Chapter 45 - The Federal Hearing
The federal parole board convened in a stark, heavily guarded administrative building three weeks later. Emily, Diane, and I walked into the hearing room, flanked by the federal prosecutor who had originally put Ryan behind bars.
Ryan was led into the room wearing a faded khaki prison jumpsuit, his hands cuffed to a belly chain. The years in federal prison had not been kind to him. The arrogant, slick finance bro was completely gone. His hair was thinning, his posture was slumped, and he looked hollowed out.
When he saw Emily sitting in the gallery, a flash of genuine terror crossed his face. He hadn't expected her to actually show up.
The parole board commissioner, a stern man with zero tolerance for nonsense, opened the file.
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"Mr. Vance, you are serving a seventy-two-month sentence for aggravated wire fraud and identity theft. You have requested early release, citing rehabilitation and a desire to reconnect with your family. However, the board has received a formal statement from your ex-wife."
The commissioner looked directly at Emily. "Mrs. Carter, the floor is yours."
