Chapter 149 Unseen Hands
Mia’s POV
+25 BONUS
The courtroom felt impossibly small that inorning, every sound amplified in the tense atmosphere. I shifted uncomfortably on the hard wooden bench, trying to find a position that didn’t make my back ache. At almost seven months pregnant with twins, comfort was becoming a distant memory.
“You okay?” Mom whispered, her hand finding mine.
I nodded. The truth was, I wasn’t okay.
I had a feeling that today would not be very easy. Especially after I saw that possible “Taylor“.
Robert, our attorney, leaned over from my other side. “Remember this is just a formality. With the evidence we have, the judge should deny bail.”
The courtroom doors opened, and the bailiff called for everyone to rise as Judge Harriet Monroe entered. She was a severe- looking woman with steel–gray hair pulled back in a tight bun and rectangular glasses that seemed to magnify her already piercing gaze.
“Please be seated,” she instructed, her voice carrying effortlessly through the room.
As everyone settled, the side door opened, and Taylor appeared, escorted by a corrections officer. My breath caught in my throat. She looked different than I’d expected. Instead of the designer clothes and perfect makeup she usually wore like armor, she was dressed in a modest navy blue dress that made her look almost… vulnerable. Her hair was pulled back in a simple ponytail, and her face was nearly bare of makeup. If I hadn’t known better, I might have mistaken her for someone else entirely.
Our eyes met briefly across the room. I expected to see hatred or defiance, but instead, there was something else. She was calm. She seemed to have everything under control. That made me very uneasy. Taylor should not have behaved like that.
My mother’s grip on my hand tightened. “Don’t let her get to you,” she whispered. “That’s exactly what she wants.”
“The court calls case number 47293, State versus Taylor Matthews” the clerk announced.
A man I didn’t recognize stood beside Taylor. Tall and distinguished–looking with salt–and–pepper hair and an impeccably tailored suit that probably cost more than most people’s monthly rent.
“Carson Whitfield, Your Honor, representing Ms. Matthews,” he said in a voice that carried just the right amount of deference while still projecting absolute confidence.
My stomach dropped. Carson Whitfield was one of the most prominent defense attorneys in New York–known for representing high–profile clients and securing favorable outcomes even in seemingly impossible cases. His services didn’t come cheap. Not the kind of lawyer someone with frozen assets should be able to afford.
Robert tensed beside me. “This complicates things,” he murmured
The District Attorney, Eliza Kramer, stood from her table. “Eliza Kramer for the State, Your Honor.”
Judge Monroe nodded. “This is a bail hearing for the defendant, Taylor Matthews, who stands charged with conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and accessory after the fact in the attempted murder of Sarah Williams. Ms. Kramer, the State’s position on bail?”
Eliza straightened her shoulders. “Your Honor, the State strongly opposes bail in this case. Ms. Matthews has demonstrated a pattern of deceptive behavior, including attempting to flee when initially confronted with evidence of he lvement. Furthermore, given the severity of the charges and the substantial evidence against her, we believe she pants a significant flight risk.”
Judge Monroe turned to Whitfield. “Counsel for the defense?”
Whitfield stepped forward with the easy confidence of someone who knew exactly how to command a room. “Your Honor, the.
1/2
Chapter 149 Ungeon Hanas
+25 BONUS
prosecution’s characterization of my client is both unfair and inaccurate. Ms. Matthews is a respected member of the community with deep ties to New York. She has no prior criminal record and has fully cooperated with authorities since these unfortunate allegations came to light.”
I nearly scoffed aloud at the blatant misrepresentation. Taylor had fought the investigation at every turn, only “cooperating” when backed into a corner.
“Furthermore,” Whitfield continued, “my client is not a flight risk She has surrendered her passport and is willing to submit to electronic monitoring. She also has a stable residence and employment waiting for her upon release.”
Employment? What employment? Taylor hadn’t held a real job in years. Everything she had was tied to my father’s business oT funded by his money–both of which were now frozen pending the outcome of his own criminal case,
“Your Honor,” Eliza interjected, “the State has serious concerns about Ms. Matthews‘ resources. While her known accounts
undisclosed funds that could facilitate flight.” have been frozen, we have reason to believe she may have access
“That’s speculative at best,” Whitfield countered smoothly. “The prosecution offers no evidence for this claim. My client has provided a full accounting of her financial resources.”
Judge Monroe peered over her glasses at Taylor. “Ms. Matthews, do you understand that if I grant bail and you violate any of the conditions set forth, you will be immediately remanded to custody and likely face additional charges?”
Taylor nodded, her expression appropriately solemn. “Yes, Your Honor. I understand completely.”
“And you are prepared to comply with all conditions, including electronic monitoring and regular check–ins with the court?
“Absolutely, Your Honor,” Taylor replied, her voice soft and respectful–so different from her normal imperious tone that it was almost jarring.
Judge Monroe considered for a moment, reviewing the papers before her. The courtroom remained silent, the tension almost palpable. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest.
“Having reviewed the evidence and arguments presented, I am setting bail at one million dollars,” Judge Monroe announced. My breath caught. One million dollars? There was no way Taylor had access to that kind of money–not with her accounts frozen.
“Additionally,” the judge continued, “the defendant will be subject to electronic monitoring, weekly check–ins with the court, and must remain within the city limits. Any violation of these conditions will result in immediate revocation of bail.”
Whitfield smiled smoothly. “Thank you, Your Honor. My client is prepared to post bail immediately.” Immediately? My eyes widened as I looked at Robert, who appeared equally surprised.
