Chapter 5 - The District Courtroom
The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia was packed with reporters, federal marshals, and curious spectators.
Rafael sat at the defense table wearing a fresh black suit, his expression a mixture of panic and defiant arrogance.
The courtroom double doors opened wide, and General Richard Vance walked down the center aisle in full dress uniform.
Every head turned in absolute silence as the decorated military hero took a seat in the front row gallery.
Federal Judge Katherine Brooks adjusted her spectacles, striking her wooden gavel down with sharp, resonant authority.
"The court is now in session for the arraignment of Rafael Sterling on charges of felony domestic abuse and extortion," she announced.
The defense attorney stood up quickly, attempting to argue that the arrest was conducted without proper local police warrants.
Prosecutor Sarah Miller stepped forward, submitting General Vance's encrypted military intelligence logs and Elena's sworn medical affidavit.
"Your Honor, the defendant utilized systemic intimidation and physical violence against an American citizen," Miller stated firmly.
May you like
Judge Brooks reviewed the digital evidence displayed on the courtroom monitors, her expression hardening with visible disgust.
---
