She has a history of aggression. I was just trying to maintain order in the corridor. I thought you were a flight risk. You did not ask for my identification. You did not ask for my name, Nora said, her voice rising in volume, command, and lethal precision.
You bypassed every procedural mandate required of a sworn officer of the law. You acted as a thug in a uniform. And you did it in my courthouse. Bill O'Connor, the bailiff, had completely unholstered his radio, but his other hand remained resting firmly on his service weapon. He was staring at Dempsey with a mixture of disgust and disbelief.
Do you want me to call it in, Judge?" Bill asked, his voice low and tight. "Do you want me to lock him up?" "Yes, William, I do." Nora replied smoothly.
"Wait, please." Dempsey begged, his heavy boots scuffing against the marble as he retreated another step. The terrifying reality of a felony assault charge on a sitting judge was crashing over him in waves. "Your Honor, please. I have 15 years on the force.
I have a pension. If you arrest me, my career is over. Let me apologize. Let's handle this internally. I'll take a suspension."
Nora stepped forward. She was a full 6 in shorter than the burly officer, yet she seemed to tower over him, casting a shadow that eclipsed his entire existence. "You do not dictate terms to me, Officer Dempsey." She whispered, her eyes boring into his soul. "You just demonstrated exactly what kind of officer you are when you think nobody is watching.
You rely on fear and badges to cover your brutality. But today, you chose the wrong victim. William, place Officer Dempsey under arrest for assaulting a public official, battery, and violating the sacred grounds of this courthouse. "Turn around, Dempsey." Bill growled, stepping forward and unhooking his heavy steel handcuffs from his belt.
For a brief, terrifying second, Dempsey's street instincts kicked in. His shoulders tensed, his hands balling into fists. He had never been arrested. He was the one who put people in cages. The idea of surrendering his hands behind his back sent a wild, animalistic jolt of adrenaline through his system.