“Your Honor,” Vance said. “In light of the physical evidence of assault, and the attempted flight risk of the defendants, the state requests immediate detention.”

Margaret’s attorney stood up quickly.

“Your Honor, my client is an elderly woman with no prior criminal record,” he argued.

“She is not a flight risk.”

“Your Honor,” Vance countered, holding up a manila folder. “We have obtained flight itineraries purchased in cash under assumed names.”

“Discovered in the glove compartment of Ethan Brooks’s vehicle.”

The judge frowned, looking at the documents Vance handed to the bailiff.

Before the judge could speak, the heavy wooden doors at the back of the courtroom swung open.

A young woman in a dark gray suit entered quickly, her heels clicking on the hardwood floor.

She carried a small, sealed evidence bag.

She walked straight to Detective Sullivan and whispered something in his ear.

Sullivan’s expression went cold.

He stood up, took the evidence bag, and looked back toward the gallery where I was sitting.

He didn’t look at the judge.

He looked directly at me.

Inside the clear plastic bag was a small, black electronic device.