I watched as Vance personally slapped the handcuffs on his own boss, then turned to David. My husband was trembling, his perfect hair disheveled, begging the feds for a deal. I walked up to him, leaned in close, and whispered, "This courtroom isn't your church, David."
It took six months for the trial to conclude. David and Keller were sentenced to twenty years in federal prison. My name was completely cleared, and the funds were seized and returned to the families who lost their homes—including a massive restitution check to Vance’s family estate.
Chloe came back to me, tearful and apologizing on her knees. It took time, but we healed. I didn't go back to my old house. I bought a small place near the water. But yesterday morning, I put my black robes back on. I walked up to the bench, looked out at the gallery, and picked up my wooden hammer. The gavel hit the sound block. The courtroom came to order. I was exactly where I belonged.