«Tell my husband and mother-in-law that I died…

James sank lower. Margaret glared with open hatred.
«Witness Sophie Davis,» the judge called.

Sophie entered, gaunt and teary. She glanced at James, then away.
«When did you meet the defendant?» the prosecutor asked.
«Two years ago,» Sophie said softly, «at my mum’s birthday. Val’s her friend. James was married, so I didn’t think of him romantically.»
«When did your relationship start?»
«About six months ago. James said his marriage was failing, they were divorcing. I hesitated but believed him.»
«When did you learn of Emma’s death?»
«James called that evening, said she had a heart attack. I was shocked, offered condolences. He said he needed me, so I moved in. Val said it’d help him.»

«Did it seem odd how quickly they moved on?»
«No,» Sophie admitted. «Val said their marriage was basically over. I believed her.»
«Did you know their inheritance plans?»
«They said James would inherit. Talked about renovations, furniture…» Sophie faltered. «I swear, I didn’t know Emma was… I thought it was natural.»

She broke down. Other witnesses followed—Dr. Peters on Emma’s hospital confession, Simmons on calling the ambulance, a toxicologist confirming the lethal dose. Closing arguments were brief. The prosecution demanded maximum sentences; the defence had little to counter.

James’s final statement came. He stood, aged beyond his years.
«I’m sorry,» he said, voice shaking. «I know my crime’s horrific. I gave in to greed, to influence.» He glanced at Margaret. «To my worst instincts. Emma, I know you’ll never forgive me, but I regret every moment of betrayal, every plan. It’s monstrous. I ask the court to consider my remorse.»

Margaret rose, shoulders squared.
«I admit my guilt,» she said dryly. «But understand, I acted for my son. I saw this woman»—she nodded at Emma—»ruin his life, his career, his confidence. I wanted to save him. My methods were wrong, but my love was real.»

Emma thought how easily people justify atrocities—love, influence, always someone else to blame. The court recessed for sentencing. Emma waited in the corridor, staring at grey November skies. Morris sat beside her.
«You okay?» he asked.
«Not sure,» she said honestly. «I thought I’d feel relief seeing them in the dock. Just tired.»
«Normal,» Morris said. «Betrayal like that takes time to process.»

The court returned. Silence hung heavy.
«Defendant James Thompson is found guilty and sentenced to 12 years in a high-security prison,» the judge read. «Defendant Margaret Thompson is found guilty and sentenced to 10 years in a medium-security prison.»

Margaret gasped, clutching her chest. James sat motionless. As they were led out, James paused by Emma.
«I’m sorry,» he whispered.
She didn’t reply, watching him go—the man she once loved, planned a life with, children, old age…