Chapter One Hundred and Ninety - Don’t let him

"After reviewing the arguments and the nature of the charges, I have decided that bail is denied. The defendant will remain in custody until the trial."

The judge’s words hit like a hammer. Franklin let out the breath he had been holding in since he walked into the courtroom and slumped his shoulders, which seemed to weigh much more than before.

Victoria's hand flew to her mouth, stifling a gasp. Amelia's eyes began to sting, and she gripped Jason's hand tightly.

“Damn it,” Jason hissed under his breath, his tone a mix of frustration and disbelief.

The judge dismissed them, and the guards began to escort Franklin out of the courtroom. Almost immediately, Jason, Amelia, and Victoria followed them outside.

As they led Franklin out, he turned back to see his colleagues staring at him with eyes full of empathy and devastation.

Franklin turned to the guards, his eyes desperate. "Please let me speak to them," he begged the guards. "Just let me talk to my friends for a moment."

The guards e