Chapter 5 - The Bail Hearing
The county courthouse was packed with local reporters by nine o'clock on Thursday morning.
The news of the wealthy socialite Evelyn Whitmore being charged with felony assault and child endangerment had flooded the city headlines.
Ryan sat in the front row of the gallery next to Maya.
Maya wore a simple dark suit, her cheek still showing a faint yellowing bruise under her makeup.
Evelyn was led out by two guards, wearing an orange jumpsuit that clashed violently with her silver hair.
Her defense attorney, a sharp-faced man named Richard Vance, stood beside her with a thick leather briefcase.
"Your Honor," Vance argued passionately to the judge.
"Mrs. Whitmore is a pillar of this community."
"She is sixty-two years old, has no prior criminal record, and is a major benefactor to the city's hospital wing."
"This entire situation is an unfortunate domestic dispute exacerbated by emotional strain."
"The defense moves for immediate release on personal recognizance."
The district attorney, Sarah Miller, stepped up to the podium, placing a black flash drive onto the wooden desk.
"Your Honor, the state presents exhibit A: raw footage recovered from the defendant's hidden camera installed without consent in the victim's home."
"The video clearly shows the defendant stealing an asthmatic child's medication, physically striking the mother, and stating her intent to forcibly remove the child."
"She is an immediate danger to the victims."
The judge looked down over his spectacles at Evelyn, his expression hardening.
"Bail is set at two million dollars," the judge ruled, slamming his gavel.
May you like
"A full protective order is issued immediately."
"The defendant is to have no contact, direct or indirect, with Ryan, Maya, or Oliver Whitmore."
