“Stand down.”
“Sir?” one officer asked.
“I said stand down. That is the Honorable Olivia Carter, United States District Court.”
Silence filled the room.
Even Noah seemed to pause between cries.
Margaret blinked.
Then she laughed once, loudly and without humor.
“What ridiculous game is this?”
Ruiz did not look at her.
“Officer Bennett, take the infant safely. Officer Shaw, secure the door. Nobody leaves.”
Margaret clutched Noah tighter.
“You cannot take my grandson.”
Bennett approached carefully.