"Courtroom's on the third floor. Judge called us for nine sharp. Traci testifies first." He looks at her directly. "You've prepared for this. Trust your memory. Tell the truth. The evidence supports everything you're going to say."
Traci nods. Grips her notebook tighter.
We take the elevator to the third floor. The hallway outside the courtroom is already filling with people. Federal prosecutors. Defense attorneys. Court staff moving through pre-trial procedures.
And at the far end of the hall, federal marshals escorting a prisoner.
Simon Graves.
Even in orange prison jumpsuit and restraints, he projects authority. The kind that comes from years of law enforcement credibility and the certainty that systems exist to protect men like him.
His eyes find Traci across the distance.
She freezes.
Eli moves immediately. Positions himself between Graves and Traci, blocking the sight line. His hand finds her shoulder. "Don't look at him. Look at me."
Traci drags her gaze away from Graves. Focuses on Eli with visible effort.
"He's in restraints," Eli says quietly. Voice carrying absolute certainty. "Federal custody. Can't touch you. Can't hurt you. He's already lost. Today you just make it official."
Traci's breathing steadies. She nods once. Sharp and determined.
Graves disappears into the courtroom with his defense team. The door closes behind them.
Whitmore touches my arm. "Dr. Sage, you'll wait in the witness room until we call you. Eli can stay with Traci until she testifies, then he'll join you."
Rebecca guides Traci toward the courtroom entrance. She pauses. Turns back.
Looks at Eli, then me. Her notebook comes out.
Thank you. For everything. For not giving up on me.
My throat tightens. "We're not going anywhere. We'll be right outside."
She nods. Then she follows Rebecca into the courtroom.
Eli and I stand in the hallway. His hand finds mine. Squeezes hard enough to hurt. The pain grounds me. Reminds me this is real. That we're here. That Traci's facing her nightmare and we're waiting on the other side.
"She's going to be okay," I tell him.
"I know." His voice is rough. "Doesn't make this easier."
The courtroom door closes. Through the small window I can see Traci taking her seat beside the prosecutors, Rebecca positioned nearby. Judge entering from chambers.
The bailiff calls the court to order.
And Traci Vance prepares to face the man who destroyed her life one final time.
