Page 49 of Saving Jennifer
“What?” Jennifer’s voice cracked.
“They’re claiming a recent appointment from their home country,” Delacroix explained. “The documents appeared authentic, but we’re challenging their validity.”
Noah cursed under his breath. “This is a delaying tactic.”
“It’s more than that,” Caleb interjected. “It’s a contingency plan. They knew we’d get Jennifer here safely.”
Delacroix closed his briefcase with a snap. “The judge has agreed to hear arguments on the immunity claim before proceeding. Additionally, the defense will likely request a continuance.”
“You mean I might not even testify today?” Jennifer felt a wave of nausea. Every day they delayed was another day Skinner had to find her.
“I’ll fight it,” Delacroix promised, “but you should be prepared for all possibilities.”
Noah moved to the window, checking the street below. “Where will Jennifer be during these preliminary matters?”
“We’ve arranged a secure witness room adjacent to the courtroom,” Delacroix said. “Limited access, one entrance.”
“I want to see it,” Noah stated, not asking. With a nod, Delacroix led them to the place where they’d wait. The witness room was small but adequate; a desk, sofa, and private bathroom. Noah inspected every corner, checking the single window that overlooked an interior courtyard.
“You stay with Jennifer. I’ll go into the courtroom. Nobody is going to recognize me, but they might know your ugly mug.” Caleb grinned at Noah, and Jennifer bit back a chuckle at Caleb’s cheeky grin. “I’ll come back with updates every thirty minutes.”
Caleb nodded. “Uncle Gator’s outside with two of Carpenter Security’s most trusted men. If anything feels off—”
“We abort,” Noah finished. “Get Jennifer out through the service exit we mapped.”
With a nod, Caleb walked out, closing the door quietly behind him. Once alone, Noah watched Jennifer pace the small room, her heels clicking rhythmically against the tile floor.
“Second thoughts?” he asked quietly.
Jennifer stopped, turning to face him. “No. I’m seeing this through. Those people destroyed lives, Noah. They threatened my mother. She’s still hiding, because the Amirs tried to use her to get to me. They could have killed your family. If I back out now, they win.”
“I know,” he whispered softly, his hands gently grasping her shoulders and looking deeply into her eyes. “And I promise you, they’ll pay for it.”
Jennifer leaned against his chest, her head resting against his shoulder. This close he could detect the faint scent of lavender. “These past days with you…” she began hesitantly.
Noah’s hand brushed a strand of hair from her face. “I know this isn’t the right time or place,” he said, his voice rough with emotion, “but when this is over—”
The door opened abruptly, and Caleb stepped in. “They’re starting,” he announced, his face grim. “Both Amirs have been brought in with their legal team.”
Noah’s phone vibrated. He’d had to put it on silent upon entering the courtroom. He glanced at the screen, frowning. “Text from Uncle Gator. He’s spotted two unfamiliar men entering the east entrance.”
“Did security stop them?”
“They had credentials,” Noah replied, already moving toward the door. “Federal marshals.”
Caleb swore softly. “There aren’t any marshals on our security detail. Carpenter would have said something if he’d brought in feds.”
“Exactly.” Noah’s voice was tight. “Something’s wrong. I’m going to—”
The sound of shouting erupted from the courtroom, just on the other side of the closed door, followed by a woman’s scream. Caleb yanked open the door, hand reaching for his weapon, cussing a blue streak when he realized it wasn’t there, security had it locked away.
A single gunshot echoed through the hallway.
“Back inside!” Noah ordered, pushing Jennifer behind him. “Caleb, what do you see?”
Caleb positioned himself at the threshold, keeping the door barely open, just enough to see inside the chaotic courtroom. “Armed men entering the courtroom. At least five that I can see. They’re wearing tactical gear.”
Jennifer’s heart hammered in her chest as Noah wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Through the open doorway, they heard a commanding voice ring out over the panicked cries: “Nobody moves! Everyone, stay in your seats!”