“The defendant Carlisle has already attempted to flee the jurisdiction with a minor child,” Miller countered.

“He has hidden millions in offshore accounts which have now been seized.”

“The government requests detention without bail.”

Judge Harrison looked over his spectacles at Grant.

“Mr. Carlisle, you are a flight risk,” the judge said.

“Bail is denied.”

Grant’s head dropped onto his chest.

Vanessa’s lawyer did not even attempt to argue for her release.

“Both defendants will remain in federal custody pending trial,” Judge Harrison said, striking his gavel.

The sound echoed through the high-ceilinged room.

The marshals turned the two defendants around to lead them back to the holding cells.

As Grant passed the gallery, he looked up and saw me standing near the exit.

His eyes pleaded with me for a brief second.

I did not move.

I did not offer him a single look of pity.

He had allowed his daughter to be silenced and locked away.

He had taken everything that belonged to my family.

Now, he had nothing left.

The heavy oak doors of the courtroom closed behind them.