You may both proceed directly to Judge Harmon’s chambers. As they walk through the long corridors, Devon whispers, What just happened back there? Laura shakes her head, equally confused. Who exactly is your father? He works for the Justice Department. That’s all I’ve ever really known.
They reach the outer office of Judge Harmon’s chambers. His clerk tries firmly to turn them away until Laura mentions the phone number once more.
The clerk disappears inside and returns only moments later looking pale. The judge will see you now. They enter the private office to find Judge Harmon standing rigidly behind his large desk.
Devon’s partially damaged project sits in front of him. A heavy hammer rests nearby on the polished surface. This is pure harassment, the judge begins immediately. I’ve already made my final decision regarding this device.
Laura steps forward with professional calm. Your honor, we have clear instructions to call this number if you refuse to return Mr. Taylor’s property at once.
She displays the phone again. Judge Harmon scoffs dismissively. Some low-level bureaucratic underling doesn’t concern me in the slightest.
Then perhaps you should make the call yourself, Devon suggests quietly.
Something in the boy’s calm, absolute confidence finally makes Judge Harmon pause. He takes the phone reluctantly and dials the number. This is Judge William Harmon. Who exactly am I speaking with? His expression shifts rapidly from annoyance to pure shock.
Yes… I understand. But the device was… Yes, sir. The color drains completely from Judge Harmon’s face. He hands the phone back to Laura with a visibly shaking hand. Your property will be returned to you immediately, Mr. Taylor, he says stiffly. In its original condition, with every piece of data fully intact, Devon specifies clearly. Judge Harmon nods once, unable to meet the young man’s eyes any longer.
As they leave the chambers carrying the recovered project, Devon’s phone rings again. He answers on speaker so both adults can hear. Is the situation resolved, son? his father asks. Yes, Dad. Thank you.
Good. Now would you please put Judge Harmon back on the line? I’ll be arriving in town tomorrow and would like to meet with him personally.
