Chapter 16 - Cold Absolute Justice
The jury deliberated for less than two hours.
They returned a verdict of guilty on all counts.
The judge sentenced the monster to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
When the sentence was read, the courtroom erupted in emotional relief.
The mother hugged Maya, both of them sobbing uncontrollably.
Arthur sat quietly in the back row, a gentle smile on his face.
Justice had been served, cold and absolute.
As the bailiffs led the man away in shackles, he looked back at Arthur one last time.
Arthur didn't blink, holding the man's gaze until the heavy courtroom doors swung shut.
Outside the courthouse, the crisp autumn air felt remarkably clean.
Miller bought Arthur a cup of coffee to celebrate the victory.
"You know, you make a pretty good detective," Miller joked.
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"I think I'll stick to driving the bus," Arthur chuckled softly.
He was ready to get back to his quiet, ordinary routine.
