Page 193 of The Advocate’s Ultimatum

Everything had been moving quickly since early that morning. Phone calls with the District Attorney's office and a special hearing added onto Judge Hammouri's calendar. Between court and paperwork, Sabre hadn't had five uninterrupted minutes alone with Bay.

She didn't like throwing all this at the girl in court, but she didn’t want to delay another moment.

Bay entered through the side door with a probation officer and immediately looked toward Sabre. She looked irritated and confused.

She sat between her two attorneys and leaned toward Sabre. “What is this?”

“I'll explain in a minute, but it’s all good.”

Judge Hammouri adjusted the file in front of her. “Good afternoon.”

The deputy district attorney stood. “Your Honor, after review of newly discovered witness information and additional evidence, the People move to dismiss the charges and release Bay Mercer from juvenile hall custody.”

Sabre looked sideways. Bay hadn't moved. Vale glanced toward her too.

Judge Hammouri looked down over her glasses. “Ms. Mercer?”

Bay blinked, then turned to Sabre. “I’ll be released?”

“Yes.”

The DDA continued, “The evidence no longer supports the allegation.” He glanced briefly at his notes. “A witness stated Todd Maddox remained alive after Ms. Mercer left the apartment, and the ME said the stabbing was not the cause of death.”

Bay whispered, “It wasn’t Hannah. She didn’t do it. She can’t take the blame.”

Sabre whispered back, “She’s the witness. She came back and saw what happened. Please wait to hear it all.”

Bay turned and stared straight ahead now.

“The witness also identified another individual as responsible for the fatal injuries. New charges have already been filed, and the alleged perpetrator is in custody.”

Silence settled over the courtroom.

Judge Hammouri signed several documents and handed them toward the clerk. “The murder petition is dismissed.”

“Thank you, Your Honor,” Sabre said.

The judge looked directly at Bay. “Ms. Mercer, I know this doesn't give you back the time you spent in custody.” Her voice softened. “But I am sorry for what you've been through.”

Bay nodded.

The judge continued. “You're still a child, and children sometimes end up in circumstances they never should’ve been put into.”

Bay blinked hard.

Judge Hammouri glanced at the attorneys. “Do we have family information for placement?”

The probation officer stood. “At this time, Your Honor, no placement has been finalized.”

Judge Hammouri looked toward counsel table. “Ms. Brown?”

Sabre stood. “Your Honor, Bay will be transported to Polinsky temporarily while family options are explored. Social Services have already been notified and are working on her case.”

Bay turned toward her. “I don’t understand.”

“I’ll explain once we get you out of custody.”

The judge looked back toward Bay. “I know that's not ideal, Ms. Mercer, but we're going to make sure you're somewhere safe.”