Chapter 8
The Law of the Family
At the pre-trial hearing, the Family Justice Council rules that Sterling, as a member of the victim's family, cannot submit evidence in support of Elara. Lina must first notify Helena of the evidence, then Helena may review and submit it to the council. The council states there is no time for this process before the trial, and the evidence can only be used on appeal if Elara is convicted. Elara, Lina, and Sterling are devastated but resolve to fight on during the trial.
The hearing chamber was smaller than Elara had expected. A long wooden table faced three elevated chairs where the council members sat—a middle-aged woman with sharp eyes, a man with graying hair and a tired expression, and a younger woman who looked as though she had seen too many broken families. Fluorescent lights hummed overhead, casting a sterile glow on the polished floor.
Helena sat across the aisle, her back straight, her hands folded on the table in front of her. Marcus was beside her, his face unreadable. Behind them, Patricia the neighbor sat with her hands clasped, her eyes darting nervously. Elara forced herself to breathe evenly. She had the truth on her side. That had to count for something.
Lina rose first. “Honorable Council, we have gathered here today to present new evidence that we believe exonerates my sister, Elara Vance, and identifies the true perpetrator of Damien Vance’s death.” She gestured to Sterling, who stood and placed a folder on the table. “This evidence includes financial records, system logs, and a recorded confession from Marcus Vance, the victim’s brother, regarding his manipulation of testimony and possible involvement in Damien’s murder.”
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