Lily was still at the hospital, but Marcus had sent me a text saying her physical tests were clear.

The courtroom was quiet, save for the hum of the ventilation system.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Helen Miller stood at the prosecution table, organizing her files.

The side door opened, and two armed marshals led Grant and Vanessa in.

They were handcuffed together at the waist, wearing orange jumpsuits and plastic slippers.

Grant looked at the floor, his shoulders slumped.

Vanessa stared straight ahead, her face pale.

Judge Harrison took his seat at the bench.

“Case number 44-Civ-901, the United States versus Grant Carlisle and Vanessa Vale,” the clerk read.

Helen Miller stepped forward to the podium.

“Your Honor, the government presents a twenty-four count indictment,” Miller said.

“The charges include conspiracy to commit interstate kidnapping, embezzlement of federally protected assets, and wire fraud.”

She laid a thick stack of papers on the clerk’s desk.

“We also have evidence of child endangerment and physical abuse of a minor,” Miller added.

Grant’s public defender stood up.

“Your Honor, my client has no prior record and wishes to discuss bail,” the lawyer said.