Chapter 12 - The Fall from Grace
The courtroom was filled to maximum capacity with reporters, local politicians, and former high-society friends of the Vance family.
Sitting at the defense table in bright orange prison jumpsuits were Daniel and Lorraine. Without his tailored suits and professional hair styling, Daniel looked gaunt, desperate, and noticeably aged. Lorraine sat slumped in her chair, her golden hair unwashed, her face devoid of makeup, staring blankly at her handcuffed wrists.
Their defense attorney stood up, cleared his throat, and looked at the judge. “Your Honor, my clients are lifelong residents of this county with no prior criminal records. We request that bail be set at a reasonable amount so they may prepare their defense from home—”
“Objection, Your Honor,” the lead federal prosecutor interjected, stepping forward with a heavy legal file. “The government has submitted new evidence provided by Mr. Marcus Vance and the State Attorney General’s Office. The defendants pose a extreme flight risk and have active ties to international financial crime syndicates.”
Daniel’s head snapped toward the gallery, his eyes widening in fury as he spotted his older brother sitting quietly next to Clara in the front row.
“Marcus?!” Daniel screamed, trying to stand up before two bailiffs shoved him back into his chair. “You traitor! You're siding with her?! She’s crazy! She’s destroying our family!”
“Silence in the court!” the judge slammed his wooden gavel down with a loud thud that echoed through the high-ceilinged room.
Lorraine began to sob loudly, covering her face with her cuffed hands. “Marcus, please! Tell them! Tell them your brother is a good boy!”
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Marcus didn't answer. He sat beside Clara, his hands folded neatly in his lap, looking straight ahead with quiet, unwavering resolve.
👉 The judge looked over his reading glasses at the defense table, his expression turned to pure stone.
