“Did you hear that?” I asked.
Through the speaker came a voice: “Loud and clear, Chief Justice. Marshals are entering now.”
Daniel blinked. “Chief what?”
The doors burst open.
State Court Marshals flooded the room.
“Nobody move!”
Daniel sputtered. “Do you know who I am?”
I opened my wallet and displayed my badge.
“I’m Chief Justice Claire Harper,” I said. “And the law doesn’t answer to your checkbook.”
Color drained from his face.
“Arrest him. Charges: Assault, Endangering a Minor, Witness Intimidation, and Attempted Bribery.”
“I didn’t bribe you!” he yelled.
“You offered money to drop a criminal matter,” I replied. “That qualifies.”
They forced him onto the desk he’d been lounging behind minutes earlier.
Ethan started screaming as officers restrained him.
“The minor will be processed in juvenile court,” I said. “He caused serious injury and assaulted a judicial officer.”
Principal Monroe tried to slip away.
“And him,” I added. “Failure to report abuse and obstruction. Audit the donation records.”
Monroe collapsed into a chair.
As they dragged Daniel out, he twisted toward me.
“Claire! I’m sorry! Don’t do this!”
I stepped closer.