleven months later.
He pleaded not guilty despite his cooperation offer being rejected.
The prosecution presented the room seventeen-B footage.
Mateo testified.
Clara testified.
Julian testified against his cousin.
Mikhail’s attorney asked whether Julian blamed him to reduce his own sentence.
Julian answered calmly.
“I committed crimes.”
“Mikhail committed different crimes.”
“One truth does not erase the other.”
The jury convicted Mikhail of kidnapping, attempted murder, conspiracy, financial fraud, and obstruction.
He received life imprisonment.
Vanessa accepted a plea agreement before trial.
She admitted conspiracy, fraud, assault, and her role in Julian’s attempted poisoning.
Her attorneys emphasized Mikhail’s manipulation.
The judge emphasized her repeated independent choices.
She received eighteen years.
At sentencing, Vanessa finally addressed Clara through the court.
“I saw someone beneath me.”
Clara looked at her.
“That was the problem.”
Vanessa lowered her head.
The apology ended there.
No forgiveness was promised.
Adrian Cole received twelve years.
The head chef lost his professional licenses after investigators uncovered health and labor violations.
Several Highcrest executives received shorter sentences or civil penalties.
Julian pleaded guilty to racketeering, illegal gambling, extortion, and obstruction connected to Thomas’s murder.
His cooperation dismantled much of the organization.
The court considered the records he surrendered and the restitution he funded.
He received nine years.
Before officers took him away, Julian knelt beside Bishop.
The hound pressed his broad head against Julian’s chest.
“I’m coming back,” Julian whispered.
Bishop did not understand years.
He understood departure.
He whined when the guards moved Julian away.
Clara held his collar.
Julian looked at her.
“You owe me nothing.”
“I know.”
“Bishop’s trust provides for his care.”
“I am not talking about money.”
“I know.”
He was asking her not to wait.
Clara did not promise.
Her life had been shaped too long by rules written by other people.
She would not make a new rule around a man simply because he had finally chosen accountability.
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Julian was taken into custody.
Bishop remained with Clara.
