Chapter 0786
After a long session and careful deliberation by the judges, Frank Levett Jr. was found guilty of all charges, including first–degree attempted murder of Peter Palmer, defamation, and abuse of judicial power in the case against Marcus Bartz. He was also convicted of fraudulently taking control of Palmer Group, which had harmed Maximus Evans.
The additional charges of human trafficking and exploitation sealed his fate–he would spend the rest of his life in one of Valentia’s worst prisons. No chance of parole. No appeals.
And worst of all? He would have to live with the guilt of having left his daughter in the hands of his monstrous grandfather. The only lie in Alexia’s testimony was that Frank Jr. had known she was being abused. He hadn’t. But now, that detail no longer mattered.
Before closing the session–after every piece of evidence had been presented and the defense had been completely dismantled–Judge Moriarty made one final announcement
“This case was originally opened due to the massacre of the Bartz family. On the screen before you, you will now see the signed confession of Mr. Frank Levett Sr., which he wrote while his son’s trial was underway.
“He admits that he gave the order to slaughter the entire Bartz family because he and a group of high–profile businessmen were at risk of being exposed for the crimes that Frank Levett Jr. is now convicted of.
“I see that many prestigious families have gathered here today in support of Frank Levett Jr. What is not being said is that many of the people in this courtroom were involved in that brutal massacre.”
A heavy silence fell over the room.
“Now, don’t worry,” the judge continued, “I can’t arrest you here. But I do have your names.
“I will be requesting that the prosecutor prepare arrest warrants against at least ten of you–among them, Leonardo Palmer. He will be transferred from the Westhaven prison to Ucciardone.
“Do not attempt to leave the country. From this moment forward, you are under 24–hour surveillance. Any escape attempt will only make things worse for you. I suggest you start putting your affairs in order, because justice is finally catching up to you.”
With that, Judge Moriarty officially closed the case.
Marcus, Peter, and Maximus were speechless.
They had expected a long, drawn–out trial, a battle where every secret would be dragged into the light. But before they could fully process what had just happened, three police officers approached them.
“Gentlemen, Judge Moriarty would like to speak with you., before he makes his public statement.”
The three men walked down a long hallway, still in shock. When they finally reached a door, the officers knocked.
“Come in,” Moriarty’s voice called out.
They stepped inside. The judge had already removed his robe. He was in a simple suit, his tie loosened, a glass of whiskey in his hand.
D
Marcus was visibly angry. Peter looked lost. And Maximus? He simply couldn’t understand why Alexia was with Moriarty.
“What the hell do you think you just did?” Marcus snapped “You call that justice? You had everything you needed to build a solid case!”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0786
“Marcus, I understand your frustration,” Moriarty said, unbothered. “But after reviewing all the evidence, the criminal records, and every available detail, I had to be honest with myself.
“If I had taken this case in the direction it was originally planned, both Peter and you would have been found guilty of first–degree murder. And in the best–case scenario, you’d both be on your way to Queen’s Mercy prison right now.”
Marcus clenched his jaw.
“Don’t be idiots,” Moriarty continued. “Take this for what it is. You’re free. Drop your grudges and move on with your lives. This war with the Levetts? It’s over.”
“What do you mean by that?” Maximus asked, surprised.
“Alexia Levett and Frank Levett Sr. are now under my protection. I have an agreement with them.
“You will forget about them. You will move on with your lives. And they will do the same. Meanwhile, Frank Levett Jr. and Leonardo Palmer will rot in Ucciardone.”
“But… what about all the evidence we gave you?” Peter asked, frowning.
“Peter, do you really think this was the first time I spoke with Frank?” Moriarty scoffed.
“What are you saying?”
“I only brought you in for the final phase of the trial. I didn’t need you for the earlier sessions. If I had involved you from the start, you probably would’ve screwed it up. I wanted the judges–and everyone in that courtroom- to see firsthand how Levett operated during his so–called glory days.”
Moriarty took another sip of his drink before turning back to them.
“Mr. Bartz, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Evans… I know this isn’t the outcome you wanted.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)