Court time. Let's go see the judge. Jackson and Ty rose in perfect synchronization. They allowed themselves to be heavily shackled. Heavy iron cuffs secured their wrists to a belly chain and thick iron shackles bound their ankles.
It was an extreme level of restraint for a traffic violation designed purely for humiliation and psychological dominance. They were loaded into the back of an armored transport van and driven the three blocks to the Oak Creek County Courthouse. The courthouse was a grand decaying building that smelled of old wood and sour perfume. The courtroom itself was oppressive designed to make defendants feel small and powerless. The wooden pews were mostly empty save for a few locals waiting to dispute parking tickets or minor infractions.
Jackson and Ty were marched down the center aisle their ankle chains dragging against the polished hardwood floor with a heavy rhythmic clink clink clink. They were forced into the defendants' chairs flanked by Boyd and the junior deputies. At exactly 9:00 a.m. the bailiff stood. All rise. The Honorable Judge Loretta Higgins presiding.
Judge Higgins swept into the room her black robes billowing like a storm cloud. She was a stern uncompromising woman with a reputation for merciless rulings especially toward outsiders. She sat down heavily adjusted her glasses and glared down at Jackson and Ty. Be seated Higgins snapped. She picked up the file folder on her desk and leafed through it with an expression of profound distaste.
Case number 44-09 State of Texas versus Jackson Hayes and Tyrone Miller. Charges include obstruction of justice, resisting arrest, and suspicion of narcotics trafficking. Who is representing the state? Boyd stepped forward, puffing out his chest. I am, your honor.
Deputy Frankie Boyd. Arresting officer. Proceed, deputy, Higgins said, leaning back in her leather chair. Your honor, yesterday afternoon, I observed the defendants driving a high-value vehicle erratically on Highway 9. Upon initiating a lawful traffic stop, the defendants were uncooperative, belligerent, and exhibited behavior consistent with narcotics traffickers.
They refused a lawful search of their vehicle. Upon visual inspection, I discovered four heavy-duty locked crates in the bed of the truck, consistent with smuggling operations. The defendants refused to unlock the crates and became hostile. Jackson sat perfectly still, listening to the perjury flow from Boyd's mouth like a polluted river. Furthermore, your honor, Boyd continued, his voice echoing in the silent room.
I am filing a motion for civil asset forfeiture regarding the vehicle, a 2025 Ford F-150, and all contents therein, including the locked crates, as they are clearly the instruments and proceeds of illegal drug activity. Judge Higgins nodded slowly, her eyes locking onto Jackson. Mr. Hayes, Mr. Miller, you stand accused of serious crimes in my county. Furthermore, the state is moving to seize your property. Do you have counsel present?
We do not require counsel, your honor. Jackson said. His voice was calm, resonant, and completely devoid of the fear Higgins was accustomed to hearing. You do not require counsel? Higgins repeated, her eyebrows shooting up.
You are facing felony obstruction charges and the loss of a $70,000 vehicle, and you wish to represent yourselves? We are not representing ourselves, ma'am. Ty spoke up, a faint razor-thin smile playing on his lips. We are simply waiting. Waiting?