Chapter 7
Frank's trial came three months later.
The courtroom was packed.
People from town. Reporters. Family.
Ethan testified first.
He was nervous. But he was strong.
He told the court about the night of the robbery. About seeing Frank come home. About finding the receipt. About finding the USB drive.
About being afraid.
About waiting for his brother to come home.
Then they played the recording.
Frank's own voice. Boasting. Confessing.
The jury listened in silence.
Frank's lawyer tried to paint Ethan as a confused, angry kid. Tried to paint me as a violent ex-con who'd manipulated his little brother.
But the evidence was overwhelming.
The receipt. The recording. Henderson's testimony.
The jury deliberated for two hours.
Guilty.
On all counts.
The judge looked at Frank with clear disgust.
"You framed an innocent man," she said. "You stole eight years of his life. You abused his brother. You corrupted a law enforcement officer. And you showed no remorse."
She sentenced him to twelve years in prison.
Minimum.
Frank was led away in cuffs.
He didn't look at me.
May you like
He didn't look at Ethan.
He just stared at the floor.
