Ann stood with her mouth wide open, unable to speak.
Only when the lead official fastened the handcuffs on her wrists did she fall apart.
"I just wanted a fun Halloween! Mom, Dad, Lyndon, they were all part of it too!" She tore the necklace from her neck and pushed it toward me. "Here, take it! Forgive me! I don't want to go to prison!"
I did not take it.
Mom pulled her close, shouting, "No one is taking her anywhere! She's still just a child!"
I spoke coldly, "Parents are responsible for their children's choices. Are you ready to stand by that?"
Mom lifted her chin. "I will take her place! Send me! Her whole life is still ahead of her!"
I nodded. "Fine. The fine is in the seven-figure range. You can pay it on her behalf."
Dad stared in disbelief. "Seven figures? Over one pu
