Page 136 of The Fire We Make

Joy didn’t react immediately, simply closed her file. Composed and unmoved like she expected nothing less.

"Act like you been here before," Byron's voice whispered.

Joy felt eyes on her as she congratulated Blue and accepted — reluctantly — his hug of gratitude.

She felt the DA's piercing eyes full of hate burning into her back and she knew she’d earned herself a spot on his shit list along with the Kings.

Outside, cameras waited and so did more eyes.

The case was already high profile with the King name attached. It got even bigger once the DA began trying it himself.

Cameras flashed and questions were shouted at them as Ace guided them out of the courtroom and towards Ray waiting at the curb,

“Mr. King! What’s your response to the dismissal?”

Joy looked up at Ace, waiting for him to speak just like everyone else.

He didn't though.

Instead, he paused at the top of the courthouse steps and nudged Joy forward.

"Ask the woman who made it happen," he said.

Joy did her best to hide the shock from her expression.

She faltered for only a moment before she turned to the awaiting cameras and reporters. With a steady gaze and even voice, she spoke.

“The system worked exactly the way it was supposed to,” she said.

A reporter pushed forward. “Even with a missing detective at the center of the case?”

Joy’s gaze flicked to him. “Especially then.”

A murmur rippled through the crowd.

She continued.

“No one is above accountability. Not the accused. Not law enforcement. Not the people responsible for bringing these cases forward.”

Another reporter raised her hand. “Are you suggesting misconduct within the department?”

Joy tilted her head slightly.

“I’m not suggesting anything,” she said calmly. “I’m stating the facts already brought before the court.”

More questions flew at her from every direction.

“Do you believe this case was targeted?”

“Do you think your client was wrongfully pursued?”

“Is this connected to the DA's agenda to crack down on organized crime?”

Joy didn’t answer those.

She looked up at Ace who looked down at her with what could only be described as pride.

"Thank you everyone," he said with a small wave before leading Joy past the crowd and down the steps.