Chapter 5 - The Fall of the Empire
The courtroom descended into absolute pandemonium.
The bailiffs moved in immediately, securing the perimeter as the federal agents approached the defense table.
“Alexander Simmons,” the lead agent said, his voice cutting through the noise like a blade. “You are under arrest for wire fraud, bank fraud, and federal forgery. You have the right to remain silent.”
“Get your hands off me!” Alexander screamed, thrashing wildly as the agents grabbed his arms. The pristine charcoal suit twisted and wrinkled as they forced his wrists behind his back. The heavy metal cuffs clicked loudly into place.
“Mom! Call the governor! Call the mayor! Do something!” Alexander shrieked, looking like a petulant child who had finally been told no.
But Josephine could do nothing. Two local police officers stepped up beside her.
“Josephine Simmons, we have a warrant for your arrest as an accessory to federal fraud and conspiracy,” the officer stated politely.
Josephine’s legs gave out. She collapsed back into her chair, her face pale, her mouth opening and closing soundlessly. The grand matriarch of the Simmons family, who had spent years treating me like dirt on the bottom of her designer shoes, was now being read her Miranda rights in a public courtroom.
Gregory, the hotshot attorney, was frantically packing his briefcase. “I am withdrawing as counsel! I had no knowledge of federal crimes! I am withdrawing immediately!” he yelled, practically running for the exit to save his own career.
Through the chaos, I looked at Bianca. She was standing near the gallery, weeping, but she looked at me with a profound sense of apology. I gave her a small, brief nod. She was a victim of his manipulation too, but she had saved herself just in time.
Judge Hall banged her gavel one final time, her face a mask of absolute authority.
“The emergency custody petition filed by Alexander Simmons is hereby dismissed with extreme prejudice!” Judge Hall declared loudly over the commotion. “Full, sole legal and physical custody of the minor child, Helen Simmons, is awarded immediately to the mother, Karina Simmons. Furthermore, I am issuing a permanent, lifetime restraining order against Alexander and Josephine Simmons. They are not to come within five hundred yards of Mrs. Simmons or her daughter, ever again.”
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I closed my eyes, letting out a breath I felt like I had been holding for six years.
The heavy weight of fear that had lived in my chest evaporated. I looked down at Helen. She was still fast asleep, completely unaware that the dragons trying to steal her away had just been slain.
