2
In those fleeting moments, it was as if chaos had descended from the heavens into the courtroom. The judge and bailiff were struggling to control the noise arising from speculative chatter while still coming to grips with what had just transpired. I knew without hesitation what I had to do to alter the course of fate before the chance to remedy my silence evaded me.

Calmly retrieving my pistol from an inner pocket, I made my way to the front of the courtroom. It wasn't difficult at all to slip a surprise by the guards and metal detectors out front. After all, it was one of the first tests for a special field agent. Rudimentary truly, for one in my line of work.

Before the bailiff has time to react, I aim the pistol at Michael's heart while gaining a stance behind him. He's shackled, so getting him out of here might prove to be a bit of a challenge, but I know my way around a crisis situation undeniably.

"What the hell are you doing?" Michael barks.

"Saving your ass and likely my soul."

Out of the corner of my eye, I see the SWAT team arriving around the corner of West Haven Blvd. It was now or never. Time to cut a trail...