Chapter 9 - The Arraignment
The downtown courthouse was absolutely buzzing with aggressive reporters and flashing cameras. A high-profile, multi-million-dollar elder abuse and fraud case involving a wealthy local businessman was pure catnip for the local media. Marcus and Sylvia were led into the crowded courtroom wearing bright, humiliating orange jumpsuits, tightly handcuffed and heavily shackled at the ankles.
Marcus’s high-priced, arrogant defense attorney stood up immediately, demanding bail and citing his client's supposed standing in the community. “My client is a highly respected businessman, Your Honor. He is absolutely not a flight risk, and these charges are a grotesque misunderstanding.”
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I stood up slowly, confidently adjusting my suit jacket, the eyes of the entire courtroom fixed on me. “The State heavily requests remand without bail, Your Honor. The defendants possess active offshore accounts, have demonstrated extreme, documented physical violence toward a highly vulnerable victim, and have systematically engaged in witness intimidation.”
The stern judge banged his heavy wooden gavel without a moment's hesitation. “Bail is firmly denied. Both defendants are remanded to county lockup pending trial.” As the bailiffs aggressively grabbed his arms, Marcus shot me a look of pure, unadulterated hatred. I just smiled back at him.
