Harold, the life ruiner and coward, hadn’t even bothered to show his face.

If Marina had felt even a moment of doubt about her marriage ending, it was gone. Nothing he could do would ever make up for not being in this courtroom, supporting his daughter over the situation he had created. Marina was certain she’d never hated anyone more in her life.

Avery looked over at her and Marina gave her what she hoped was a reassuring nod. Avery didn’t need her anger right now. She needed support. If Avery could sense that Marina thought everything would be all right, then Avery would think everything would be all right. Despite all her noisemaking about being an adult, Avery still wasn’t mature enough to handle this. Not on her own.

The bailiff called them to session and Judge Leger rapped his gavel. He motioned to the sheriff, who had Avery stand, then to the DA, who rose and presented the charges against Avery. When the DA was done, the judge looked at Luke.

“Please introduce yourself to the court,” Judge Leger said.

Luke rose. “Luke Abshire. Counsel for the defendant.”

“I don’t believe I’ve had you in my court before, Mr. Abshire,” Judge Leger said. “I was under the impression you were the game warden.”

“That’s correct, Your Honor. But I hold a law degree and am licensed to practice in Louisiana. I’m representing Ms. Trahan.”

Judge Leger looked somewhat confused and definitely displeased but he turned to look at Avery. “Ms. Trahan, how do you plead?”

“Not guilty,” Avery said, and Marina’s heart clenched at how scared she sounded.

“Your Honor,” the DA began, “we’re asking that bail be denied. Even though this is her first offense, Ms. Trahan is an adult, not a child. Given that Last Chance is a small town and Ms. Trahan’s attack on Ms. LeDoux produced some horrific injuries, we feel she’s a danger if released.”

Marina started to bolt up and yell, but Halcyon grabbed her arm and kept her from making a huge mistake. For the first time, Halcyon was the one holding Marina back. It was usually the other way around.

“Your Honor,” Luke said, “Ms. Trahan attends the university in New Orleans. Once she meets bail, she’ll be returning there to pursue her studies.”

“I don’t think she should be allowed to leave town,” the DA said.

“Why not?” Luke asked. “She’s hardly a flight risk. She doesn’t even have a passport. Besides, the alleged victim was in the process of stealing Ms. Trahan’s property when Ms. Trahan accosted her. If she’d returned the stolen items without hesitation, all of this could have been avoided.”

The DA’s eyes widened as he realized this was not going as he’d intended. “Ms. LeDoux had permission from your client’s father to borrow the clothing. That hardly represents a robbery.”

Luke smiled. “But as you’ve already pointed out—Ms. Trahan is not a minor. So her father can’t give permission concerning her property. Even though the domicile is deeded in her father’s name, it’s still my client’s residence. She has rights.”