Chapter 3 - The Boy In The Crossfire
“Stop right there!” the lead FBI agent shouted, reaching inside his jacket.
But I was already moving. Years of close-quarters combat training took over. I didn't unholster my sidearm or reach for my rifle. I didn't need to. I intercepted my father halfway to the chamber doors, dropping my shoulder and driving my weight directly into his chest. The heavy Kevlar plates of my tactical rig met his expensive tailored suit with a sickening thud. He flew backward, crashing hard into the wooden banister separating the gallery from the courtroom floor.
He groaned, clutching his ribs, entirely winded and broken.
At that exact moment, the chamber door slowly pushed open. Toby stood there. He was only fourteen, wearing a suit that looked a little too big for him, his eyes wide and terrified behind his wire-rimmed glasses. He had heard the yelling. He had seen our father hit the ground.
“Maya?” Toby whispered, his voice trembling.
My heart broke. I instantly dropped the hardened soldier persona. I ignored the FBI agents swarming my father, ignored my mother’s pathetic weeping, and ignored the chaotic shouting of the courtroom. I walked straight to my little brother, falling to one knee despite the heavy gear weighing me down. I took my helmet off, letting my sweat-matted hair fall around my shoulders, and looked him directly in the eyes.
“Hey, buddy,” I said softly, giving him the warm, safe smile I reserved only for him. “I’m sorry I’m late. Traffic from the Middle East was a nightmare.”
Toby let out a choked laugh, tears spilling over his cheeks. He threw his arms around my neck, burying his face in the rough nylon of my tactical vest. “They said you weren't coming,” he sobbed into my shoulder. “They said you didn't care about me anymore. They said I had to go live with them and that I'd never see you again.”
“They lied,” I whispered fiercely, wrapping my arms around him, protecting him from the circus behind us. “I will cross oceans for you, Toby. I will drop out of the sky for you. Nobody is ever going to take you away from me, and nobody is ever going to use you again. Do you understand?”
He nodded against my chest, gripping me tighter.
Behind me, the sound of metal ratcheting shut echoed through the room. Handcuffs. The FBI agents were pulling my father to his feet, reading him his Miranda rights. Another agent was doing the same to my mother, who was practically catatonic with shock.
“Lieutenant Commander,” Judge Henderson’s voice softened considerably as she addressed me. I stood up, keeping Toby tucked safely behind my arm. “Given the explosive nature of this federal evidence, I am immediately denying the plaintiffs' petition for custody. Furthermore, I am issuing an emergency protective order for the minor child.”
May you like
She looked down at Toby, offering him a gentle, reassuring smile. “Toby, would you like to go home with your sister?”
Toby didn't even hesitate. He gripped my hand tightly and said, “Yes, Your Honor. More than anything.”
