He handed the bag to another officer standing nearby.
“Hold this.”
Then he pulled Victoria forward again.
“Let's go.”
She glanced at the officer holding her handbag.
“Please be careful with that.”
Lawson smirked.
“Worried about your little purse?”
“Not the purse.”
“Then what?”
“The contents.”
He laughed again.
“You're going to have bigger problems than a missing notebook.”
Victoria looked toward the courtroom doors.
“I know.”
Chapter 4: The Empty Chair
Inside Courtroom 6B, Judge Eleanor Whitmore was reviewing a stack of documents.
She had presided over federal cases for more than twenty years.
Her courtroom was known for its strict procedures.
She disliked unnecessary speeches.
She disliked theatrical arguments.
And she especially disliked people who treated the justice system like a stage.
At 9:00 a.m., the courtroom clerk approached her.
“Your Honor, the parties are ready.”
Judge Whitmore looked at the schedule.
“Is Ms. Bennett here?”
The clerk checked the list.
“She was expected at nine.”
“Has anyone contacted her?”
“Not yet.”
The judge looked toward the empty chair reserved for special counsel.
“Call her office.”
The clerk picked up the telephone.
Several seconds passed.
Then she covered the receiver.
“Your Honor, her office says she left for the courthouse this morning.”
“Then where is she?”
“We're trying to find out.”
At the prosecutor's table, Nathan Cole adjusted his tie.
He had been waiting for this hearing for three weeks.
His case involved a police officer accused of falsifying evidence in a criminal investigation.
The defense had requested access to several internal department records.
Victoria Bennett had been appointed to review those records independently.
Her report was supposed to determine whether the prosecution had withheld evidence that could affect the defendant's case.
Cole wanted the hearing finished.
He wanted the records sealed.
And he wanted the court to accept the department's explanation that the missing footage was the result of a technical malfunction.
Victoria's report threatened all three objectives.
Cole looked at the empty chair.
“Perhaps she's reconsidering her position,” he said quietly.
Judge Whitmore heard him.
“Mr. Cole, do you know where Ms. Bennett is?”
“No, Your Honor.”
“Then I suggest you avoid speculating.”
Cole nodded.
A moment later, the courtroom doors opened.
But Victoria did not enter.
Instead, Officer Lawson appeared in the doorway.
He was holding her by the arm.
She was handcuffed.
Her handbag was being carried by another officer.
The room went quiet.
Judge Whitmore looked up.
“Officer, what is this?”
Lawson straightened.
“Your Honor, we have a detainee.”
“Who?”
“Victoria Bennett.”
The judge's expression changed.
“Why is Ms. Bennett in handcuffs?”
Lawson hesitated.
“She's being detained in connection with an ongoing investigation.”
Judge Whitmore slowly put down her pen.
“An investigation into what?”
Lawson looked toward Cole.
Cole avoided his eyes.
“I'm not authorized to discuss the details, Your Honor.”
The judge stared at him.
“You are standing in my courtroom, escorting a person who has been appointed by this court, and you are telling me you are not authorized to explain why she is handcuffed?”
Lawson shifted his weight.
“That's correct.”
Judge Whitmore's voice became colder.
“Then perhaps you should begin by explaining who authorized you to bring her here.”
Lawson opened his mouth.
But Victoria spoke first.
“Good morning, Your Honor.”
The judge looked at her.
“Ms. Bennett.”
Victoria smiled.
“I'm sorry I'm late.”
Chapter 5: The Prosecutor's Confidence
Nathan Cole stood.
“Your Honor, perhaps we should take a brief recess.”
Judge Whitmore didn't look at him.
“Sit down, Mr. Cole.”
He slowly returned to his chair.
The judge turned toward Lawson.
“Remove the handcuffs.”
Lawson hesitated.
“Your Honor, she's under detention.”
“I heard you.”
“Then you understand that—”
“I understand that I have not yet been provided with a lawful explanation for why an officer has brought a court-appointed official into this courtroom in restraints.”
Lawson looked uncomfortable.
“Ma'am, with respect, this is a police matter.”
Judge Whitmore's eyes narrowed.
“No. The moment you entered this courtroom, it became a matter before this court.”
She pointed toward the floor.
“Remove them.”
Lawson looked at Victoria.
She was still smiling.
That smile was beginning to bother him.
He unlocked the handcuffs.
Victoria rubbed her wrists gently.
“Thank you, Officer.”
Lawson muttered something under his breath.
Judge Whitmore heard it.
“Did you say something?”
“No, Your Honor.”
“Then remain silent until I address you.”
Victoria stepped toward the table.
Her handbag was returned to her.
She placed it beside her chair.
Cole watched her carefully.