The bailiff looked at the wall of leather behind him. “All of you?”
“Big family.”
Judge Brennan looked irritated as we filled every seat and lined every wall. Sergeant Kyle Davidson sat at his table in full dress uniform, looking like a decorated hero. His lawyer had a confident smirk.
Maya sat alone. Her state-appointed attorney hadn’t shown up.
“Where’s your lawyer?” the judge asked her.
“I don’t know,” she whispered.
Davidson’s lawyer stood immediately. “Your Honor, given the child’s inability to maintain representation, we motion for immediate custody return. Sergeant Davidson is a decorated officer with fifteen years of exemplary—”
“Seventeen complaints of excessive force,” Big Mike said from the gallery.
The gavel banged. “Sir, you will not speak in my courtroom.”
“Nineteen domestic violence calls to his address,” another brother added.
Judge Brennan’s face went red. “I will clear this courtroom!”
I stood up. “Your Honor, I’m Tom Morrison. President of Iron Guardians. I’m also a licensed paramedic and mandatory reporter. This child approached us outside asking for help. We’re here as concerned citizens observing a public proceeding.”
Before the judge could respond, a woman in a sharp suit pushed through the crowd.
“Casey Williams, attorney. I’ll be representing Maya pro bono.”
She set a thick folder on the table.
“I’ve also brought documentation her previous lawyer seems to have misplaced.”
Davidson’s jaw tightened. His lawyer leaned over and whispered urgently.
Casey didn’t hesitate. “Your Honor, I’d like to submit hospital records from the past three years documenting Maya’s injuries. I also have recordings from her phone of threats made against her if she testified.”
“Objection! Those recordings were obtained without consent—”
“By a minor recording threats to her own safety. Completely legal in this state.” Casey paused. “Would you like me to play them for the court?”
The courtroom went quiet. Maya was shaking. Big Mike moved closer to her chair. Not touching her. Just being there.
Davidson stood up. “Your Honor, my daughter is being coached by these criminals. This is intimidation—”
“Coached?” Maya’s voice cut through the room.
Everyone turned.
