Page 45 of Blind Justice

“Alex,” she began, her voice shaky as she tried to maintain her professional composure. “This… this isn’t a small thing. It’s not just about what’s right or wrong—this is a high-profile federal case. If I mess up, it’s Noah’s life on the line.”

Alex reached for her hand, his grip firm but imploring. “You won’t mess up. You’ve got this, Ruth. Please. He needs someone to cut through this mess before it’s too late.”

Her heart raced, torn between her fear of failure and a fierce instinct to protect Noah. She wanted to help him, to run to his side and promise everything would be okay. But she knew better than to act on emotion alone—this wasn’t a movie or a romantic gesture. This was real, messy, and terrifying.

“I can’t just make this decision on my own,” she said finally, her voice trembling. “I need to get permission from my boss. And even then…” she trailed off, unable to voice the doubt clawing at her.

Alex nodded, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. “Whatever you have to do, just… please try. He doesn’t have anyone else he can trust. Whoever did this has long tentacles. The FBI doesn’t make an arrest unless they’re sure.”

Ruth exhaled slowly, the decision heavy on her shoulders. “Alright,” she whispered, though every fiber of her being screamed with uncertainty. “I can take care of the case at least through the arraignment. We’ll go from there.”

Ruth felt her composure cracking. She stood there in the courthouse garage, clutching her bag as her thoughts spiraled. Deep down, a small voice whispered that she needed to help Noah, to be there for him no matter what the consequences were. But the logical part of her knew this wasn’t about emotions—this was about justice, the law, and stepping into a world she wasn’t sure she could navigate.

She opened her car door and dumped her bag in the passenger seat. She pulled her phone from it, her hand trembling, and dialed her secretary, Melanie, who’d connect her to her boss. She sought clarity—and permission—that would steady her wavering resolve.

Alex’s relief was palpable as he stood by watching her. Ruth’s mind was already spinning with the implications. Noah was in serious trouble, and there wasn’t a moment to lose.

Melanie picked up on the third ring. “Ruth Everhart’s office. How may I help you?”

“Mel, it’s me. I need you to look up the federal arraignment schedule,” Ruth demanded. “Noah Kandor was arrested today. The FBI picked him up out of his office. See when they’re bringing him in front of a judge.”

“Give me one second,” Melanie said, her fingers tapping audibly against a keyboard on the other end of the line. “Noah—your Noah? Noah from the party?”

“Please, Mel.” Ruth tried to keep her tone professional.

After a few moments, she returned. “No one by that name is on the docket for tomorrow morning. Judge Daniels is handling things though.”

“Shit.” They were going to hold him for seventy-two hours. “Call over to the clerk’s office and see if Judge Daniels is still in his office.” The wind blew into the car, knocking her hair askew. She turned her head to it, and Alex positioned his body to block it.

After keeping Ruth on hold, Mel returned to the line. “Clerk says he leaves at four o’clock on the dot.”

“Thanks, Mel.” Ruth turned to Alex, who was standing anxiously at her side. “He’s not on the docket.”

“If he’s kept in jail…” She didn’t need to wonder what Alex was thinking. His face was gray with worry.

Ruth dialed Blake Ellison directly. She hoped she didn’t get in trouble for not calling Matt Brandt, her direct supervisor, or Dylan Grant, the supervisor for her bureau. He answered immediately, tinkling glassware and murmurs audible in the background.

"Blake, I have a problem."

"What kind of problem? This about Eamon’s case?" he asked. “You couldn’t reach Matt or Dylan?” She wondered how he knew about a relatively insignificant case for Ellison & Grant.

"No, it was an acquittal." She did her best to keep the hair out of her face.

Blake chuckled. "Congrats. That’s a win, Ruth. I’m sure Matt and Dylan will be thrilled.”

"More like luck. Stupid kid with rich parents."

"You’re absolutely right. So, what’s your issue?"

"It’s about Noah Kandor. The FBI arrested him in his office this morning. He’s not even on the docket, Blake."

Blake snorted. "Noah? Out of the office? Not on the docket? This is personal. That means they’re jerking him around. Waiting until they absolutely have to charge him. What’s your gut telling you?"

"I have a really bad feeling." She chewed her lip to stifle her groan.

"Call your brother-in-law, Ethan. Head over to the resident agency office; tell them you’re his attorney. I’ll wait until I hear back from you. If they begin to process him, I’ll work on getting him into protective custody, but listen—if they’re playing games with a cop, he’s either dirty as hell, or he pissed off someone with serious money."

She thought about how gentle and open he had been with her. Ruth sighed.I trust you, Noah.She told her boss, “Blake, he’s not dirty.”

---