Looks suspicious to me, Briggs mutters, his tone leaving no room for discussion. Devon keeps his voice level and professional. I have complete documentation right here in my backpack. He begins to reach toward the bag hanging at his side. Hands where I can see them! Briggs shouts suddenly, his voice booming across the lobby and drawing the attention of every person present.
Devon freezes instantly, both hands raised in plain view. His heart pounds against his ribs as Briggs radios for backup without hesitation. Got a suspicious device here and an uncooperative subject, the officer reports into his shoulder mic. Two more uniformed guards appear within moments, surrounding Devon on all sides. From the corner of his eye, Devon notices Judge Harmon watching the entire scene from a short distance away, arms crossed tightly over his chest and making no move whatsoever to intervene or ask questions.
I’m just here for my scheduled presentation, Devon explains again, carefully keeping every word measured. Judge Harmon finally approaches, his heavy footsteps echoing on the marble floor. His gaze shifts slowly between Devon and the device still clutched in Briggs’s hands. Why aren’t you in school, boy? The question drips with condescension. I have an excused absence, sir. I’m presenting my findings to the environmental committee this morning.
Environmental committee meeting in my courthouse? The judge’s tone drips with pure disbelief and thinly veiled hostility. Yes, sir. Room 302 at 11:00 a.m. Dr. Williams is expecting me and has confirmed the invitation. The judge checks his expensive watch with exaggerated deliberation. We’ll see about that. Bring him to my courtroom first. The order is given without further discussion.
The guards escort Devon away immediately, one on each side, their grips firm on his arms. His carefully constructed project now sits partially disassembled in Officer Briggs’s rough hands, sensors and circuit boards separated without care. As they walk down the long corridor, Devon notices other visitors carrying briefcases, laptops, and various electronic devices passing through security without a single question or second glance.
A white student carrying a large science fair display board walks right through the same checkpoint with only a casual nod from the officers. Devon carefully texts his father while being led away. Delayed at security. Might miss presentation time. His father replies almost instantly. What’s happening? Devon starts typing a detailed explanation, then stops himself. His father already carries enough pressure from his high-level responsibilities. Just extra security checks. Nothing serious, he finally sends.
Judge Harmon walks several paces ahead of the group, his black robes flowing dramatically behind him like a cape of authority. Devon catches fragments of the judge’s low conversation with Briggs. These people always have excuses ready. Teach him about real authority today. He’ll know his place after this is finished. Devon straightens his shoulders even further, refusing to let the words land. This is no longer simply about his science project. What does Judge Harmon really want with a high school student’s environmental research?
