Chapter 8 - The Hammer of Justice
Judge Vance leaned forward across her high bench, her voice echoing off the wood-paneled walls like thunder.
"Mr. Kincaid, you will stand for sentencing on count one and count three."
Simon struggled to his feet, the chains around his waist clanking heavily as his public defender supported his arm.
"Under Title 18 of the United States Code," Judge Vance pronounced with solemn authority, "you are hereby sentenced to seventy-two months in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, followed by three years of supervised release."
Simon let out a choked, ragged sob, his knees giving out as he slumped back into his chair.
"Furthermore," the judge continued relentlessly, "this court orders full mandatory restitution in the amount of one hundred and forty-two thousand dollars, payable directly to Commander Willa Kincaid, alongside the immediate forfeiture of all personal equity in the Coronado marital residence to satisfy federal liens."
The gavel struck the sounding block with a sharp, echoing crack that reverberated through my chest like a victory salute.
"Court is adjourned."
The bailiffs hoisted Simon to his feet, turning him toward the holding cell entrance.
As he shuffled past the gallery railing, Simon stopped for a brief second, his tear-filled eyes locking onto mine.
"Willa..." he choked out, his voice hoarse and broken. "Tell Jonah... tell him I'm sorry. Please tell him I love him."
I looked at the man I had once pledged my life to, feeling no hatred, no desire for revenge, and no sorrow.
There was only the quiet, impenetrable boundary of a mother who had defended her child from a predator.
"You don't exist in our world anymore, Simon," I said softly, my voice completely steady. "Jonah will know the truth when he is an adult. Until then, you are just a ghost we left behind."
Simon bowed his head, weeping uncontrollably as the steel door clicked shut behind him, locking him away for six long years.
Outside the courthouse, the southern California sun was warm, bright, and invigorating.
Captain Torres wrapped an arm around my shoulder, smiling proudly.
"The civil family court decree finalized thirty minutes ago, Willa," Rachel announced, handing me a certified document bearing the gold seal of the state. "You have sole legal, physical, and financial custody of Jonah. The house is completely yours, free and clear of all encumbrances."
I took a deep, clean breath of the Pacific air, looking toward the sparkling blue water of San Diego Bay.
May you like
My deployment at sea was over. The battle on the home front was won.
And my son was waiting for me.
