Chapter 9
Vanessa’s trial on the fraud case came fast.
The district attorney wanted a clean conviction before touching Laura’s death.
The fake belly sat in evidence like a deflated lie.
The jury saw the video.
Vanessa without the belly.
Marvin with the papers.
Her voice.
Once Daniel marries me, I won’t need the pregnancy anymore.
Then they heard her say Noah was being handled.
I watched jurors look at my son’s empty chair.
He was not there.
He would never sit in court for Vanessa’s performance.
I testified.
The prosecutor asked, “Did you believe Vanessa was pregnant?”
“Yes.”
“Did you plan to marry her because of that belief?”
“Yes.”
“What changed?”
I looked at the fake belly.
“My son told the truth.”
Vanessa’s lawyer attacked Noah.
Called him jealous.
Troubled.
Aggressive.
I felt my control splinter.
Nora touched my wrist.
I breathed.
The prosecutor played Noah’s video.
The room went silent.
A child had done what adults failed to do.
He had documented danger.
Marvin testified against Vanessa.
He looked miserable.
Good.
Vanessa stared at him like she could kill with silence.
The verdict took four hours.
Guilty on every count.
Vanessa did not cry when the judge read the words.
She looked at me.
Then mouthed:
May you like
Laura next.
My blood turned to ice.
