Page 72 of Desert Loyalties

Then the bailiff appears. “US v. Drake Lloyd.”

We walk into the same courtroom as last time, with the same judge, she’s already sitting with her black robe, cold eyes, lips thin as a blade. Judge Benton. No nonsense. No smiles. No saving grace.

“All rise,” the bailiff calls.

We do. Even though the judge is already seated behind the bench, it’s a ritual, like swearing on the Bible or pretending the prosecution has a case.

“Be seated.” The courtroom settles.

The bailiff clears his throat and reads off the docket in a steady voice.

“Case number CR-25978. United States vs. Drake Lloyd. Continuation of preliminary hearing.”

Judge Benton glances down at the case file, then up at the prosecution’s table.

“Mr. Cheng, at our last hearing, you were granted 24 hours to submit the results of the Nye County body’s autopsy and DNA analysis. Let’s start there.”

AUSA Henry Cheng stands, smooth as ever in his shiny suit.

“Yes, Your Honor. We received confirmation this morning, the DNA is not a match to Mr. Donahue.”

The judge arches a brow. “Then unless you have something new, Mr. Cheng, I’m inclined to agree with defence motion that there is no longer probable cause for this indictment.”

Cheng adjusts his tie, flipping the page of a folder like it’ll give him credibility.

“Your Honor, the government has acquired a new sworn statement from a witness who is present and prepared to testify today. The witness alleges that Mr. Lloyd threatened her on behalf of the Horsemen Motorcycle Club. This shows a pattern of intimidation consistent with Mr. Donahue’s disappearance.”

Christina is on her feet before he even finishes.

“Your Honor, this is a Hail Mary at best. The prosecution misled this court to buy themselves time to find this witness.”

Judge Benton sighs and rubs her temple. “We’re still going to hear the witness. But Mr. Cheng, let’s be clear, you’ve used up your ‘new evidence’ lifeline.”

He nods tightly. He’s losing the room and he knows it.

The side door to the courtroom creaks open.

Every head turns.

And in walks Serena.

My stomach turns, but it's Skye who mutters loud enough for me to hear.

“Fuck.”

Serena’s in a pale blue skirt suit, looking modest, buttoned to the throat, hair pulled back like she’s a damn Sunday school teacher. The last time I saw her; the neckline was a foot lower and her skirt short enough to see her bare pussy.

Serena walks like she knows all eyes are on her. Cunt. The prosecution table damn near glows with smugness.

Christina just sits down slowly, smooth and quiet, but I can see her clock every inch of Serena. Assessing. Calculating. Storing it like ammo.

Judge Benton doesn’t bother hiding the exhaustion in her voice and the day’s barely begun.

“Have your witness sworn in, Mr. Cheng. And this better be worth the court’s time.”

The clerk steps forward. Serena lifts one hand and places the other on the bible.

“Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?”