Three months passed before the final court hearing arrived in town.
The downtown courthouse corridors were filled with quiet morning whispers.
David walked down the polished hallway wearing his classic black suit.
He held Leo's soft small hand tightly in his own palm.
Leo wore a miniature grey suit and looked proud beside his dad.
Arthur met them right outside the heavy oak courtroom doors.
Arthur: The judge has reviewed all evidence regarding the fraud.
David: Is there any chance she receives probation, Arthur?
Arthur: Given the grand larceny attempt, prison time is certain.
They stepped inside and took their seats at the prosecution table.
Evelyn sat across the room wearing a plain orange jumpsuit.
Her high-priced defense attorney looked pale and deeply stressed.
The bailiff stood up and called the court to complete order.
Bailiff: All rise for the Honorable Judge Katherine Harris.
Judge Harris took her seat behind the tall dark wooden bench.
She adjusted her reading glasses and looked down at the defendant.
Judge Harris: Mrs. Vance, your actions demonstrate extreme greed.
Evelyn kept her head bowed down, refusing to speak a word.
Judge Harris: Attempting to steal a child's trust fund is despicable.
She slammed her heavy wooden gavel down onto the block.
Judge Harris: I sentence you to five years in state prison.
Evelyn gasped softly as the guards stepped forward to lead her out.
She glanced back at David, but David did not look back.
His entire focus remained fixed on his precious little boy.
Leo: Is it all over now, Daddy?
David: Yes, buddy, we are completely free today.
Arthur smiled warmhearted as he shook David's firm hand.
Arthur: Justice was served swiftly today, my friend.
David: Thank you for protecting my family, Arthur.
They walked out of the bright courthouse into the warm sunshine.
The air felt crisp and full of fresh new promise.