Chapter 1
The words "District Attorney" gleamed in heavy gold lettering against the black leather.
The headmaster’s eyes widened so far I thought they might pop out of his skull.
He slumped back in his chair, all the color draining from his face in a single second.
Marcus squinted at the badge, his arrogant smile faltering just a fraction.
"What is this nonsense, Sarah?" he demanded, refusing to accept reality.
"Did you buy a costume prop off the internet to try and intimidate a child?"
I didn't blink, and I certainly didn't break my gaze from his panicking eyes.
"It is a federal credential, Marcus," I stated, my voice echoing like a gavel striking wood.
"I was sworn in as the District Attorney for this county exactly three weeks ago."
"You have been too busy attending country club dinners to read the local news."
Marcus stood up, his expensive leather chair scraping loudly against the hardwood floor.
"You are lying," he hissed, but his hands were suddenly trembling.
"A woman who couldn't even manage a household budget doesn't become the DA."
I stepped forward, closing the distance between us until he was forced to look down at me.
"The woman you abused for years went to law school while you were out with your mistresses."
"And now, that same woman has the absolute authority to prosecute violent crimes in this jurisdiction."
I turned my attention back to the headmaster, who was practically hyperventilating behind his desk.
"Headmaster, you are harboring a student who just confessed to aggravated battery."
"Furthermore, you attempted to cover it up by falsifying this incident report as a mere collision."
"Falsifying a document to protect an assailant is a crime, and I will see your career ended today."
The headmaster threw his hands up in the air, completely abandoning his wealthy benefactor.
"Please, Madam DA, I was pressured into it!" he cried out, pointing a shaking finger at Marcus.
"Mr. Vance threatened to pull the school's funding if I didn't sweep the boy's injuries under the rug!"
Marcus's face turned a violent shade of purple.
"Shut your mouth, you pathetic coward!" Marcus roared, raising a fist toward the headmaster.
"Do it, Marcus," I whispered dangerously.
"Commit a violent act in front of the District Attorney and see how fast you end up in handcuffs."
Ashton was no longer playing his game, his tablet forgotten on the floor.
May you like
He looked back and forth between his furious father and the woman he had just shoved.
For the first time in his privileged life, the boy looked genuinely terrified.
