Chapter 5 - Shield and Slander
The air turned instantly arctic. Christian stepped between Sheriff Barnes and Ava’s bed, his frame rigid and commanding. ""On what possible grounds, Barnes? Your jurisdiction doesn't even cover Saint Jude Memorial without a cross-county warrant, and you certainly don't have authority over a victim of felony domestic abuse.""
Barnes sneered, producing a crumpled document from his jacket. ""Mrs. Eleanor Mitchell came into the precinct at dawn with her attorneys. She filed formal charges against this young lady for attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and theft of bearer bonds totaling six million dollars. Eleanor has severe contusions on her neck, Vance. She claims Ava attacked her in bed before calling you to orchestrate a home invasion.""
Ava gasped in disbelief. ""That’s a lie! She dragged me out of bed! She told me to get up and cook while I was bleeding on the floor!""
""Save it for the judge, little girl,"" Barnes said, signaling his two deputies to advance with handcuffs.
""Touch her, and I will have federal marshals dismantle your entire department before lunch,"" Christian said, his voice dropping to a deadly, quiet register. He reached into his suit jacket and pulled out a slender leather folder, flicking it open to reveal a federal seal. ""Julian Mitchell turned state's evidence forty-eight hours before his demise. Ava Mitchell was placed under preliminary federal witness protection protocol as of midnight yesterday. You are interfering with an active Department of Justice operation, Sheriff.""
Barnes stopped dead in his tracks, the smug arrogance instantly draining from his weathered face. His deputies hesitated, glancing nervously at each other.
""You're bluffing, Vance,"" Barnes muttered, though the tremor in his voice betrayed him.
May you like
""Test me,"" Christian replied, pulling his phone from his pocket and pressing a single speed-dial key. ""I have Special Agent Harris waiting in the lobby downstairs with six federal agents. Would you like to explain your presence to him, or would you prefer to retreat back to your precinct and consult a very good defense lawyer?""
Barnes glared at Ava with sheer venom before spitting on the floor, turning on his heel, and storming out into the corridor. But as the door swung shut, Ava caught sight of someone standing near the nurses' station—a man wearing a motorcycle jacket, watching her with unblinking, predatory eyes.
