One of the marshals placed a heavy hand on Patricia’s elbow.

“Ma’am, please step away from the table,” the officer said.

She pulled her arm back, but the second marshal stepped in, handcuffs clicking open.

The sound of the metal teeth catching was loud in the quiet room.

I watched her wrists get bound behind her back.

Her expensive wool coat bunched up around her shoulders as they led her toward the side door.

She did not look at me as she passed.

Elena leaned over and squeezed my forearm.

“It is over, Claire,” she whispered.

The judge was still speaking, his voice droning on about the civil assets.

“The court orders an immediate freeze on all assets tied to Voss Holdings,” the judge declared.

“A receiver will be appointed to oversee the complete liquidation of the firm’s holdings.”

“The proceeds of this liquidation will be directed to satisfy the restitution judgment owed to the plaintiff, Claire.”

I took my first deep breath in two years.

The air in the courtroom tasted of old paper, damp coats, and floor wax.