Rose sat rigidly in the plush chair across from Gary Wilkins, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. Though the sleek decor of his corner office suite projected an air of prestige, she could barely focus on her surroundings. The sting of the judge's harsh bail ruling at Blake's arraignment still reverberated through her mind.
"I know that wasn't the outcome we hoped for," Gary began, steepling his fingers. "But this is simply round one in what will be a lengthy legal battle."
Rose exhaled a shaky breath, forcing herself to remain composed. "You told me before the hearing that Blake's spotless record and community ties would justify a reasonable bail amount. How did the judge arrive at that exorbitant sum?"
