Chapter 11: Bail Argument
The bail hearing lasted less than an hour.
Garrick’s counsel argued community ties, lack of prior felony record, and the claim that the firearm had been carried out of fear rather than intent. The prosecutor walked the court through the active protective order, the recorded threats, the documented injuries, the financial retaliation timed to the divorce filing, and the unregistered weapon recovered at the scene. The judge listened without expression and set bail high enough, with conditions strict enough, that release became impractical in the near term.
Garrick did not look at me when he was escorted out.
I had not expected him to.
Afterward I met my mother’s attorney in the corridor and reviewed the next calendar dates. Clara remained at the secure rental. She did not attend the hearing. There was no requirement that she sit in the same room and absorb his presence for the sake of appearances.
“He’s not walking out today,” the attorney said. “That gives us room to keep the structure tight.”
May you like
I nodded once and left.
Outside, the afternoon light was flat and ordinary. I sat in the car long enough to send Ethan a brief status note, then drove to the rental to tell my mother the only part that mattered: the conditions still held, and the immediate risk remained contained.
