Chapter 25 - The Verdict
The jury deliberated for six hours.
Marcus Vale was convicted on multiple fraud, conspiracy and obstruction charges.
Two former hospital administrators entered guilty pleas shortly afterward.
The remaining offshore money was recovered.
St. Augustine reached a civil settlement with the Carter-Hale Foundation and several affected families.
Most importantly to Megan, every dollar originally intended for pediatric care was replaced.
Not just the money Jack had stolen.
All of it.
At sentencing, Marcus blamed everyone except himself.
The hospital.
Jack.
Nora.
The accounting system.
Even Richard Hale.
The judge was unmoved.
Marcus received a lengthy prison sentence and was ordered to surrender remaining assets toward restitution.
Outside court, reporters surrounded Megan.
One asked whether she felt vindicated.
“I’m glad the money is back.”
“Do you forgive Dr. Carter?”
“That is a family matter.”
“Do you believe Marcus Vale was the real mastermind?”
Megan considered the question.
“Marcus created a system people chose to participate in. Jack made his choices. Lauren made hers. Olivia made hers. Accountability becomes meaningless when we use one guilty person to erase everyone else’s responsibility.”
That evening she went home.
Ethan was building a model bridge for school.
Sophie was painting at the kitchen table.
No television crews.
No lawyers.
No emergency phone calls.
Megan stood in the doorway.
Sophie looked up.
“Did you win?”
Megan smiled.
“The families got their money back.”
“So yes?”
Megan thought about it.
May you like
“Yes.”
This time she allowed herself the word.
