Chapter 5 - THE FIRST HEARING
Nathan's first court appearance lasted twelve minutes.
He arrived surrounded by attorneys.
He wore a navy suit.
Perfect tie.
Perfect hair.
Perfect expression.
The same man who had once stood over me with a whip now stood before a judge pretending to be respectable.
His attorney spoke first.
"My client denies the allegations."
The prosecutor stood.
"We have evidence."
"Fabricated evidence."
The prosecutor placed a drive on the table.
"Encrypted recordings."
Nathan's face changed.
Only slightly.
But I saw it.
Fear.
The judge ordered the evidence reviewed.
One recording played.
Nathan's voice filled the courtroom.
Then Celeste's.
Then my own.
The judge stopped the recording after less than a minute.
His expression was cold.
"Mr. Ashford, do you understand what you've been charged with?"
Nathan looked toward me.
He didn't answer.
The judge repeated himself.
Nathan finally said, "Yes."
"You are also being investigated for financial fraud, conspiracy, unlawful asset transfers, witness intimidation, and aggravated assault."
Nathan's attorney objected.
The judge raised his hand.
"Enough."
Nathan stared at the floor.
For the first time, I saw the man I had feared for years become small.
The judge ordered him held without bail pending further investigation.
As officers led him away, Nathan turned.
Our eyes met.
"You think this is over?"
I said nothing.
He smiled.
"You'll come back."
I finally answered.
"No."
His smile disappeared.
May you like
"I already came back."
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