He checked the time. Twenty-two minutes until the hearing resumed.

He raced downstairs, asked for the staff parking lot, flashed his ID, and lied: he’d left his keys in a judge’s car.

“Name of the judge?” the guard asked.

He hesitated. “Young woman. She was in Room 2B this morning.”

After a brief radio exchange, another guard led him to sublevel two, where a dark gray Mazda sat.

“There,” the guard said.

Daniel recognized the tiny grease stain on the trunk. His.

“I just need a quick look. It’s urgent,” he said.

The guard watched, skeptical but silent, as Daniel opened the passenger door and slid his hand under the seat. Nothing. He felt along the rails until his fingers brushed something hard and plastic.

A blue USB with a white label: Vid Jenna 12 Sep.

His pulse kicked. He thanked the guard and sprinted upstairs.

He slipped into the courtroom as the clerk called everyone back to order.

“Are you ready, Mr. Carter?” the judge asked.

“Yes, Your Honor. I found the evidence.”

Cole chuckled. “Another fantasy.”

Daniel ignored him, handed the USB to the technician. “Please play the video.”

On screen, they watched Jenna enter the office hallway at 9:43 p.m., empty-handed, swipe her badge, head to the systems area. Minutes later, she reappeared with a large black bag, moving quickly, leaving without a glance back.

“I downloaded this from the company’s security system before they erased it,” Daniel said. “Jenna had after-hours access. She was the last one in and out that night.”

“Objection—” Cole started.

“Silence,” the judge cut in. “This evidence will be reviewed by our technical team. Mr. Carter, anything else?”

“Yes, Your Honor. I was fired unfairly, and now they’re trying to dump a crime on me. I just want my name cleared.”

She watched him quietly, something like recognition flickering in her eyes.

“The court will recess again to evaluate this evidence. Mr. Cole, Ms. Collins, remain available. This hearing is not over.”

Later, as Daniel walked toward the exit, exhausted, he heard his name.

“Carter,” Cole called, in that condescending tone. “Got a minute?”

Daniel turned. Cole stood beside Jenna, arms crossed, scanning the area.

“What do you want?” Daniel asked.

“Just to talk,” Cole said. “Not here.”

They moved to a quiet corner near the parking lot, out of camera range.