Chapter 8 - THE SIEGE OF CHAMBER 4B
The heavy steel-reinforced doors of Eleanor’s private chambers shuddered under the violent pounding from the hallway.
"Judge Vance! Open this door immediately! We have an administrative order from the Federal District Court!" a harsh voice boomed through the intercom.
Inside, Captain Miller and three court bailiffs stood with their sidearms drawn, taking defensive positions behind heavy oak desks.
Eleanor didn't even glance at the door. She maneuvered her wheelchair next to the sofa where Lily sat, gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind her granddaughter's ear.
"Are you scared, sweetie?" Eleanor asked softly, her stoic demeanor melting into pure warmth.
Lily shook her head, holding the blue mitten tightly in her small lap. "No. My dad said nothing can hurt me when he’s here. And now you're here too."
David dropped to one knee beside his mother’s wheelchair, his cuffed hands resting against her arm. "Mom... those men outside aren't just private contractors. They’re mercenaries hired by Sterling and my uncles. They won't let us walk out of here with that USB drive."
"They don't get to choose, David," Eleanor said coldly. She picked up a key from her necklace, unlocked her desk drawer, and pulled out a heavy steel key card along with a physical court release order.
With a swift, practiced stroke of her pen, she signed her name at the bottom of the document and stamped it with the official seal of the State Supreme Court.
"As the Senior Presiding Judge of this district, I hereby dismiss all charges of grand larceny against David Miller with prejudice," Eleanor declared, her voice ringing clear through the room. "The arrest was fraudulent, orchestrated under color of authority by a corrupt prosecution."
DA Hayes, still sitting in the corner under the guard’s watch, let out a nervous, hysterical laugh. "You can't just dismiss a felony case from your private chambers, Eleanor! It’s illegal!"
"Try me, Hayes," Eleanor snapped, throwing the signed order onto his lap. "Captain Miller, remove those chains from my son."
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The captain didn't hesitate. He pulled out his key and unlocked the belly chain and handcuffs. David rubbed his bruised wrists, feeling the cold weight of captivity finally drop away.
Suddenly, a loud EXPLOSION rocked the doorway. Smoke billowed through the seams as the locks were blown apart.
