Chapter 16 - The Ultimate Betrayal Signed In My Name
The federal indictment papers were finalized by noon, listing forty-two felony counts against Avia Vance.
Charges included wire fraud, identity theft, interstate extortion, and systemic tax evasion spanning two decades.
Media vans from national news networks began gathering outside the federal courthouse in downtown Cincinnati.
Beck and Talia stood on the stone steps holding little Wren, watching the flashing camera lights illuminate the plaza.
For the first time in years, Talia didn't feel the need to apologize for standing in the light beside her husband.
She wore her own name with pride, knowing the debt of lies fabricated by Avia had finally been dissolved by truth.
A pair of federal marshals escorted Avia out of the side entrance of the courthouse in steel handcuffs.
Her silver hair was slightly disheveled, her expensive designer coat pulled tight against the cold autumn wind.
May you like
She didn't look at the cameras, nor did she look at the reporters shouting questions from behind the metal barricades.
Her sharp eyes locked directly onto Beck and Talia standing near the upper landing of the stone stairs.
