Chapter 12 - The Airport Arrest
One month passed quickly in Pine Ridge town. The formal probate court hearing convened on Monday morning. Judge Harrison presided over the grand marble courtroom. Reporters filled the wooden gallery benches behind us. Robert was brought into court wearing orange jumpsuit. Heavy iron chains bound his wrists and ankles tightly. His hair was messy, and his face looked old. Attorney Vance sat beside him, looking completely defeated. Judge Harrison slammed his wooden gavel down hard. "We have reviewed all physical and digital evidence." "The court rules the original trust waiver void." "The authentic will submitted by Mrs. Gable is valid." "Full control of estate is transferred to Emma and Ethan." Gasps erupted across the crowded marble courtroom floor. Robert stood up violently, rattling his heavy chains. "That money is mine!" Robert screamed at judge. "I spent five years managing that worthless estate!" Judge Harrison glared down at Robert with severe disgust. "Silence in my courtroom, Mr. Whitmore!" Harrison barked. "You will spend rest of life in prison." "Your trial for capital murder begins next month." "Guards, remove the defendant from my courtroom now!" Two armed bailiffs grabbed Robert's shoulders with force. They dragged him out side doors toward holding cell. Robert kicked and screamed, but no one helped him. The townspeople in gallery applauded as he left. Emma and I stood together at plaintiff table. We held hands tightly, feeling huge weight lift. The long nightmare was officially over for us. We walked out courthouse steps into bright sunshine. Reporters flashed cameras, asking us for statements today. "Mr. Ethan! How does it feel to win?" I looked directly into main news camera lens. "Justice was served for my mother and sister." "Cruelty never wins in the end," I stated. We stepped into my pickup truck, driving home. We planned to sell the suburban house immediately. We wanted to start fresh in a new state.
📖 Chapter 13 reveals a hidden discovery found inside the garage during house clearing. Keep reading now. 👇
