Chapter 4 - Mid-Atlantic Arrest
Three days into Brinley's hospitalization, the news broke worldwide. The Royal Majesty, a luxury cruise ship sailing near the Bahamas, received a federal warrant issued by the U.S. Marshals and International Police.
I watched the news broadcast from the small television in Brinley's room, with the sound muted so as not to startle her.
The footage showed Coast Guard cutters intercepting the cruise liner at sea. Local law enforcement boarded the vessel and escorted Gail and Holt Merritt off the ship in handcuffs at the port of Nassau. Gail was wearing a bright floral sun hat and oversized sunglasses, her face twisted in rage as reporters shouted questions at her. Holt looked pale, withered, and defeated.
Simultaneously, federal marshals kicked down the door of a beach house in Tampa, Florida, arresting Derek Merritt. He was dragged out in handcuffs, wearing board shorts, yelling that he was innocent.
"They're in custody," Detective Vance announced, walking into the room with a firm smile. "Extradition papers have been signed. They'll be back in Ohio by Friday to face charges of Attempted Murder, Child Endangerment, Kidnapping, Grand Theft, and Forgery."
I looked down at Brinley, who was fast asleep, clutching Barnaby the bear. Her color was slowly returning, thanks to round-the-clock medical care, but she was still dangerously frail.
"It's not enough," I said quietly to Vance. "I want them to sit in a courtroom and look at her. I want them to see what they failed to destroy."
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"They will," Vance assured me. "The prosecutor is pursuing maximum sentences without the possibility of parole. Clara, you saved her life by trusting your gut and walking into that house."
"No," I replied, kissing Brinley’s forehead. "She saved herself by hanging on until I got there."
