People listened.
Because Jack knew how to command a courtroom, and this was his fucking jury of peers.
“My name is Jack Callahan,” he said. “Former Assistant District Attorney for the county of Sable Valley. And I’m here today to speak not only as a legal representative, but as a witness to injustice.”
A murmur went through the crowd.
“Remi Carter has been targeted,” he said. “By a corrupt officer who abused her position and manipulated a system meant to protect us. These charges are fabricated. The warrant? Built on falsified evidence. And the raid? A power play meant to silence women who fight for the voiceless.”
Erin snapped, “You don’t work here anymore, Callahan! You have no jurisdiction...”
Jack turned to her with a slow, broad smile. “I’m so glad you brought that up.” Then he turned to the press. “I have full authorization from my supervising DA in the city. And from the DA of this county. Effective immediately, I will be serving as Remi Carter’s defence attorney, with the full support of the DA department for the state.”
The crowd lost it.
Cheering. Applause. Roaring.
Erin looked like she might actually detonate.
And me?
I wanted to laugh.... I didn’t.
But it was close.
Ava hadn’t taken her eyes off Remi. She didn’t smile. Didn’t move. Just stood there, holding her breath like she was afraid this moment would vanish if she blinked.
I scanned the edge of the crowd.
And there, half in shadow, arms folded, expression unreadable, was Kane.
Watching.
Measuring.
Waiting for the next piece to fall.
The cops who backed Erin looked rattled, unsure for the first time in years.
And that's when I saw it. She wasn’t untouchable anymore.
Not with the crowd watching.
Not with the press rolling.
Not with Jack fucking Callihan throwing a legal and political nuke in the middle of her parade.
My officers were still struggling to form a perimeter.
I glanced at Remi.
She was still standing tall.
Still holding the line.
And I realized...
Whatever came next?
