Then perhaps you should make the call yourself, Devon suggests quietly. Something in Devon’s calm confidence makes Judge Harmon pause. He takes the phone reluctantly and dials. This is Judge William Harmon. Who am I speaking with? His expression shifts from annoyance to shock. Yes, I understand. But the device was Yes, sir. The color drains from Judge Harmon’s face. He hands the phone back to Laura, his hand visibly shaking. “Your property will be returned immediately, Mr. Taylor,” he says stiffly. “In its original condition, with all data intact,” Devon specifies. Judge Harmon nods, unable to meet Devon’s eyes.
As they leave with the project, Devon’s phone rings again. He answers on speaker. Is it resolved, son? His father asks. Yes, Dad. Thank you. Good. Now, would you put Judge Harmon on the line? I’m coming to town tomorrow and would like to meet with him personally. Laura stares at Devon in dawning realization. Your father is Devon nods slightly as Judge Harmon approaches, looking ashen. Judge Harmon, my father would like to speak with you. Devon hands over the phone. The judge takes it, his arrogance entirely evaporated. This is Judge Harmon. From the phone comes a clear, authoritative voice. Judge Harmon, this is United States Attorney General Robert Taylor. I’ll be in your courthouse tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. to discuss your treatment of my son and the apparent pattern of judicial misconduct in your courtroom. Please clear your docket.
Judge Harmon nearly drops the phone. Yes, Mr. Attorney General. I’ll make the arrangements. He returns the phone to Devon, then retreats to his chambers without another word. In the hallway, Laura lets out a low whistle. Your father is the attorney general of the United States. Devon nods. He was appointed last year. We keep it quiet at school. No wonder Judge Harmon looked like he’d seen a ghost. Laura examines the project. Is this really about air quality monitoring? Yes. 6 months of data showing environmental protection laws aren’t enforced equally across neighborhoods. Devon runs his fingers over the damaged components. The high pollution areas correspond exactly with Judge Harmon’s harshest sentencing patterns.
Laura’s eyes widen. You found evidence of environmental racism without even realizing its connection to judicial bias. I just wanted to help my neighborhood breathe cleaner air. Devon carefully packs up his project. I never expected to expose a corrupt judge. How will Judge Harmon face the US Attorney General tomorrow? Dawn breaks over the city. News vans already surround the courthouse. Word has leaked that the US Attorney General is making an unscheduled visit. Inside his chambers, Judge Harmon paces nervously, phone pressed to his ear. Senator, you promised protection. Yes, I’ve always ruled in favor of your interests, but I understand politics, but this is my career. He slams the phone down. His clerk enters, pale-faced. Sir, there are FBI agents in the lobby. FBI? Taylor’s not wasting time. Judge Harmon straightens his robes, attempting dignity.
