Chapter 7 - THE BROKEN GAVEL
The morning sun over the Potomac was pale and cold, draped in low autumn fog. At eight-fifteen, four unmarked federal sedans pulled up to the rear underground sally port of the Albert V. Bryan Federal Courthouse in Alexandria.
The atmosphere was suffocating. Every doorway was manned by armed US Marshals in tactical gear, but my eyes remained on the private security personnel wearing civilian suits and gold pins—Sterling Logistics badges.
"Watch their hands," I muttered to Kane as we stepped out of the vehicle.
I was wearing a fresh service dress white uniform brought directly from the Navy annex, its gold command star and combat ribbons gleaming under the fluorescent lights. My left arm rested in a low-profile tactical sling under the tailored jacket. Behind me, two armed NCIS agents flanked Norris, who was clutching a signed deposition in a sealed courier bag.
As we approached the freight elevator, a tall man in a bespoke gray suit stepped into our path. His badge identified him as Assistant US Attorney Marcus Finch. His expression was an oily mask of polite authority.
"Commander Grant," Finch said, extending a hand I did not take. "Agent Kane. We need to hold you here in the briefing room for a moment. There's been a procedural motion filed by defense counsel upstairs."
"The grand jury is convened for nine o'clock, Mr. Finch," I said evenly. "Procedural motions are not heard before grand jury presentations."
"Arthur Sterling's attorneys have obtained an emergency injunction from the Fourth Circuit," Finch replied, his voice dropping to a smooth, condescending whisper. "They are alleging jurisdictional overreach and unlawful military interference in county law enforcement affairs. Sheriff Vance's arrest is being challenged. Until the judge rules on the admissibility of the server data, you are barred from the third floor."
Kane took half a step forward, his chest nearly brushing Finch's lapels. "You took a campaign contribution from Sterling’s PAC when you ran for Commonwealth Attorney four years ago, didn't you, Finch?"
May you like
Finch’s face tightened. "Watch yourself, Agent. You’re talking to a Department of Justice prosecutor."
"And you're obstructing an active naval intelligence operation," I countered, leaning in until he could see the cold determination in my uninjured eye. "The Fourth Circuit has no authority over evidence secured under Title 10 military jurisdiction. Now step aside, or I will have Agent Kane take you into federal custody right here in front of your own security detail."
