Chapter 9 - THE SENTENCING
With the tape admitted into evidence and the IRS forensic audit locking down their remaining assets, Marcus and Vivian had no leverage left. To avoid a lengthy federal trial that would guarantee maximum prison terms, both agreed to a plea bargain.
One month later, I stood in the front row of the courtroom to hear the final judgment.
Marcus was sentenced to four years in a federal penitentiary for grand larceny, conspiracy, and financial fraud. Because he had no prior criminal record and cooperated during the final week of the investigation, his sentence was slightly reduced.
Vivian, however, faced the full brunt of the law. Due to her leadership in the tax evasion scheme, offshore money laundering, and attempts to hide assets from federal investigators, she was sentenced to nine years without the possibility of early parole.
Furthermore, the court ordered the complete liquidation of the Fairchild mansion and personal assets to pay restitution to the trust and back taxes to the government.
As the bailiffs stepped forward to place Vivian in handcuffs, she turned her head and met my gaze one last time.
There was no tea set to break. No charity friends to laugh at her jokes. No wealth to shield her from reality.
I didn't smile. I didn't gloat. I simply looked at her with total calm, holding her stare until she was forced to look away and be led through the side door in chains.
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Marcus looked back at me right before he was escorted out. His eyes were filled with tears, silently begging for a forgiveness I had no intention of ever giving him.
I picked up my purse, adjusted my coat, and walked out of the courtroom into the bright afternoon sun.
