Chapter 12 - The Tribunal
The Providence Federal Courthouse was packed with press, armed marshals, and mafia lookouts.
Inside the high-ceilinged courtroom, Jude Mercer sat at the defense table in a orange jumpsuit, his hands cuffed to his waist belt. His dark hair was wet, his expression cold and unreadable.
Beside him sat Reggie Shaw in the gallery, wearing an expensive grey suit, pretending to be a grieving family friend helping the police.
Judge William Vance banged his heavy wooden gavel. "Mr. Mercer, you are charged with kidnapping, grand extortion, and first-degree murder. How do you plead?"
Jude didn't answer. He turned his head slightly, looking toward the heavy double doors at the back of the courtroom.
"My client pleads not guilty, Your Honor," Jude’s attorney stated firmly.
Reggie leaned forward in his seat, smirking quietly. He knew the evidence was stacked. He had fabricated the bank trails, paid off the primary witnesses, and had the police chief in his pocket.
Suddenly, the courtroom doors burst open.
Ellie Carter walked down the center aisle, holding Brinley’s hand.
The press gallery erupted into frantic camera flashes. Whispers rippled through the room like wildfire.
"Order! Order in the court!" Judge Vance slammed his gavel repeatedly. "Who authorized this?"
Ellie stopped right behind the defense bar. She looked directly at Reggie, who had stood up, his face turning pale with sudden rage.
"Your Honor," Ellie spoke loudly, her voice clear and unbroken. "I am Ellie Carter. The wife of Julian Carter."
"Mrs. Carter," the judge said, squinting through his glasses. "You were reported missing along with your child."
"I wasn't kidnapped," Ellie declared, reaching into her pocket and producing the black USB drive. "I was running from the man who murdered my husband and cut the brakes on Elena Mercer’s car."
She pointed her finger directly at Reggie Shaw.
May you like
"That man."
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