Chapter 10 - No Bail for Monsters
“Furthermore,” Judge Alvarez continued, his voice echoing off the high marble walls of the courtroom as he flipped through the forensic accounting summary Agent Miller had prepared. “The prosecution has provided undeniable proof that your clients actively attempted to wire over one million dollars in stolen assets to an offshore jurisdiction as recently as seventy-two hours ago. They are the very definition of a severe flight risk and a persistent danger to the victim.”
“Your Honor, please!” Marcus suddenly shouted from the defense table, ignoring his attorney’s desperate attempts to pull him back into his chair. “We didn't steal anything! She gave us that money! She told us to take the house because Sarah abandoned her for her career! She’s lying to you!”
“One more outburst like that, Mr. Jenkins, and I will have you gagged for the remainder of these proceedings,” Judge Alvarez warned, his gavel coming down with a sharp, echoing crack that silenced the room instantly. “Your bail is denied. Both defendants are remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending trial. You will be held in maximum security isolation without access to phones or outside financial instruments.”
As the federal marshals stepped forward to grab the chains around their waists, Diane broke down into hysterical, theatrical sobs, dropping to her knees on the courtroom carpet and begging the officers not to put her back in the holding cell. She looked toward my mother, holding her shackled hands out in a desperate, pathetic plea for mercy.
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“Eleanor, please!” Diane screamed as the marshals dragged her toward the side holding doors. “Tell them we loved you! Tell them we took care of you! Don't let them send me to prison!”
My mother didn't say a word. She calmly reached out, took my hand in hers, and watched with a steady, peaceful expression until the heavy oak doors of the holding cell slammed shut behind her abusers, sealing them into the darkness they had tried to condemn her to.
