Chapter 13 - Lockdown in Denver County
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"SECURE THE DOORS! NO ONE LEAVES THIS ROOM!" Judge Holloway roared, slamming her gavel down repeatedly with thunderous force.
Two armed court bailiffs tackled Celeste Arden to the carpeted floor just inches from Nora’s table, pinning her arms behind her back as she shrieked obscenities. Another pair of officers rushed toward Preston Caldwell, who had risen halfway out of his seat, his hands raised in panic.
"Get off me! I didn't touch her!" Preston yelled, his voice echoing frantically off the high ceiling. "This was all Celeste! She acted alone!"
"Shut your mouth, Preston!" Celeste screamed from the floor, spitting hair from her face as the handcuffs clicked tightly around her wrists. "You forged those signatures! You gave me the earrings from her safe! You told me she was too drugged to ever realize it!"
The entire gallery erupted into total chaos. Reporters shouted questions, spectators stood on chairs to see over the barrier, and camera shutters clicked rapidly.
"Bailiffs! Clear the gallery!" Judge Holloway ordered, her face flushed with fury. "Call emergency medical services to Courtroom 4B immediately!"
Samuel Ortega was on his knees beside Nora, holding her shoulders gently as she gasped for air, her hand clutching her seven-month pregnant belly.
"Nora! Stay calm, stay with me," Samuel urged softly, his eyes filled with deep concern. "Breathe, Nora. Help is on the way."
"I felt a sharp cramp, Samuel," Nora whispered, tears of pain and panic streaming down her burning cheek where Celeste had struck her. "The baby... she's kicking violently."
Within three minutes, paramedics burst through the heavy courtroom doors carrying a medical kit and a gurney. They quickly guided Nora into a private conference room behind the judge's chambers.
Judge Holloway personally walked into the medical room, standing by the door as the paramedics checked Nora's blood pressure and monitored the unborn child's heartbeat using a portable Doppler device.
Thump-thump, thump-thump, thump-thump.
The steady, rapid rhythm of the baby's heartbeat filled the small room.
The lead paramedic looked up at Nora and smiled reassuringly. "The baby’s heart rate is strong and stable, Mrs. Caldwell. You're experiencing severe stress-induced Braxton Hicks contractions, but there is no immediate sign of placental abruption or premature labor. However, we strongly advise taking you to Saint Joseph's Hospital for a full evaluation."
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Nora wiped the tears from her face, pulled herself upright on the examination table, and looked directly at Judge Holloway.
"No," Nora said firmly, her voice ringing with unbreakable iron. "I am not leaving this courthouse until the record is complete."
