By early afternoon, Devon sits determinedly on a wooden bench outside Judge Harmon’s courtroom, refusing to leave the building until someone in authority properly addresses his property claim. Several attorneys pass by throughout the hours, glancing at him with open curiosity. One finally stops—a middle-aged woman with sharp, intelligent eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor. You’ve been sitting here all day. Court business? I’m trying to recover my confiscated property before it is destroyed this afternoon. She sits down beside him without hesitation. I’m Laura Chen from the public defender’s office. What exactly was taken from you? Devon explains the full situation carefully, showing her the remaining documentation he still carries. Judge Harmon, she says, shaking her head slowly. He has a well-earned reputation. Let me make a couple of calls.
While she steps a short distance away to speak privately, Devon checks his phone again. Still no response from his father, but a new text from his uncle reads simply, Hold tight. Help is coming. Laura returns after several minutes. I’ve spoken with court administration. Your project has already been moved down to the disposal processing area, but we might still be able to intervene if we act immediately. They hurry together toward the basement level where confiscated items are sorted and processed. The security officer stationed there refuses them entry without formal written authorization. This young man’s property is being disposed of without proper legal process, Laura argues firmly. I have my standing orders, the officer replies flatly, blocking the doorway.
Through the narrow window in the door, Devon spots his project sitting on a metal table, already partially disassembled once more. That’s it right there on the table. Please—that’s six months of continuous environmental research. The officer shifts to block the view completely. Step back from the door or I will have you both removed from the building. Laura pulls Devon a few steps aside. We need an official judge’s order to stop this. Let me file an emergency motion right now. As they turn to leave, Judge Harmon himself emerges from the elevator behind them. Miss Chen. Slumming with the troublemakers today, I see. Your honor, this young man’s property is being improperly and illegally disposed of. I am filing for an emergency stay immediately. Judge Harmon laughs openly. Save your paperwork and your time. That device was personally deemed a security risk by me.
Based on what specific evidence? Laura challenges without flinching. My courtroom. My decision. That is all the evidence required. Judge Harmon gestures sharply to a nearby officer. Please escort both of these people out of the building at once. Mr. Taylor is hereby banned from the premises. Devon steps forward one last time. Sir, I have remained respectful and followed every single rule placed in front of me. Why are you doing this to me? Judge Harmon stares at him with cold, unblinking eyes. Because I can. Some people simply need to learn their proper place in the system. Laura grips Devon’s arm firmly and whispers, Don’t engage any further. We’ll find another way forward. As they are escorted toward the exit, Devon sees Judge Harmon enter the disposal room himself. Through the slowly closing door, he watches the judge pick up a heavy hammer. He’s going to destroy it with his own hands, Devon whispers in disbelief. Laura’s expression hardens into pure resolve. Now we know for certain this is personal. Time to call in bigger guns.
