He had pleaded guilty to grand larceny and conspiracy the day before.

“Mr. Brooks, Mrs. Brooks, your actions show a calculated disregard for human life and the law,” Judge Vance said.

Her voice was calm, but it filled every corner of the silent room.

“The medical records and the kitchen video leave no room for doubt,” she said.

She picked up a black pen from her desk.

“For the charge of conspiracy to commit grand larceny, I sentence you both to ten years in the state penitentiary,” she said.

“For the charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, Margaret Brooks, you are sentenced to fifteen years,” she said.

“These sentences will run consecutively,” she added.

That meant twenty-five years.

Margaret did not flinch.

She kept her eyes fixed on the seal of the state of New York on the wall behind the judge.

“Ethan Brooks, for your role in aiding the assault and attempting to destroy evidence, you are sentenced to twelve years,” Judge Vance said.

“This sentence will also run consecutively to your conspiracy sentence,” she said.

That meant twenty-two years.