Page 160 of Sins of the Father

We get through security at the courthouse and take our seats behind Claire. Quinn and I sit next to each other, and Harper and Jamison are on the other sides of us. Jamison leans over. “Don’t you think it’s a bit strange this isn’t on the news, and there aren’t any reporters here?”

An uneasiness creeps up. “You’re right. This should be all over the headlines.”

“How many people would need to be paid off to keep this under wraps?” Jamison asks.

“Everyone, including the FBI,” I mutter.

He nods and sits back.

The judge says, “Everyone, please clear the courtroom. The next case will be closed to the public.”

“What?” Quinn gasps.

Claire turns. “Wait outside.”

“Can they do this?”

“Yes. Don’t talk to anyone and go.”

The room clears out, and we are the last to leave. I hoped to get a glimpse of my mother to see how she’s handling things, but she never appears. The next ten minutes are excruciating, and I spend it pacing the hallway.

Claire finally walks out.

“What’s going on?” Quinn asks worriedly.

“We’ll talk in the car.”

We follow her outside, and Ted pulls up. Quickly, we all slide in.

“Her bail is set at one million.”

“What? That’s insane,” Quinn cries out.

“We’ll cover it,” Jamison assures her.

Claire hands him the paperwork. “You can have this processed in thirty minutes.”

“Why did they make us leave?” I ask.

“They are keeping it under wraps so the media doesn’t find out. My guess is the judge, and FBI, are all under the governor’s orders.”

“He’s done this to force me into working for him, and no one will know he wrongfully incarcerated my mother. He thinks she’ll run back to him since no one knows.”

“She probably will,” Quinn mumbles.

“She better not,” I hiss.

Harper puts her hand on my arm.

Quinn’s eyes glisten. “How many times has she let him get away with treating her like dirt, Steven? All he does is manipulate her. He’s still in control, even when she’s behind bars. What makes this any different?”

“She knows he’s a criminal now. It has to change something,” I insist.

“I hope so but don’t expect a miracle, Steven,” Quinn quietly replies.

“This is different.” As the words come out, I can’t help but wonder if it’s true, or if Maximillion will sink his claws into her again.

“How long will it take to release her once bail is paid?” Quinn asks.

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