Chapter 6 - THE ARRAIGNMENT DAY
The media circus outside the county courthouse was deafening.
Camera flashes popped like relentless lightning bolts, and reporters shouted over each other as the black state transport van pulled up to the courthouse steps. Microphones were shoved toward the officers as Julian and Chloe were led out in orange jumpsuits and heavy waist chains.
Gone were the expensive designer suits, the polished jewelry, and the arrogant smirks.
Julian’s hair was uncombed, his face pale and gaunt as he tried to shield his eyes from the blinding camera lights. Chloe kept her head buried deep against Julian’s shoulder, sobbing hysterically as she realized the full weight of the public humiliation and the prison sentences awaiting them.
From the top of the courthouse steps, standing beside the state district attorney and my mother—who looked radiant in a warm cashmere sweater and sunglasses—I watched them walk the perp walk.
A reporter from the national network spotted me and pushed through the media barrier.
"Assistant Attorney General Vance! Assistant Attorney General Vance! Is it true that your own brother and sister-in-law ran an elder abuse and financial fraud ring? How does it feel to prosecute your own family?"
I stepped up to the microphone, my voice steady, resonant, and carrying absolute authority across the courtyard.
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"Justice doesn't look at last names," I declared into the wall of microphones. "It looks at the truth. Elder abuse and financial exploitation are cowardly crimes committed by cowards who think vulnerability is an invitation. Let this be a warning to anyone who preys on the elderly: no matter who you are, no matter how clever your cover is, the law will find you, strip away your illusions, and hold you fully accountable."
The cameras flashed blindingly. The message was sent loud and clear across the nation.
