Chapter 8 - The Crushing Verdict
The court-martial jury deliberated for less than ninety minutes.
When the panel marched back into the courtroom, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Caleb was forced to stand at attention before the judge, his hands trembling at his sides as his uniform hung loosely on his diminished frame.
The jury president, a stern Navy Captain, stood up and unfolded the verdict paper.
"On Charge I, Attempted Premeditated Murder: Guilty," the Captain read, his voice echoing off the wood-paneled walls. "On Charge II, Aggravated Assault with Intention to Inflict Grievous Bodily Harm: Guilty. On Charge III, Larceny of Government Property exceeding $1,000,000: Guilty. On Charge IV, Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and a Gentleman: Guilty."
The gallery erupted into murmurs, but Judge Ross slammed her gavel twice to restore order.
"Lieutenant Commander Caleb Vance," Judge Ross addressed the convicted man, her eyes burning with icy judgment. "You betrayed your country, you disgraced your uniform, and you attempted to murder the woman you swore to protect. This court sentences you to be dismissed from the Naval Service with a Dishonorable Discharge, to forfeit all pay and allowances, and to be confined at the United States Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth for a period of thirty-five years."
Caleb’s knees buckled, and he collapsed heavily into his chair as two armed guards immediately pulled him up, snapping heavy wrist and leg irons over his limbs.
May you like
As he was dragged out of the courtroom to begin his thirty-five-year sentence, Caleb looked toward Rebecca one last time, pleading with his eyes for a shred of pity.
Rebecca simply turned her face away, leaning her head comfortably against her lawyer's shoulder as the dark chapter of her life closed forever.
