Based on what evidence? Laura challenges. My courtroom. My decision. Judge Harmon gestures to a nearby officer. Please escort them out. Mr. Taylor is banned from this building. Devon steps forward. Sir, I’ve been respectful and followed every rule. Why are you doing this? Judge Harmon stares coldly. Because I can. Some people need to learn their place in the system. Laura grips Devon’s arm, whispering, “Don’t engage. We’ll find another way.” As they’re escorted out, Devon sees Judge Harmon enter the disposal room. Through the closing door, he watches the judge pick up a hammer. “He’s going to destroy it himself,” Devon whispers. Laura’s expression hardens. “Now we know this is personal. Time to call in bigger guns.”
With his project about to be physically destroyed, what’s Devon’s last recourse? Outside the courthouse, Devon paces the sidewalk. Laura makes frantic calls to other judges seeking an emergency intervention. No one’s available on such short notice, she admits, frustrated, and most won’t cross Judge Harmon anyway. Devon’s phone rings. His father finally. Dad, they’re destroying my project right now. I know, son. I’ve been briefed. Put me on speaker. Devon complies confused. Laura watches curiously. This is Robert Taylor. His father’s authoritative voice fills the air. Who am I speaking with? Laura Chen, public defender’s office. Your son’s project is being improperly disposed of by Judge Harmon. I understand. Miss Chen, please escort Devon back inside. Insist on seeing Judge Harmon immediately. Tell security to call this number if there’s any resistance. He recites a government extension.
Laura looks skeptical, but nods. We’ll try, Mr. Taylor. They re-enter the courthouse. At security, they’re immediately stopped. Devon Taylor is banned from the premises, the guard states flatly. Laura stands firm. We need to see Judge Harmon now. If you refuse, please call this number. She shows the guard the number on her phone. The guard hesitates, then makes the call. His expression changes dramatically. Yes, sir. Right away, sir. He hangs up, suddenly differential. You can proceed to Judge Harmon’s chambers. As they walk through the courthouse, Devon whispers, “What just happened?” Laura shakes her head, equally confused. “Who exactly is your father?” He works for the Justice Department. That’s all I know.
They reach Judge Harmon’s chambers. His clerk tries to turn them away, but Laura mentions the phone number again. The clerk disappears inside, returning moments later. The judge will see you now. They enter to find Judge Harmon standing behind his desk. Devon’s partially damaged project in front of him. A hammer sits nearby. This is harassment, the judge begins. I’ve made my decision about this device. Laura steps forward. Your honor, we have instructions to call this number if you refuse to return Mr. Taylor’s property. She displays the phone again. Judge Harmon scoffs. Some bureaucratic underling doesn’t concern me.
