Chapter 18 - THE TRIAL

The case took eleven months to reach trial.

Mark Dalton faced the most serious charges.

Conspiracy.

Financial exploitation.

Attempted fraud.

Unlawful imprisonment.

Attempted assault related to the plan for Shawn’s truck.

And charges connected to Hawthorne Care.

Peter Vale testified against him.

Denise testified.

Dr. Mercer pleaded guilty before trial.

Then Brenda took the stand.

Shawn almost could not watch.

She admitted changing the transfer account.

She admitted lying to their parents.

She admitted locking them in the basement.

The prosecutor asked why.

Brenda looked toward Don and Maria.

“Because every bad decision made the next bad decision easier.”

No one moved.

She continued.

“At first I stole money. Then I needed them quiet. Then I needed documents. Then I needed them to look confused so people would believe me. By the time I understood what I had become, I was afraid of losing the life I bought with what I stole.”

Mark’s lawyer attacked her credibility.

“You’re blaming Mr. Dalton to save yourself.”

Brenda nodded.

“I am trying to save what is left of myself. That is not the same thing.”

The jury convicted Mark on nearly every major count.

Brenda had already accepted a plea agreement.

She would serve prison time too.

At sentencing, Maria asked to speak.

She faced her daughter.

“I forgive you.”

Brenda broke down.

Then Maria added, “But forgiveness does not mean you escape consequences.”

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Even the judge paused.

Shawn understood then where every strong part of him had come from.