Chapter 7 - The Arraignment
The arraignment was held three days later.
Victoria stood in the courtroom, her shoulders slumped.
Evan sat beside her, his eyes on the floor.
They had been denied bail.
They were being held without bond.
---
The judge looked at the charges.
"Mrs. Bellacourt, you're charged with fraud, embezzlement, and conspiracy."
"Mr. Bellacourt, the same charges apply to you."
"How do you plead?"
---
Victoria looked up.
"Not guilty."
She was defiant.
Evan, however, was quieter.
"Not guilty," he said.
But his voice shook.
---
Claire watched from the gallery.
She was sitting in the back row, holding her baby.
Mara sat beside her.
"It's going to take months to try this case," Mara said.
"I know."
"But they're going to jail for a long time."
Claire nodded.
"I don't need them to go to jail."
"I just need to know my daughter is safe."
May you like
"Claire, she's safe. They can't hurt her."
---
