I pulled out the affidavits. “Additionally, I have character witnesses prepared to testify that Ms. Morrison has no history of violence, no criminal record, and deep ties to this community.”
Back and forth Wolfe and I went, two fighters circling in the ring, each looking for an opening. But this was just the first round, and we both knew it. In the game of criminal law, trials were marathons, not sprints. You won some battles, lost others, but every single skirmish mattered in the larger war.
Finally, Judge Ortiz raised his hand for silence, and when he did, the courtroom held its breath.
The silence stretched, unbearable, and I found myself too tense to even blink.
“After reviewing the arguments from both sides,” he began, his voice carrying the weight of decision, “the court finds that while the charges are serious, the defendant has substantial ties to the community and no prior criminal history.”
Wolfe leaned forward slightly, ready to pounce on any opening.
“However,” Ortiz continued, “given the severity of the alleged crime, the court cannot release the defendant on her own recognizance.” He looked directly at Faith, and his expression softened slightly. “Bail is set at ten million dollars. Defendant is ordered to submit to GPS electronic monitoring as a condition of bond.”
Ten million was astronomical, but it wasn’tno bail. It was a victory, even if it came with a price tag that would make most people’s eyes water.
“Your Honor—” Wolfe started to object, but Ortiz cut him off with a raised hand.
“That’s my ruling, Counselor. The defendant will surrender her passport and submit to electronic monitoring. Any violation of bail conditions will result in immediate remand to custody.” I suspected Wolfe’s ridiculous charges might have actually worked in our favor today. Regardless, the gavel came down with finality. “Court is adjourned.”
As the bailiff approached to escort Faith back to holding, she turned to me, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “Thank you,” she whispered, the words barely audible.
“I’ll get you out of here tonight. I promise.”
My mind was already racing ahead to the next steps. DNA results would take another week or two. My PI was still canvassing the area for surveillance cameras near the woods. And I was waiting on the full autopsy report. Not just cause of death, but toxicology, wound angles, any defensive injuries on Daniel’s body that proved there was a struggle. The fingerprints were a start, but I needed the complete picture. I needed to prove that Daniel Kearns attacked her first.
My phone buzzed before the bailiff had even ushered Faith to the door.
Blake: Tell me where to send the money. I want her out NOW.
I typed back quickly:First National. I’ll handle the bondsman. She’ll be home tonight.
I watched Faith’s retreating form until she disappearedthrough the courthouse doors, already missing the warmth of her hand in mine.
Wolfe paused beside our table as he packed up his theatrical pile of folders, his voice low enough that only I could hear. “Enjoy your victory, Kincaid. It’ll be your last one on this case.”
I met his gaze steadily, letting him see that I wasn’t intimidated by his power plays or his inflated charges. “Funny thing about marathons, Wolfe. The guy who sprints at the starting line usually doesn’t make it to the finish.”
His smile was all teeth, no warmth. “We’ll see about that.”
As he strode out of the courtroom, his expensive shoes clicking against the marble with that same predatory rhythm I’d heard in the hospital, I knew one thing for certain: this was far from over.
And Bennett Wolfe had just shown me exactly how dirty he was willing to fight.
12
RYKER
SINNERS AND SAINTS GROUP CHAT
Axel: Congrats, Counselor. Only ten million. Next time, maybe shoot for nine? Work on those negotiation skills.
Jace: Tell me where to wire it.
Blake: Done. But thanks.
Axel: Look at us. Dropping eight figures like it’s Starbucks money. We’re basically the Avengers, but with better lawyers and worse personalities.
Blake: “We.” You included yourself in that very quickly.
