The Trial of Richard Vale
Chapter 13 - The Trial of Richard Vale
Richard’s trial lasted fourteen weeks.
Evelyn testified about Green Hollow.
Samuel testified about prison and secret detention.
Anne testified about falsified medical care.
Claire testified about Lily and the envelope in Booth Seven.
Madeline testified about her own signatures on early pension approvals.
Richard’s attorney asked whether she accepted responsibility.
“Yes.”
“Then you admit you were part of the fraud.”
“I admit my comfort helped it continue.”
The answer damaged Madeline legally.
It restored credibility morally.
Lily testified by recorded interview to avoid the courtroom.
She described hunger, fear, and Victor telling her adults would believe a lawyer before a dirty child.
The jury watched her reach for the plate Claire brought.
Richard looked away.
He was convicted of kidnapping conspiracy, pension fraud, attempted murder, evidence destruction, and unlawful confinement.
Victor received reduced time for cooperation.
Green Hollow’s director and several doctors were charged separately.
Harrison Cross was dead and could not be tried.
Crosswell removed his portrait from headquarters.
Evelyn opposed destroying it.
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The portrait moved to the public archive beside a full description of what he did.
“Erasing his face would teach the wrong lesson,” she said.
