Chapter 11: The Arraignment Day
The morning of Chloe’s arraignment dawned cold and gray, mirroring the severe mood at the municipal courthouse downtown. David and Elena sat quietly in the back row of the public gallery, observing the steady stream of minor infractions, petty thefts, and local disputes being processed by the presiding judge. They weren't there to gloat or seek petty revenge; they were simply there to ensure accountability was served in full accordance with the law.
Chloe sat at the defense table a few rows ahead of them, flanked by a public defender who looked visibly exhausted by the sheer volume of his caseload. She wore a simple dark sweater instead of her signature red jacket, her blonde hair pulled back loosely. When she briefly turned her head to scan the gallery, her eyes locked onto Elena and David with a flash of bitter resentment, but she quickly looked away as the bailiff called the court to order.
"Case number 44-B: State versus Chloe Vance," the clerk announced in a monotone, echoing voice through the courtroom's sound system.
The judge adjusted his glasses, reviewing the file spread out before him on the bench. He scanned the police report, the contractor's affidavit, and the grayscale security stills submitted by Marcus Vance on behalf of the plaintiffs. The charges were clear: felony malicious mischief, criminal trespassing, and property destruction exceeding the statutory threshold.
"Ms. Vance, how do you plead to the charges brought against you by the state?" the judge asked, peering down over the rim of his spectacles.
Chloe’s public defender leaned over, whispering urgently into her ear for several long seconds. Chloe hesitated, her jaw tight, before muttering, "Not guilty, Your Honor."
A quiet murmur rippled through the courtroom. The judge raised an eyebrow, noting the overwhelming digital and physical evidence attached to the prosecution's file. "Very well. Given the nature of the photographic evidence and the estimated damages provided by the property owners, bail is set at ten thousand dollars, with strict no-contact orders prohibiting any approach toward the complainants or their residence. Trial date is set for next month."
May you like
David and Elena watched quietly as Chloe was led away to process the paperwork. Arthur was nowhere to be seen in the gallery, having finally accepted that throwing money at this specific legal wall would accomplish nothing.
Elena let out a slow, controlled breath as they stood up to leave the courtroom. The legal machinery was officially turning, operating independently of personal emotions and family guilt trips.
