At trial she did not perform.

She did not weep for Chandler.

She stated the facts — how she had heard the footsteps, heard the confession, felt her son’s hand — and when the prosecutor played the recording of his own voice, Chandler finally broke, and his mother covered her face in the back row, not in grief for Adaira but in shame.

He was sentenced to thirty-five years.

Ellwood lost his license and went to prison.

Cassia was convicted as well.