Chapter 7 - The Trap springs Shut"This is... this is not a divorce proceeding anymore," the judge said, her voice trembling with anger as she looked at the documents and the USB drive. She looked at Daniel, her eyes filled with pure disgust. "Mr. Mercer, you are in serious legal jeopardy."
Daniel’s attorney, Richard Vance, slowly closed his folder. He looked at Daniel, then at the judge, and took a step back. "Your Honor... my firm was not made aware of these allegations or this evidence. We request an immediate recess to consult with our client."
"No," the judge said. "There will be no recess."
She pressed a button on her desk. The heavy doors at the back of the courtroom opened again, but this time, it wasn't a late onlooker. Two uniformed sheriff's deputies entered, followed by Detective Marcus Vance from the district attorney’s office.
Daniel looked at the deputies, his eyes darting around the room like a trapped animal. "No... no, this is a mistake! You can't arrest me! I have a business to run! I have partners!"
"Daniel Mercer," Detective Vance said, stepping forward with a warrant in his hand. "You are under arrest for attempted murder, domestic assault, bank fraud, and identity theft. Please place your hands behind your back."
Vanessa burst into tears, backing away until she hit the wooden railing of the gallery. "I didn't know! I swear I didn't know anything about this! He told me she was crazy! He told me she was giving him the money!"
The deputies moved quickly, grabbing Daniel’s arms and pulling them behind his back. The sharp, heavy click of the metal handcuffs echoed through the silent courtroom.
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Daniel looked at me, his face twisted in a mask of pure, desperate rage. "You ruined me! You quiet, pathetic little b—"
Before he could finish, the deputies pushed him toward the exit, his expensive navy suit rumpled, his shiny shoes scuffing against the floor he had walked in on so confidently an hour ago.
