Chapter 23 - THE MAN WHO BETRAYED THEM BOTHVincent Kade’s trial did not look like Riley expected.
No shouting.
No cinematic confession.
Paper.
Testimony.
Experts.
Dates.
Records.
Paul Renner testified.
Calvin Reese testified.
Evelyn Shaw testified.
Grant testified about internal records.
Dominic testified too.
That stunned press.
He admitted failures.
He acknowledged his reputation facilitated Vincent’s threats even when he did not authorize.
Defense tried destroy him.
“Mr. Vance, are you asking jury to believe you ran an organization based partly on fear yet knew nothing?”
Dominic answered:
“I’m asking you to believe I chose not to look closely enough.”
That honesty mattered.
Then Riley.
She had choice not testify.
She chose.
At seventeen, she sat straight.
Prosecutor asked about number.
“My father gave it to me.”
“Why?”
“He said only call when nowhere left to run.”
“Why Dominic Vance?”
“Because my father trusted him with his life.”
Defense tried imply coaching.
Riley stayed calm.
When asked about scars, judge limited invasive questioning.
She described only necessary events.
Then Vincent looked at her.
For moment Riley was seven again.
But she remembered Nathan’s voice.
Dominic outside courtroom.
Grant.
People who finally believed.
She said:
“My father died because he thought truth mattered.”
“I’m here because I decided he was right about that.”
Trial continued weeks.
Verdicts eventually came across multiple charges tied to conspiracy, fraud, obstruction, and violent acts.
Vincent faced decades.
Paul Renner received lesser sentence for cooperation.
Others charged separately.
No one clapped in courtroom.
Riley thought she would feel victory.
Instead she felt tired.
Outside reporters shouted.
Dominic blocked cameras with body, not words.
Grant guided Riley to car.
Inside she said:
“That’s it?”
Dominic:
“For court.”
“I thought it would feel bigger.”
“I know.”
“Did you feel bigger when war ended?”
Dominic looked out window.
“No.”
“What did you feel?”
“Hungry.”
Riley laughed.
“Can we get fries?”
“Yes.”
That was healing too.
May you like
Justice ends in paperwork.
Life continues with fries.
