Chapter 36

Once at the courthouse, Dax flanked my left side, clutching my hand, and Douglas Drake did the same on my right, leading me with a hand on the small of my back as they pushed through the crowd. There were news crews outside, a ton of people Douglas later told me wanted to get in the actual courtroom to witness the trial, and even some brandishing signs of moral support. I tried not to acknowledge any of it.

When I had dressed this morning, I put on a suit I hadn't worn since leaving the bank and a kickass pair of heels. When I studied myself in the mirror, I saw the strength that had left me over a year ago that night at the bar. I wasn't the same person, but the determination that carried me through my parents' death would carry me through this as well. I straightened my spine and held my head high. Donning my inner Boardroom Bitch, I braved the day ahead.

My friends were here in support but met us inside and followed Douglas's instructions about where to sit. Shelly had come wit