Faith’s right hand trembled under the table. Just once. She placed her left hand over it and pressed down, executing her four-count breath. From the doorway, Coretta Banks caught the flinch on camera.
During the recess, Faith went to the restroom and splashed water on her face. Her phone buzzed. It was a text from Dana: FOIA hit. We have all 41 complaints unredacted.
When court resumed, Hollister's anger had boiled over into a dangerous arrogance. He wanted to break her. He needed the room to see an "angry" woman, not a corrupt cop.
Without permission, Hollister walked right up to Faith’s table. "Stand up when I pass you, ma'am," he barked. "That's how we do it in this courtroom."
Faith remained seated. Her hands were folded. She looked up at him calmly and spoke six quiet words.
"Your Honor, I brought the footage."
Hollister laughed out loud, turning to the judge. "Your Honor, sit this woman back down before she embarrasses herself again."
He stepped closer to Faith. His temper snapped. He swung his hand and slapped her across the face. The sharp crack echoed off the wood paneling.