Sir, step back. This is police business. Police business? That woman donated half a million dollars to literacy programs in this city. She mentored my daughter through law school.
The crowd erupts in support. Let her go. This is ridiculous. She's done more for Chicago than any of us. The lead SUV pulls up directly in front of the cultural center.
The license plate reads U.S. DOJ 1. Two Secret Service agents step out and begin walking toward the commotion. Morton still doesn't connect the dots. His radio crackles again. Units in vicinity of Cultural Center.
Be advised federal officials are securing the area for VIP arrival. Collins grabs Morton's arm. Brad, we need to release her now. Are you insane in front of all these people? I'd look like an idiot.
You're going to look a lot worse than an idiot if you don't listen to me. Judge Hernandez approaches the police car. She taps on the window where Dorothy sits. Mrs. Williams, I'm calling my colleague at the U.S. Attorney's Office. This will be resolved shortly.
Dorothy shakes her head gently. Your honor, sometimes the system needs to see its own failures clearly. Let this play out. The judge stares at her in amazement, even in handcuffs. Dorothy Williams is thinking about justice for everyone, not just herself.
A tall figure emerges from the lead SUV. He's wearing a perfectly tailored charcoal suit, moving with the confident stride of someone accustomed to command. Federal agents flank him on both sides. He's 50 yards away now, but getting closer. His jaw is set, his eyes scanning the crowd until they lock onto the police car where Dorothy sits.
His pace quickens. Collins sees him coming and grabs Morton's shoulder desperately. Brad, look at that man walking toward us. Look at him closely. Morton glances over dismissively.
Some federal bureaucrat. So what? That's not just any federal official. That's But Morton cuts her off. He's spotted a news van arriving and is practically glowing with self-importance.
Finally, some real media coverage. They'll see how I handled this situation. The reporter, Jessica Lane from Channel 7, jumps out with her cameraman. She immediately recognizes Dorothy through the car window. That's Dorothy Williams.