The courthouse was already crowded when Ava Reynolds walked through the front doors. She wasn’t dressed like someone who belonged there — no briefcase, no stack of papers, no stern expression. Instead, she wore jeans, a simple blouse, and a calm smile. She looked more like someone running errands than someone involved in a highly anticipated court hearing.
But the moment she entered the courtroom, every whisper stopped.
Ava had been summoned to appear before Judge Martin Halstrom, a man known for his strictness, impatience, and refusal to tolerate disorder. He was the kind of judge who believed authority was something you displayed loudly, not something you earned quietly. His courtroom was his kingdom, and he ruled it with an iron fist.
The Judge’s Fury
The bailiff called her name and Ava walked to the stand.
Judge Halstrom peered over his glasses, irritation already written on his face.
“Ms. Reynolds,” he began sharply, “you were instructed to appear at exactly nine o’clock this morning. It is nine-oh-two.”
Ava blinked. “Your Honor, I was here at 8:58. The clerk told me to wait outside until my attorney arrived.”
Halstrom slammed his gavel. “Do not contradict me.”
Her lawyer stood up quickly. “Your Honor, I can confirm”
“Sit down,” Halstrom snapped. “I’m speaking to the defendant.”
Ava frowned slightly. “I’m not the defendant, sir. I’m the”
“Enough!” Halstrom barked. “If you interrupt me again, I will hold you in contempt of court.”
The room fell silent.
Ava tilted her head, studying him. She looked more amused than intimidated which only made the judge angrier
The Truth Hits the Courtroom
The card was small, official-looking, and carried a seal he recognized instantly.
It read:
“Inspector Ava Reynolds
Federal Judicial Oversight & Conduct Division”
A quiet buzz spread across the room. Attorneys leaned toward each other. The bailiff froze mid-step.
Ava spoke in a steady voice that carried through the courtroom.
“I was sent here to observe your conduct, Judge Halstrom. Several complaints have been filed regarding excessive contempt charges, abuse of authority, and mistreatment of litigants.”
The judge swallowed hard. “This this isn’t”
“Fake?” Ava finished for him. “The number on the back goes straight to the Director of Oversight. Feel free to call.”
Halstrom looked like he was trying to decide between sitting down or fleeing the room.
Ava continued, “If you had asked why I was here instead of assuming, you would have known this hearing wasn’t about me at all. It was about you.”
The courtroom exploded with whispers.
Ava walked smoothly toward the bench, her tone never rising. “I remained silent when you raised your voice. I remained polite when you dismissed my presence. I even remained patient when you tried to have me arrested in violation of federal oversight protocols.”
She leaned closer. “But now, Your Honor, you will listen.”
Halstrom opened his mouth to speak, but she lifted a hand and he stopped himself.
“Over the last three months,” Ava said, “your courtroom has generated more contempt charges than any other judge in the state. Most of them were issued without legal basis. Several were issued out of annoyance, not necessity.”
The judge struggled to maintain composure. “I have full authority over my courtroom.”
“You have authority,” Ava corrected, “but not unchecked power. There is a difference.”
Her voice was calm, controlled, but there was steel beneath it.
“And today,” she added, “you demonstrated every behavior you’ve been reported for intimidation, disrespect, misuse of contempt charges, and an inability to separate personal ego from judicial duty.”
