Where is my daughter? Ry gestured weakly toward the holding room. Judge Kingsley brushed past him without another glance, her displeasure radiating off her in waves. Blake hurried to unlock the holding room door. Maya looked up as her mother entered.
Despite the handcuffs and the humiliation she'd endured, she sat with perfect posture, chin raised. "Are you hurt?" Judge Kingsley asked, examining her daughter carefully. "The cuffs are too tight," Maya answered calmly. And Officer Lauren used excessive force during the arrest. Multiple students recorded everything.
Judge Kingsley turned to Blake. Remove those handcuffs now. Blake fumbled with the keys, his hands shaking slightly as he unlocked the restraints. Maya brought her arms forward slowly, rotating her shoulders to ease the stiffness. Angry red marks circled her wrists where the cuffs had bitten into her skin.
Judge Kingsley's eyes narrowed at the sight. Tell me everything. Maya recounted the events clearly and precisely. Evan's initial harassment, his escalating behavior, the staged confrontation in the courtyard, and Ray's dramatic arrival. She described how he'd ignored the principal's protests and the witnesses who tried to speak up.
Other officers had gathered near the holding room, listening. Several shifted uncomfortably as Maya detailed Ray's conduct. The illegal threats about confiscating phones, the excessive force, the fabricated charges. "We have it all on video," Maya finished. "Multiple angles, and the school's security cameras should have captured everything, too." Judge Kingsley placed a gentle hand on her daughter's shoulder.
"You did exactly right," she said softly. Then she turned to face Rey who stood rigid in the doorway. Her voice hardened. Officer Lauren, you will provide me with every document related to this incident. Every form, every note, every second of body camera footage.
Is that clear, Judge Kingsley? You have to understand. What I understand, she cut in, is that you abused your authority to terrorize a minor. You violated procedure, ignored witnesses, fabricated charges, and used excessive force, all to satisfy your son's vendetta. That is what I understand.
The station had grown so quiet you could hear the hum of the fluorescent lights. Ray's face had turned an unhealthy shade of gray. "Maya," Judge Kingsley said, her tone softening as she turned back to her daughter. We're leaving now, but I promise you, we will handle this properly, legally, thoroughly. No one is above the law, especially those sworn to uphold it.
Maya stood, gathering her belongings that had been tossed on a nearby desk. As they walked through the station, officers stepped back, avoiding eye contact. Only Blake met Maya's gaze, giving her a small nod of acknowledgement. This isn't over, Ray called out, a desperate edge to his voice. There was still an assault.
Officer Lorn, Judge Kingsley said without turning around. I strongly suggest you stop talking and contact your union representative. You're going to need one. They reached the station doors. Maya felt a profound sense of relief as they stepped into the sunlight.