Marcus looked down at Harrison, who was now sweating profusely, his eyes darting frantically toward the exit.
"Deputy Harrison," Marcus began, his voice returning to that deep, resonant baritone that commanded total obedience. "A courtroom is a sanctuary of facts, evidence, and blind justice. The moment you walked through those doors, you did not see a judge. You saw a stereotype. You allowed your personal prejudice to override your training, your protocol, and your common sense."
Harrison swallowed hard, his hands shaking at his sides. "Your Honor... I... I didn't know..."
"Ignorance is not a defense in this room," Marcus interrupted, his tone as cold and hard as steel. "If you are willing to physically assault a man sitting quietly in a chair simply because he doesn't fit your archaic visual parameters of authority, you lack the temperament required to provide security for the people of this county."
Marcus reached down and picked up the heavy wooden gavel resting beside his leather-bound notebook. He held it loosely in his right hand, the ultimate symbol of his domain.
"You are relieved of your post in Department 47, effective immediately," Marcus stated, delivering the verdict without a single ounce of hesitation. "You will return to the watch commander's office, hand in your radio, and inform them that Judge Bennett requires a new bailiff before the doors open at eight o'clock. An internal affairs report regarding your conduct will be waiting for the captain by noon."
Harrison looked as though he might argue, but one glance at Eleanor’s unforgiving stare and Marcus’s unyielding posture told him it was entirely over. Stripped of his pride and his power, the aging bailiff turned around and performed a slow, shameful walk down the center aisle, pushing through the heavy oak doors and disappearing into the hallway.