Naomi said quietly:
“You just ordered court staff not to verify the warrant you’re using to arrest a sitting judge.”
Holloway’s face flushed.
“I am ordering you not to interfere with evidence.”
Naomi held the paper.
“The warrant is evidence now.”
Holloway reached for it.
Naomi pulled it away.
He grabbed her wrist.
The bailiff shouted:
“Detective!”
Holloway twisted Naomi’s arm toward the bench.
The younger officer grabbed the shoulder of her robe again.
Naomi was shoved sideways.
Her palm struck the wood.
Someone in the gallery screamed.
Phones came out.
The older uniformed officer looked horrified.
Naomi did not fight them.
She looked toward the security camera.
Then toward Holloway.
“You are being recorded.”
Holloway leaned close.
“So are you.”
Naomi’s eyes never left his.
“Good.”
That answer bothered him.
She could feel it.
The younger officer reached toward her other wrist with cuffs.
Then the courtroom doors opened.
A voice behind them said:
“Nobody move.”
Everyone turned.
Chief Deputy Marshal Andrea Brooks stood in the doorway with four courthouse officers behind her.
She was in her fifties, compact, controlled, and visibly furious.
Holloway released Naomi.
The younger officer did too.
Chief Brooks walked forward.
“What is happening?”
Holloway raised his chin.
“Executing a warrant.”
“On a judge?”
“Yes.”
“Inside her own courtroom?”
“Yes.”
“Without notifying courthouse command?”
“Operational necessity.”
Chief Brooks looked at Naomi.
“Judge?”
Naomi held up the warrant.
“Forgery.”
Holloway snapped:
“That is not established.”
Naomi looked at him.
“My own name is on the authorization line.”
Chief Brooks stared.
“What?”
Naomi handed her the document.
Brooks read.
Her face changed.
Then hardened.
She looked at Holloway.
“Detective, step away from the bench.”
He did not.
Chief Brooks repeated:
“Now.”
The four courthouse officers moved.
Holloway finally stepped back.
The younger officer beside him looked toward the floor.
The older officer raised both hands slightly.
He wanted everyone to know he was done.
Naomi sat down.
Not because she felt weak.
Because she wanted control back.
The courtroom had become chaos.
Phones recording.
Attorneys whispering.
Court staff shaken.
The bailiff angry.
Naomi placed both hands flat on the bench.
Then spoke.
“All proceedings are suspended.”
Her voice carried.
“Courtroom doors remain open.”
Holloway looked up sharply.
Naomi continued.
“No one leaves until courthouse command identifies all officers involved and preserves all security footage.”