Chapter 10 - The Courthouse Riot
The hallway outside the county courthouse was an absolute madhouse. Hundreds of protesters, galvanized by Leo’s viral live streams, chanted slogans and held handmade signs demanding the immediate release of Sarah and an independent investigation into Arthur Sterling. Police barricades strained under the surging crowd as news vans broadcasted the chaos nationwide.
Inside a holding cell on the lower level, Leo paced restlessly, his handcuffs finally removed by Detective Vance, who had quietly slipped him a master key card before disappearing into the crowd.
"Smart kid," Vance had whispered. "Get to the press box upstairs. Someone is waiting for you with the Chicago files."
Leo didn't waste a second. He slipped through the service corridors, dodging security guards and navigating the labyrinthine concrete hallways until he reached the grand staircase leading to the main press gallery.
As he pushed open the heavy oak doors, the noise of the courtroom washed over him. Judge Thomas was banging his gavel furiously, trying to restore order as District Attorney Arthur Sterling stood at the prosecution table, arguing aggressively for an immediate gag order on the defense.
"Your Honor, this is a circus!" Sterling shouted over the din of the crowd. "The defense is manufacturing internet hysteria to obstruct justice!"
"Mr. Sterling, the defense hasn't even presented its opening argument yet," Judge Thomas replied sternly, adjusting his glasses. "Furthermore, the court has received a subpoena from the federal attorney general's office regarding the 2014 Chicago investigation."
Sterling’s face paled instantly. For the first time, panic flickered behind his cold, calculated facade. "That case is closed, Your Honor! Any subpoena regarding those closed files is jurisdictionally invalid!"
"Not when new physical evidence is presented," a familiar voice rang out from the back of the gallery.
The entire courtroom fell dead silent. Heads turned as Uncle Marcus walked down the center aisle, looking battered but resolute. Behind him walked a woman in a grey coat, her silver hair pulled back—a woman the federal courts had declared legally missing for a decade.
It was Sarah's former boss from the Chicago firm—the person who had hidden the original bank ledgers all those years ago.
Leo bolted down the aisle, tears streaming down his face, and threw his arms around Marcus. "You made it!"
Marcus hugged the boy tightly, kissing the top of his head. "I told you, Leo. We don't back down."
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Sterling turned around, staring at the woman in the grey coat with absolute horror. "That's impossible," he muttered, his voice trembling for the first time. "You were supposed to be on that plane."
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