Chapter 18 - THE TRIAL
Nine months later, United States v. Richard Reed and Charles Vance began in federal court.
Robert Keller had already pleaded guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud, obstruction, and financial crimes.
In exchange for a reduced sentence, he testified.
Samuel Price returned from Costa Rica.
He testified.
Henry Walsh testified.
Dr. Benson testified.
Victoria testified last.
The courtroom was packed.
She wore a plain navy dress.
No diamonds.
No designer handbag.
No polished smile.
Mark sat behind the prosecutors.
Sarah sat beside him.
Victoria described meeting Charles.
She described Richard telling her the Reed family fortune had been stolen from him.
She described marrying Mark.
She described copying passwords.
She described photographing documents.
Then the prosecutor asked about Daniel.
Victoria looked toward Mark.
“I knew my father wanted him stopped.”
“Did you know how?”
“Not at first.”
“When did you learn?”
“After the accident.”
“What did you do?”
“I helped destroy documents.”
“Why?”
Victoria looked down.
“Because I was afraid of my father.”
The prosecutor paused.
“And because you expected to profit?”
Victoria closed her eyes.
“Yes.”
The defense attacked her credibility.
They called her a liar.
A manipulator.
A woman saving herself.
Much of that was true.
But the evidence supported her testimony.
Samuel’s recording played in court.
Charles’s voice was unmistakable.
“Make sure the failure happens after he has been driving for a while.”
The courtroom became still.
Then another recording played.
Richard speaking to Keller.
“Once Daniel is gone, we deal with the child.”
Mark stared straight ahead.
Sarah quietly placed her hand over his.
He did not pull away.
The trial lasted six weeks.
The jury deliberated for eleven hours.
Guilty.
Conspiracy.
Fraud.
Obstruction.
Attempted kidnapping.
Racketeering.
Charges related to Daniel and Emily’s deaths.
Charles lowered his head.
Richard showed no emotion.
When officers placed him in handcuffs, he looked toward Mark.
“This family was mine before it was yours.”
Mark stood.
“No.”
Richard waited.
Mark looked at Noah, who was waiting outside the courtroom with Mrs. Patterson.
“It was never property.”
Richard frowned.
Mark continued.
May you like
“That is the part you never understood.”
Richard was led away.
