Here is the last chapter of this story. It is going to be a three part series. Thank you all for reading and reviewing! Amber

Chapter 28

The trial finally ended. Callie was waiting for the verdict. Luckily, she and Frank were packing which provided a nice distraction. Joe came bounding up the steps. "I got into both Boston College and Syracuse!"

Callie beamed. "Joe that's wonderful! Did you hear from Vanessa?"

"She got into MIT and Boston College."

Frank grinned. "That's great Joe. Where are you looking?"

"Boston College."

Callie kissed his cheek. "You'll be close to us. That'll be awesome!"

Frank's phone rang. He answered. "Hello? Ms. Salisbury. They have okay. We're on our way." Frank took Callie's hand. "They've reached a verdict."

Joe said. "Vanessa is downstairs. She'll watch Brooke."

Laura was working, Fenton drove them to the courthouse. Callie sent a text to George and Joanne but remained silent. Her hand reached for Frank's. He took it and squeezed.

Callie didn't want to think at the moment. Her anxiety was off the chart. What if they acquit him? No! She refused to believe that! The prosecution had a solid case for the kidnapping and torture. It was the murder charge that was up in the air. Even though the FBI found a large withdrawal of five hundred thousand dollars three days before her mother died. It was a coincidence the defense had said. Callie shuddered into Frank's shoulder. "I'm worried about the murder charge."

Fenton heard Callie. He soothed as best he could. "It's a very strong circumstantial case and with the evidence of the torture the jury will find him guilty of all charges...believe it."

They went into the courtroom. Ms. Salisbury nodded. She addressed the bailiff. Callie sat between Fenton and Frank. She held one of each of their hands as the judge came in. "Bring in both of the accused."

Callie watched as her father dressed in his best suit came out. Callie held her breath. She waited. The judge said. "Has the jury reached a verdict in the case of the People versus Robert Shaw?"

The jury foreman stood up. She said. "We have your honor." He handed a folder to the bailiff.

Callie held her breath as the judge said. "Robert Shaw please rise."

Callie watched as her father did so. He adjusted his suit jacket and tie and waited.

Judge Donahue said. "On the count of murder in the first degree we the jury find the defendant Robert Shaw guilty."

Robert Shaw's confident smirk quickly left him. He turned and raged at Callie. "You worthless selfish brat! You did this to me! I'm your father! I'll kill you!"

Callie cringed into Frank. Fenton rubbed her back. The Judge Donahue banged his gavel. "Mr. Shaw, control yourself or you will be removed." Once he was silent. Donahue continued. "On the count of kidnapping in the first degree we the jury find the defendant Robert Shaw guilty…"

Callie turned her head and started crying into Frank's shoulder with relief. In the end her father and Linda were convicted of all charges.

Robert Shaw was glaring at Callie. Frank glared back at him. He mouthed. 'Go to hell!'

Linda was also found guilty of her charges. Callie felt like a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She couldn't stop crying. The judge spoke. "Take the offenders back into custody. Sentencing will be in three days for Mr. Shaw and two days for Ms. Reed."

Callie was even more nervous now then when she testified. What could she say that would get the judge to give him the maximum penalty. Linda had received a sentence of twenty years for kidnapping and four for tourture. She would be eligible for parole in sixteen years. She tried writing her thoughts down but they were jumbled. So she was going to wing it. She was sitting beside Frank holding his hand waiting for Judge Donahue to enter. The bailiff said. "All rise. The Honorable Judge Donahue presiding."

"Bring in the offender."

Callie watched as her father was brought in wearing an orange jumpsuit, handcuffs, and shackles. Their eyes met. His look was one of disgusted fury. Hate seemed to ooze out of every pore. Callie shivered. Frank squeezed her hand. Everyone sat down. Judge Donahue cleaned his glasses then addressed her father. "Robert Shaw, you have been convicted of heinous crimes against your wife and your own child. Today, you will hear from individuals that have been deeply affected by your crimes. Madam Prosecutor who will be the first to give restitution to this court."

"I call Emma Beaudry to give her statement."

Emma in a pristine black suit came up to the attorneys podium. After she gave her name, Emma, her eyes glistening with tears, said. "Ellen was my little sister. She was a constant in my life until November second 2002. Her life was taken by one bullet from a gun. That man was caught and ironically so was a man that I once loved like a brother. When I found out the depth of Robert's deception that love turned to hate. I will never forgive him for what he did to my sister or my niece. Your honor I beg you to give him the maximum penalty, life without parole. Thank you."

Emma came back and sat behind Callie. The prosecutor stood up. "I call Callie Hardy to give her statement."

Callie stood up and went to the podium.

The judge asked. "Please state your name for the record."

"Callie Ann Hardy."

The judge nodded. "Mrs. Hardy what would you like this court and the offender to know."

Callie took a deep breath. Then she found her courage and began to speak. "Your honor, the pain and horror that my father put me through is difficult to talk about. He started mentally abusing me at a young age then two years ago, after my mother and aunt took me to Bora Bora he started physical attacks. It started out with grabbing our wrists, maybe our hair, but gradually increased to slaps, then backhands. I didn't tell anyone because I was afraid. But that pain was nothing compared to the pain he put me through at the townhouse in April. He chained me up like an animal. He beat me with a whip ten times. When he was done and left me alone, my heart shattered. He made me go identify my mother's body in the morgue. There is no limit to his ruthlessness. Your honor if you don't give him the maximum penalty he will try to hurt me or my child. I beg you as a woman, as a mother, and as his victim to please lock him up in prison for life. It won't bring my mother back." She sobbed. "I loved her so much. But at least she will get justice and Rest In Peace. Can I address my father?"

"Of course."

Callie took the microphone off the holder and turned to face her father. "I don't understand. How could you be so cruel? I have a daughter. I love her with every breath I take. How could you not love me, your own daughter? How dare you make me feel worthless and terrified. You're a monster, a deplorable human being. You were only obsessed with my mothers money. You were arrogant enough to believe you could get away with murdering her, kidnapping me to steel my baby, and then kill me. I will never forgive you. After today you are out of my life forever." Callie turned back around and put the mic back. "Thank you your honor."

"Mrs. Hardy one moment."

Callie stood at the podium and waited. The judge continued. "I hope and pray you find peace in your heart. This man is a deplorable man and an embarrassment to the human race. But you...you've demonstrated true courage and I hope by your example other victims of domestic violence will find their courage to face their fears."

Callie wiped her eyes with Frank's handkerchief. "Thank you."

Robert Shaw stood up to speak. "Your honor I didn't pay to kill my wife. The evidence against me was illegally obtained. My daughter has simply lost her way. She got pregnant out of wedlock and is very manipulative. I will appeal this case and they will find in my favor. Hopefully, Callie will eventually see reason. I have been a public servant my entire adult life and do not deserve to go to prison because of her lies. The Hardy's are simply enabling her behavior. God sees the truth." He sat down.

Frank was shaking with rage. He was completely blown away by Robert's statement. Callie who was still crying let out a small sob.

The judge said. "Will the offender please rise."

Robert Shaw complied.

Judge Donahue said. "For the count of murder in the first degree you are hereby sentenced to eighty years in prison without parole, for federal kidnapping you are sentenced to twenty years, torture you are sentenced to five years in prison. All these sentences will be served consecutively. Mr. Shaw, you've shown no remorse towards your daughter or late wife. Your personal feelings toward her were quite clear after the jury reached its verdict. Your life as a public servant means nothing to me or anyone else. You offend me and are a terrible human being. Bailiff take him to prison where he will stay for the rest of his life."

Callie wept with relief. He'd never see the light of day again. Frank pulled her into his arms. "It's over now."

Callie kissed him. "Yes thank god."

Epilogue

It was December 19th and Frank and Callie were at The Le Meridian in New York celebrating their first year of marriage. They had been moving things to the Cambridge house slowly and would leave January 2 to start their classes on the fourth. Frank and Callie found a lovely housekeeper/nanny who would work for them Monday through Friday full time. She also had a background in law enforcement which pleased Fenton.

Frank took her hand. "Happy Anniversary darling."

Callie kissed him. "Same to you. I can't believe it's been a year already. What a roller coaster."

Frank laughed. "Agreed. But I wouldn't change a thing."

Callie kissed him again. "Me neither."

She looked outside at the view of central park. They had decided on room service to the room instead of going out. They were going to a Broadway show tomorrow afternoon then they would head home.

Callie moaned. "I'm stuffed."

Frank picked up her plate and while he was cleaning up the dishes, she slipped into the bathroom to change into something more appropriate for the occasion.

Frank cleaned off the small table and took the plates with their warming domes and placed them outside the door. He turned around and saw his wife sitting on the bed wearing a pale pink baby doll. All he could think was 'wow!'

Callie tilted her head and smiled. "You're overdressed for the occasion husband."