Chapter 11 - COURTROOM WARFARE
Three days later, the grand marble courtroom of the Chatham County Superior Court was filled to capacity.
Reporters from local and national news stations crowded the wooden pews, their notebooks ready.
At the plaintiff table, Nora sat wearing a sharp charcoal blazer, holding Ethan’s hand under the desk.
At the defense table sat Eleanor Vance, dressed in an immaculate cream suit, surrounded by four top-tier defense attorneys.
"All rise for the Honorable Judge Marcus Vance," the bailiff announced.
Judge Vance took his seat at the high bench, reviewing the emergency petition documents.
"We are here to determine temporary emergency custody of the minors Ethan Vance and Maya Vance," Judge Vance declared.
Eleanor’s lead attorney stood up smoothly. "Your Honor, my client is a pillar of the Charleston community and the legal guardian of the Vance estate. Mrs. Nora Vance has a history of severe psychological distress."
"My client was grieving a stolen child, Your Honor!" Nora’s attorney countered, slamming a file onto his podium. "And we have Exhibit A!"
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The bailiff brought forward a large metal tray containing the heavy iron chain, the brass lock, and the photographic evidence of Ethan chained to the wooden doghouse.
The courtroom gasped collectively as the images were displayed on the large wall monitors.
