Judge Plays "Truth or Lie" With Black Kid In Court, Not Knowing He's a Legal Genius With High IQ

the courtroom was silent the judge an older man with silver hair and thick glasses leaned forward staring at the 12-year-old black boy standing confidently before him a slow grin spread across his face as he tapped his gavel lightly against the desk all right young man the judge said his voice amused but firm letun play a game Truth or lie I'll ask you some questions and we'll see if you can outsmart me sound fair a ripple of laughter ran through the courtroom the boy dressed in a neatly pressed suit that looked too big for his small

frame didn't laugh he simply nodded his sharp brown eyes locked onto the judges the judge cleared his throat and leaned back in his chair first question he began his smile widening the law states that a person is innocent until proven guilty truth or lie the boy didn't blink lie he answered the courtroom gasped the judge raised eyebrow oh and why is that because in reality people are treated guilty first and have to prove their innocence the boy said calmly especially if they're black the judge's smile faded slightly he shifted in his seat glancing toward the

courtroom audience some murmured in agreement others whispered in shock all right the judge continued his voice a little less playful letun try another one a judge must be completely fair and unbiased in every case case truth or lie the boy's lips curled into a knowing smile lie the judge frowned explain because judges are human the boy replied smoothly and humans have biases whether they admit it or not you for example have already decided that I'm just a kid who doesn't know what he's talking about that's your bias the courtroom erupted into shocked murmurs the judge's

face turned red the gavl came down with a sharp crack order He barked the courtroom fell silent again the judge took a deep breath rubbing his Temple he stared at the boy suddenly realizing this wasn't going to be the simple game he had expected he had underestimated him and now he had a feeling he was about to lose earlier that day the courtroom had been buzzing with anticipation reporters sat in the back rows their cameras flashing as they whispered among themselves the case had captured the city's attention an unfair arrest a child genius and a

judge known for his strict rulings 12-year-old Marcus Jackson stood between his public defender and his mother his hands neatly folded in front of him he didn't fidget he didn't look scared in fact he looked completely calm the arrest had been a mistake or rather that's what the police wanted people to believe Marcus had been sitting in the public library when officers stormed in accusing him of being involved in a recent burglary the evidence a vague description of a black boy in a hoodie never mind that Marcus was reading a book on constitutional law when they

dragged him away in handcuffs the video of his arrest had gone viral people were outraged but outraged didn't mean Justice now Marcus stood before judge Richard Wallace a man with a reputation for handing out harsh sentences the judge studied him from behind his glasses son do you understand why you're here today Marcus lifted his chin yes your honor do you know what you're being accused of yes the judge adjusted his glasses do you have anything to say before we begin Marcus hesitated then spoke I'd like to represent myself gasps filled the room his mother gripped

his arm Marcus but the boy shook his head he had made up his mind judge Wallace's eyes twinkled with Amusement you want to act as your own lawyer yes the judge Chu L that's bold smart Marcus corrected the judge chuckled again all right then young man let's see if you're as smart as you think you are and that was how it started a game a test a battle of wits between a season judge and a 12-year-old legal Prodigy the courtroom leaned forward eager to watch the spectacle unfold but no one not even the judge was

prepared for what would happen next Marcus was about to turn the entire ire case upside down and before the judge knew it he would realize something terrifying he was losing control the judge cleared his throat adjusting his glasses he had expected this to be amusing a quick lesson in humility for a cocky kid instead Marcus Jackson had turned the courtroom into a chess board and judge Wallace had just realized he was playing against a Grandmaster all right Marcus the judge said leaning forward let see how well you understand the law since you've chosen to represent

yourself I'll give you the chance to make an opening statement Marcus nodded stepping forward with the confidence of a seasoned lawyer his suit still looked too big but suddenly no one noticed it was his presence that filled the room not his clothing your honor he began his voice steady I stand before you today not just as a defendant but as an example of a system that is flawed I was arrested without probable cause I was accused based on nothing more than my skin color and the assumption that I must be guilty but today I will

prove that the law your law was broken not by me but by those who arrested me the courtroom fell into a stunned silence even the reporter stopped typing the judge's fingers tapped lightly on the bench that's a strong accusation young man it's not an accusation Marcus said tilting his head it's a fact murmurs rippled through the crowd the judge sighed glancing at the prosecutor a tall man in a crisp navy suit Mr Callahan I assume the state is ready to present its evidence the prosecutor stood smirking slightly he had underestimated the boy too but now

he was ready to put him in his place absolutely your honor Callahan said stepping forward the state has surveillance footage placing the defendant near the scene of the crime as well as a witness who identified him Marcus didn't Flinch objection judge Wallace raised an eyebrow on what grounds on the grounds that being near a crime is not the same as committing one Marcus said smoothly and I'd like to see this so-called footage the judge nodded let's see it a screen flickered to life in the courtroom a grainy black and white video played showing a figure

in a hoodie walking past a convenience store it was dark the person's face was barely VIs ible this Callahan said confidently was taken just minutes before the store was broken into this individual matches the description given by our witness Marcus folded his arms What description Callahan frowned excuse me you said I matched the description Marcus repeated so what was the description the prosecutor glanced at his notes the suspect was described as a young black male wearing a hoodie Marcus let out a slow deliberate breath so to be clear the only reason I was arrested was

because I am a black kid wearing a hoodie the courtroom buzzed again Callahan's jaw tightened you were in the area and the witness confirmed which witness Marcus cut in Callahan side clearly irritated wek be bringing them in to testify shortly Marcus nodded good because I have a few questions for them the judge held up his hand let's keep this moving Mr Callahan do you have any stronger evidence than a blurry video and a vague description Callahan hesitated then shook his head not at this time your honor Marcus smiled slightly interesting the judge leaned forward all

right Marcus since you're so confident why don't you tell us where you were at the time of the crime Marcus adjusted his tie gladly I was at the city library Callahan scoffed can you prove that yes Marcus said and I can prove something even more interesting the judge narrowed his eyes and what's that Marcus turned to the baith your honor I'd like to submit my library checkout records as evidence a low gasp rippled through the courtroom Callahan frowned how does that prove anything because Marcus said Not only was I at the library but I checked

out a book at the exact time the store was being robbed he turned to the judge the timestamp is printed on the receipt it's irrefutable proof that I wasn't there the judge's lips pressed together BFF bring the document forward the courtroom watched as the baith handed the receipt to the judge he scanned it quickly his expression unreadable after a long moment he sighed this receipt shows that you checked out a book at 8:42 p.m. exactly Marcus said and the store was robbed at 8:40 p.m. there's no way I could have done it Callahan's face piled

Marcus turned to the prosecutor his voice calm but powerful you arrested me with no real evidence you brought me here with nothing but assumptions and now your entire case is falling apart because you underestimated me the judge exhaled rubbing his Temple all right letun take a short recess we'll reconvene in 20 minutes he banged his gavl but his people stood to stretch the courtroom doors burst open a police officer rushed in looking frantic your honor he called panting we just got a report the real suspect has been caught and he already confessed the room Froze

all eyes turned to Marcus he didn't say a word he just smiled a heavy silence settled over the courtroom the police officer still panting from his Rush inside held up a manila folder the real suspect was caught breaking into another store just 15 minutes ago when questioned he confessed to both crimes including the one Marcus was accused of Judge Wallace stared at the officer then slowly turned to Marcus the 12-year-old genius stood tall his face unreadable he had known it all along the judge tapped his fingers on his desk his expression darkening officer are you

telling me that we've been putting this boy on trial for a crime someone else just admitted to the officer shifted uncomfortably yes your honor murmurs exploded through the courtroom reporters frantically took notes cameras flashed and Marcus's mother grabbed her chest overwhelmed by emotions Callahan the prosecutor clenched his jaw he had been so sure so arrogant now he looked like a fool judge Wallace exhaled through his nose clearly irritated Mr Callahan do you have any explanation for this Callahan opened his mouth but hesitated there was no explanation that wouldn't make him look incompetent his case had

just collapsed in real time the judge turned back to Marcus his voice was quieter now but it held something new respect Marcus you knew didn't you Marcus nodded I knew I was innocent I just needed time to prove it the judge sighed rubbing his temples this is a disaster he took a long breath then sat up straight the charges against Marcus Jackson are a officially dropped this case is dismissed a cheer erupted from the back of the courtroom Marcus's mother rushed forward throwing her arms around him oh baby I knew you'd prove them wrong she

sobbed into his shoulder Marcus hugged her back but his mind was still working he had one but something about this didn't sit right the police had arrested him too easily the prosecutor had pushed too hard with almost no real evidence and now just just as he was about to break the case apart the real suspect was conveniently caught something was off the judge slammed his gavel bringing order back to the room court is adjourned but just as people began packing up Marcus spoke up wait everyone turned to look at him the judge frowned Marcus the

case is over you're free to go I know Marcus said but I have a question for the officer the officer shifted suddenly uncomfort uh yes Marcus narrowed his eyes you said the real suspect was caught just 15 minutes ago that's right the officer replied and he confessed on the spot the officer hesitated well yes Marcus tilted his head that's odd the courtroom fell silent again judge Wallace leaned forward why is that odd because confessions don't usually happen that fast Marcus said the suspect caught in the act might deny it ask for a lawyer or try

to negotiate but this guy just confessed immediately that doesn't make sense Callahan jumped in desperate to end this nightmare Marcus the case is over you're free Let It Go but Marcus shook his head no something isn't right and I want to know what his mother tugged on his arm baby we can go home now let's not push our luck but Marcus had already turned back to the officer where was this suspect caught the officer swallowed uh down on Fifth Street Marcus's eyes narrowed Fifth Street that's on the other side of the city the officer nodded

yes but Marcus cut him off then how was he in two places at once a ripple of shock moved through the courtroom judge Wallace's brow furrowed what do you mean Marcus Marcus turned to the judge his mind racing if he was caught on Fifth Street breaking into a store that means he was in the midle of committing another crime so when did he have time to confess about the first robbery the officer's face turned pale Marcus pressed further and if he confessed what exactly did he say the officer licked his lips looking nervous now he

he said he did it that's all Marcus stared him down did he give details the officer hesitated uh well not exactly did he mention the store by name Marcus pushed the officer shifted uncomfortably not not specifically no Marcus folded his arms then that's not a confession that's a cover up a stunned hush filled the courtroom judge Wallace's expression darkened officer who ordered you to say this the officer stiffened I uh I was just told by my Superior that the case was closed who is your Superior Marcus asked the officer's mouth clamped shut judge Wallace slammed

his gavl you will answer the question the officer flinched it was but before he could finish the back doors of the courtroom burst open two more officers stormed in their faces hard one of them a tall broad-shouldered man with a badge that gleamed under the fluorescent lights spoke first that's enough he said his voice like steel this case is over everyone needs to go home Marcus's heart pounded something was very very wrong judge Wallace frowned who are you Captain Reynolds the man said coldly and I'm here to make sure this doesn't go any further the

entire courtroom seemed to freeze Marcus swallowed he had cracked open something bigger than he realized and now the people in charge didn't want him to dig any deeper judge Wallace's face turned to stone are you telling me that a police captain is walking into my courtroom to interfere with Justice Reynolds didn't blink I'm telling you that this is bigger than one case Let It Go the judge stood his anger barely contained get out of my courtroom Reynolds smiled coldly be careful your honor some cases aren't meant to be one then he turned and walked out

his officers following behind him the door slammed shut behind them for a long moment no one spoke then Marcus exhaled his mind spinning he had won his case but he had also just stumbled onto something much bigger something dangerous and now the real fight was about to begin the air in the courtroom was thick with tension everyone had seen it the way Captain Reynolds had walked in like he owned the place the way he had tried to shut everything down with just a few words but Marcus Jackson wasn't the kind of kid to let things

go he had spent years reading law books understanding rules and learning how the system worked and if there was one thing he knew for sure it was this when someone tells you to stop looking that means you're close to the truth judge Wallace sat stiffly in his chair his fingers gripping the bench his eyes were sharp watching the doors where Reynolds had just left Marcus took a step forward your honor he said his voice clear you see what just happened right the judge turned to him yes Marcus I saw the courtroom was silent Callahan the

prosecutor looked uneasy the reporters in the in the back were scribbling down notes as fast as they could then the judge sighed rubbing his temples but Marcus listen to me carefully he met the boy's eyes this is not just a case anymore this is something else and it's dangerous Marcus squared his shoulders then that means we have to do something about it his mother grabbed his arm her voice trembling baby please we won your case letun go home before something bad happens mark turned to her mom something bad already happened I was arrested for no

reason they wanted to throw me in jail without evidence and now the police are trying to cover up the truth he shook his head I can't just walk away judge Wallace studied him for a long moment then sighed heavily you're really not going to let this go are you Marcus shook his head the judge sat back fine but if we're going to do this we have to be smart we need proof real proof that something bigger is going on Marcus nodded then we start with the confession cahan scoffed oh for the love of Marcus this

case is done you won why are you still digging Marcus turned to him his face unreadable because I know you knew Callahan's smug expression faltered excuse me you knew this case was weak Marcus said you knew the evidence against me was trash and yet you pushed it anyway why Callahan's face turned red I was just doing my job no Marcus said stepping closer you were doing someone else's job who told you to make sure I lost gasps rippled through the crowd Callahan's jaw clenched he turned to the judge your honor this is ridiculous HEK just

a kid he doesn't understand how the system works but judge Wallace didn't stop Marcus instead he leaned forward forward actually I think he understands it better than most Callahan swallowed he looked nervous now Marcus continued the so-called confession happened too fast the real suspect was caught at the perfect moment and now a police captain just walked into a courtroom and tried to shut everything down he folded his arms that's not a coincidence that's a cover up Callahan's face was pale this is insane judge Wallace drummed his finger against the bench Mr Callahan he said in

a low voice answer the boy's question did someone pressure you to make sure Marcus was found guilty Callahan licked his lips I I can't talk about that Marcus smiled slightly that means yes the courtroom exploded into murmurs the reporters were Whispering cameras clicking Callahan's hands clenched into fists I I need to leave he said grabbing his briefcase but before before he could take a step the judge banged his gavl Mr Callahan you will sit down judge Wallace ordered Callahan froze he hesitated then slowly sat back down his hands were shaking Marcus's heart pounded he was

so close to Breaking this wide open judge Wallace turned to the officer who had first delivered the confession officer I want the full report on this so-called confession right now the officer swallowed uh I I don't have it with me then go get it the judge snapped we're not leaving until we see it the officer hesitated then nodded quickly and rushed out of the room Marcus exhaled his mind racing he had expected to clear his name today he hadn't expected to stumble into something much much bigger judge Wallace tapped his gavl again we will take

a 30-minute recess while we wait for that report court is not adjourned people stood stretching Whispering Marcus turned to his mother see I told you something was off she rubbed her temples baby you are going to give me a hard attack Marcus smiled a little but he couldn't relax yet he stepped outside the courtroom heading toward the water fountain in the hallway he needed a second to think but just as he reached for the button a hand grabbed his shoulder Marcus tensed he turned slowly Captain Reynolds stood there his expression cold you don't know what

you're messing with kid Marcus swallowed hard but he didn't look away Reynolds leaned in his voice was a whisper if you're smart you'll walk away from this right now Marcus forced himself to stand tall and if I don't Reynolds smiled but it wasn't friendly then you might not make it home a chill ran down Marcus's spine Reynolds let go of his shoulder and walked away like nothing had happened Marcus stood Frozen his heart hammering he had just been threatened and now he knew one thing for sure whatever was going on whatever they were trying to

hide it was bigger than he ever imagined and they were willing to do anything to keep him quiet Marcus stood Frozen by the water fountain his heart pounding Captain reynolds's words echoed in his head then you might not make it home it wasn't a joke it wasn't an empty threat the way Reynolds had said it the cold smile the dead look in his eyes meant he was serious Marcus swallowed hard forcing himself to breathe he had read about corruption about coverups but he never thought he'd be living one now it was real and he was

in danger he turned back toward the courtroom his legs moving faster than his mind he needed to tell someone judge Wallace his mom anyone who would listen but just as he reached for the courtroom door his Instinct screamed at him wait think Reynolds had threatened him in a public hallway that meant one of two things Reynolds was Reckless Reynolds knew no one would believe Marcus Marcus clenched his fists he needed proof he needed a plan taking a deep breath he turned away from the door and walked quickly toward the courthouse exit he wasn't running away

he was going hunting outside the afternoon sun burned hot Marcus scanned the parking lot his brain working a mile a minute Reynolds was part of something bigger that much was clear the confession had been fake the trial had been rushed and now a police captain was personally trying to scare him off Marcus had to find out what they were hiding he pulled out his phone and typed quickly meet me at the library urgent he sent the message to his best friend Elijah then he started walking he didn't notice the black SUV parked across the street

or the man inside watching him go the library was nearly empty when Mark arrived the smell of old books and ink filled the air a comforting scent in the middle of all this chaos Elijah was already there sitting at their usual table in the back you better have a good reason for calling me out here bro Elijah said leaning forward I was in the middle of a game Marcus sat down I need your help Elijah blinked wait you need my help the boy Genius needs help Marcus didn't smile it's serious Elijah ground okay what's going

on Marcus lowered his voice I think the cops are covering something up and I think they were ready to throw me in jail to keep it hidden Elijah stared wait what Marcus quickly explained everything the rushed case the fake confession Captain reynolds's threat when he finished Elijah let out a low whistle dude you need to get out of town Marcus shook his head no I need to find out what they're hiding Elijah sighed running a hand over his face you always got to be difficult huh Marcus smirked slightly you wouldn't be my friend if I

wasn't Elijah snorted true he leaned forward okay what's the plan Marcus exhaled first we find out who the real suspect is the one they arrested Elijah nodded you thinking fake name or fake person Marcus rubbed his chin could be either but I have an idea a he pulled out his phone and typed quickly juvenile arrest records City database a login page popped up Elijah leaned over reading the screen uh you do realize you need an official login to get in right Marcus didn't answer he just opened another app Elijah's eyes widened bro no way you're

hacking the police database not hacking Marcus said tapping away just borrowing access a elah whistled you are so going to get arrested again Marcus ignored him fingers flying seconds later he was in a list of recent arrests filled the screen he scrolled quickly and then there it was suspect Nathaniel Brooks age 19 crime burglary confession yes Marcus clicked the file but instead of a detailed report there was almost nothing no mug shot no fingerprints just a name and a confession Elijah frowned that's weird right Marcus nodded super weird he scrolled down until he found something

even stranger Nathaniel Brooks had been arrested 1 hour before the robbery even happened Marcus's blood ran cold Elijah grabbed his arm wait are you saying Marcus's voice was barely a whisper they arrested him before the crime happened that means Elijah finished the sentence for for him they set it up the boys stared at each other then Elijah grabbed his phone we got to tell someone but before Marcus could respond a new message popped up on his screen a blocked number stop digging or else Marcus's stomach clenched then out of the corner of his eye he

saw something through the library window a black SUV parked across the street watching them Marcus grabbed Elijah's arm we have to go now Elijah saw the SUV and swallowed hard yeah good idea the two boys shot to their feet and headed for the back exit they didn't see the man in the SUV pick up his radio they're moving follow them and just like that the hunt was on Marcus and Elijah slipped out the library's back door their hearts pounding the sun had started to set casting Long Shadows across the alley Elijah grabbed Marcus's arm dude

we are in some deep trouble right now Marcus didn't argue he could feel it the weight of something much bigger than them pressing in something dangerous the black SUV hadn't moved yet but Marcus knew it wouldn't be long before they were followed he turned to Elijah we need to get somewhere safe Elijah nodded yeah but where Marcus's brain worked fast his house no too obvious the police had already been there when they arrested him Elijah's place same problem then an idea hit him my uncle's Barber Shop Marcus said Elijah frowned the one on 12th Street

yeah he closes late and he's got security cameras everywhere if they follow us there we'll have proof Elijah hesitated man I don't know this is feeling like some spy movie stuff and in spy movies the guys like us don't make it to the end Marcus managed a small smile then let's make sure we do Elijah sighed fine but if I die I'm haunting you Marcus nodded fair deal now let's move they took off cutting through side streets avoiding the main roads Marcus's heart pounded with every step but when he glanced back the SUV was gone

Elijah noticed too uh I don't like that Marcus didn't either they had been watched but now now they were being hunted the barber shop sat on the corner of 12th in main a small brick building with a flickering neon sign that read Jackson's Cuts Marcus knocked on the glass door after a few seconds his uncle Terrence Jackson peaked out his thick beard was speckled with gray and his tired eyes widened when he saw Marcus boy what are you doing out this late Uncle T we need to come inside it's important Terrence frowned but unlocked the

door letting them in the moment the door shut Marcus turned to his uncle someone is after us he said Voice Low terrence's expression hardened who Marcus hesitated cops his uncle stiffened you serious Marcus nodded Terren side running a hand over his face come to the back the shop smelled like aftershave and fresh cut hair the Clippers were still on the counter an old jazz music played from the radio Terren LED them to his office closing the door behind them all right he said talk Marcus told him everything the fake case the fake confession the threat

from Captain Reynolds and now the mysterious SUV by the time he finished Terrence looked Furious that's why I don't trust none of them his uncle muttered shaking his head they do whatever they want and when they get caught they just cover it up marus exhaled I need proof something solid something that can take them down Teran thought for a moment then pulled out his phone I got a guy he said Elijah's eyes widened you got a guy everybody got a guy teren said mine happens to be real good with finding things people want to keep

hidden he dialed a number and waited after a few rings someone picked up a deep voice answered who's this it's t Terence said I need a favor the voice on the other end paused what kind of favor Terrence glanced at Marcus I need someone to look into a name Nathaniel Brooks supposedly arrested for burglary I need to know if he even exists the man on the phone let out a low chuckle oh this sounds like trouble it is Terrence said can you help or not the voice hummed give me an hour then the line went

dead Marcus let out a breath now we wait Terrence nodded yeah and in the meantime we stay put but outside something moved Elijah saw it first his face went pale uh Marcus Marcus turned through the blinds under the glow of a street light the black SUV was parked across the street waiting watching Elijah swallowed okay change of plan we die here instead Marcus's stomach Twisted they weren't just being followed they were being trapped the next hour felt like forever the SUV didn't move no one got out it just sat there then terrence's phone bust the

deep voice spoke we got a problem Terence frowned what kind of problem the man side Nathaniel Brooks he don't exist Marcus's blood ran cold what no records no history no fingerprints it's like he was made up out of thin air Terrence cursed under his breath Marcus felt his heart pound they had arrested a g a fake person to make sure he took the blame Elijah gripped the table oh we are so dead then a loud thud came from the front door a shadow moved outside the shop Marcus froze Terren grabbed a bat from behind his

desk stay behind me he whispered another thought then a voice deep unfamiliar Marcus Jackson we need to talk Marcus's heart pounded they had found him and now they they were coming in the knock came again Marcus Jackson we know you're in there Marcus swallowed hard his hands clenched into fists Elijah was breathing too fast beside him and Uncle Terrence had his back gripped so tight his knuckles turned white back door Terrence whispered both of you now Marcus hesitated but now Marcus grabbed Elijah's sleeve and pulled him toward the back the barber shop had an exit

Through the Alley but if they were being watched that meant they already knew about it still they had no choice Terren moved toward the front his shoulders squared who's asking he called a pause then open the door Mr Jackson this doesn't have to get messy Marcus and Elijah slipped into the back hallway we're going to die man Elijah muttered we are actually going to die shut up Marcus whispered pushing the exit door open just AC rack a cold Rush of air hit them the alley was empty for now Marcus took a deep breath okay on

three we run Elijah nodded 1 2 before Marcus could say three a second SUV pulled into the alley its headlights blazed flooding the narrow space with light the car skitted to a stop blocking their only way out Marcus yanked Elijah back heart slamming against his ribs they were trapped inside Terrence wasn't backing down you got a warrant he called standing just behind the door silence then a different voice low smooth controlled Mr Jackson the voice said we're just here to talk Terrence scoffed funny I've heard that before then bang the door shook as someone slammed

against it Terrence took a step back the voice on the other side remained calm don't make this harder than it has to be terence's grip on the bat tightened outside Marcus's brain raced they had seconds maybe less before whoever was in that SUV got out and once they did Marcus didn't want to think about that he turned to Elijah climbed the fence Elija gawked at him what it's our only way out Marcus said climb Elijah hesitated then took a running start and leaped the chain link fence rattled as he scrambled up his sneakers slipping against

the metal Marcus followed gripping the cold steel and pulling himself up below them the SUV doors swung open Marcus heard the footsteps then a voice there they are Marcus climbed faster too slow a hand grabbed his ankle he kicked hard but the grip was strong Panic surged through him Elijah reached the top come on man Marcus gritted his teeth and kicked again harder the grip loosened Marcus yanked himself up his fingers scraping against metal then a gunshot the bullet hit the fence just inches from his hand Elijah yelped holy Marcus didn't stop didn't look down

he swung his leg over and dropped his feet hit the ground pain shot up his ankle but he forced himself to move Elijah grabbed his arm run they bolted behind them the men from the SUV scrambled to climb the fence but Marcus and Elijah were already gone they ran until their legs burned until their lungs felt like fire they ran through alleys passed flickering street lights over sidewalks cracked from age finally they ducked into an old parking garage hiding behind a row of abandoned cars they collapsed Elijah was gasping for air I hate you Marcus

ignored him peing over the hood of a rusted sedan no sign of the SUVs no footsteps for now Elijah sat up rubbing his face man what do we just run from the actual FBI Marcus didn't answer he was still thinking about The Gunshot they weren't just trying to scare him anymore they were trying to kill him back at the barber shop Terren stood in the wreckage of his front door the men were gone but the warning was clear his nephew had gotten too close to something dangerous and now now there was no turning back the

parking garage was silent except for the sound of Marcus and Elijah struggling to catch their breath Marcus's back was pressed against the cold metal of an abandoned car his mind was racing they had almost been killed this wasn't a game anymore Elijah wiped sweat from his forehead bro what what did we just escape from Marcus shook his head I don't know but I do know one thing Elijah swallowed what Marcus looked him in the eye they're willing to kill to keep their secet secret a heavy silence settled between them Elijah let out a nervous laugh

man I thought school was stressful but nope almost getting shot way worse Marcus didn't smile we can't go home they'll be watching Elijah exhaled great so where do we go Marcus thought for a second then he pulled out his phone there was only one person left to call 15 minutes later a sleek black car rolled up to the back entrance of the parking garage a woman in her mid-30s stepped out dressed in a sharp Blazer and jeans her long braids fell over her shoulders and her expression was unreadable she pushed her sunglasses up onto her

head Marcus Jackson you really know how to stir up trouble Marcus leted out a breath of relief Aunt Vanessa Vanessa Jackson was a defense attorney a good one one of the best and right now she was their best chance at Staying Alive Elijah blinked you got a lawyer in the family and you didn't call her sooner Marcus Shrugged better late than never Vanessa folded her arms get in the car now neither of them argued as soon as the car do shut Vanessa pulled off her hands gripping the wheel tight I've been hearing things she said

cops pushing a case that doesn't make sense Witnesses disappearing and now my nephew is running for his life Marcus nodded it's bigger than we thought the guy they arrested for the robbery he doesn't exist Vanessa's lips pressed together they set me up anunt V Marcus continued and when I started asking questions they tried to shut me down now they're hunting me Vanessa let out a slow breath yeah I figured it was something like that Marcus frowned wait you knew Vanessa didn't take her eyes off the road I didn't know for sure but I've seen cases

like this before they pick a scapegoat someone easy to blame then they close the case fast before anyone looks too deep Elijah shook his head but why Marcus Vanessa glanced at him through the rearview mirror because Marcus is smart and smart kids are dangerous to people who like to bend the rules she turned down a side street heading toward the edge of town Elijah leaned forward uh where exactly are we going Vanessa's jaw tightened somewhere safe Marcus didn't like the sound of that where Vanessa didn't answer which meant she didn't trust anywhere in the city

20 minutes later they pulled up to a small rundown Motel the neon sign buzzed weakly in the night Vanessa parked and turned to face them listen carefully you two are staying here tonight I paid cash no paper trail nobody knows you're here Marcus crossed his arms and what about you Vanessa exhaled I need to make some calls figure out how deep this goes but do not leave this room got it Elijah nodded so fast his head nearly fell off oh trust me I have zero plans of going anywhere Marcus hesitated then nodded got it Vanessa's

eyes softened I know you're scared but I won't let anything happen to you then she reached into her glove compartment and pulled out a gun Elijah nearly fell out of the car waa okay I uh this just got way too real Vanessa checked the safety then tucked the gun into her back if they're willing to use Force so am I Marcus stared at her you really think it's that bad Vanessa met his eyes they shot at you Marcus what do you think Marcus felt the chill run down his spine yeah it was that bad inside

the motel room Elijah locked the door twice then he collapsed onto the bed all right I'm done this is officially the worst day of my life Marcus Sat by the window staring out at the parking lot the motel wasn't great faded wallpaper a buzzing TV but at least for now they were safe Elijah sat up so what now Marcus exhaled now we wait Elijah groaned I hate that answer Marcus smirked slightly me too Elijah rubbed his face man if I had known being your best friend would involve almost getting killed I would have rethought our

whole friendship Marcus chuckled too late now but his smile didn't last long because deep down he knew this wasn't over not even close and then his phone vibrated blocked number a single message we know where you are Marcus's stomach dropped and then the motel lights outside went out a shadow moved by the window someone was here and this time they weren't knocking the motel lights flickered out Marcus's chest tightened he could barely see Elijah's face in the sudden Darkness but he could hear the sharp intake of breath a shadow moved past the window then another

then a click the doorknob turned Elijah whispered oh no Marcus moved fast he grabbed Elijah by the shirt and yanked him toward the bathroom hide Marcus whispered Elijah didn't argue they slipped in side closing the door just as bang the motel door burst open heavy boots thudded against the floor Marcus's heart pounded in his ears he pressed his back against the wall barely breathing the bathroom was small just a sink a toilet and a shower with a flimsy curtain not much cover Elijah's hands were shaking Marcus could feel it from the other room voices whispered

too low to understand then footsteps getting closer Marcus's mind raced if they opened the door they were done they had nowhere to run his fingers brushed the edge of the toilet tank an idea sparked carefully silently Marcus lifted the lid off the back of the toilet and handed it to Elijah Elijah's eyes went wide Marcus mouth be ready Elijah nodded then the bathroom door creaked open a shadow filled the doorway a tall broad-shouldered man in dark clothes stepped in scanning the small space Marcus's breath caught in his throat the Man's eyes landed on the shower

curtain slowly he reached for it Marcus tensed then Elijah swung the toilet tank lit crack the man stumbled back cursing Marcus lunged forward grabbing the only other weapon in reach a cheap motel hairdryer it wasn't much but he swung it like his life depended on it Wham the man collapsed dazed Elijah didn't wait he bolted out the door pulling Marcus with him the motel room was trashed the bed was overturned drawers pulled out but Marcus barely had time to process it because standing near the entrance was another man and this one had a gun Marcus

and Elijah skitted to a stop the man dressed in all black aimed the gun at them where do you think you're going Elijah whispered Marcus I don't want to die in a motel Marcus didn't either his brain moved fast the man wasn't shooting yet that meant something he wasn't here to kill them at least not yet come with me the man ordered now Marcus swallowed his heart was racing he glanced at Elijah then back at the man then a loud bang from outside tires screeched the man turned his head just for a second Marcus moved

he grabbed the closest thing a lamp and through it with everything he had the man barely had time to react before crash glass shattered the gun clattered to the floor Marcus didn't wait he grabbed Elijah's arm and ran outside headlights blinded them a car skitted to a stop the driver's door flew open Vanessa get ey in she yelled Marcus and Elijah dived into the car before the doors even shut Vanessa slammed the gas tires screeched the car car shot forward speeding out of the lot from the rear view mirror Marcus saw the gunman stumble outside

another black SUV pulled up next to him they weren't done they were going to chase them Vanessa didn't waste time what did you do Marcus took a deep breath I think I almost got us killed Elijah threw his hands up you think Vanessa swore under her breath making a hard right turn I told you to stay put Marcus shook his head they found us anyway Vanessa didn't argue because she knew he was right the SUV behind them roared to life headlights flashing then another appeared then another three in total Marcus's stomach twisted uh Aunt V

I see them Vanessa muttered the first SUV lurched forward gaining on them the second swerved to the side trying to box them in Elijah gripped the seat a v I really don't want to ey in a car chase either Vanessa gritted her teeth then hold on then she slammed the brakes Marcus's head snapped forward Elijah let out a choked Scream the first SUV caught offg guard swerved hard trying to avoid them it clipped the second SUV crash the two cars spun out slamming into a street light the third SUV kept coming Vanessa floored the gas

the car launched forward Marcus's pulse hammer Amed are we losing them Vanessa's jaw was tight not yet she swerved onto a side street then another then the road ahead was blocked more black SUVs waiting Elijah groaned are you kidding me how many do they have Vanessa's grip tightened on the wheel Marcus's stomach dropped they were surrounded and this time there was nowhere left to run Vanessa slammed the brakes the car skitted to a stop just inches from the black SUVs blocking the road ahead behind them more headlights appeared trapped Marcus's hands clenched into fists his

heart pounded so hard it hurt Elijah barely breathed wellp this is how I die in a car like I always feared Vanessa's grip tightened on the wheel her jaw clenched stay calm Marcus swallowed his head they not here to talk are they Vanessa didn't answer because they all knew the truth the SUV doors opened men stepped out all dressed in black no badges no uniforms just power then one last door opened Captain Reynolds stepped out his face unreadable he walked forward stopping just a few feet from Vanessa's car then slowly he raised his hand motioning

for them to step out Vanessa's fingers hovered over the gear shift Marcus stay in the car but Mar Marcus already knew they weren't getting out of this without answers and he wanted them all of them before Vanessa could stop him Marcus opened the door and stepped out Elijah cursed under his breath dude what are you doing Vanessa hissed Marcus but it was too late Marcus walked forward toward Reynolds the street was empty the only sound was the hum of the engines Reynolds studied him Brave kid Marcus stopped I'm not brave his voice was steady I'm

just not stupid Reynolds smirked debatable Marcus's fist tightened you tried to frame me Reynolds Shrugged you were the perfect choice Marcus's jaw clenched why Reynolds let out a slow breath you really want to know Marcus didn't blink yes Reynolds took a step closer the street lights made his face look sharper harder because Marcus Reynold said his voice smooth you don't belong in the system you threaten the system Marcus frowned what Reynold side smart kids like you you see the cracks the flaws you ask questions and questions are dangerous Marcus swallowed Reynolds continued voice calm too

calm see we don't just need criminals to keep the machine running he said we need the right criminals the ones nobody will fight for the ones people will assume are guilty just by looking at them Marcus felt his stomach turn Reynolds tilted his head what do you think would have happened if we locked you up Marcus knew the answer a smart black kid in the system he would have been swallowed whole no one would have questioned it no one would have cared Reynolds smiled slightly but instead you fought back his eyes darkened and now you

know too much Marcus's breath caught in his throat Reynolds turned to his men take them the air shifted Elijah jumped out of the car oh come on man Vanessa threw open her door pulling her gun don't even think about it Reynolds didn't look worried Put the gun down Miss Jackson You're outnumbered Marcus's brain raced he was one move away from disappearing forever one move away from being buried under lies he had one shot one chance he had to break the system before it swall followed him then an idea his only chance Marcus reached into his

pocket not for a gun not for a weapon for his phone and he pressed play reynolds's voice filled the air see we don't just need criminals to keep the machine running we need the right criminals the recording was clear the officers froze reynolds's face turned to stone Marcus's voice was steady I was recording the second I stepped out of the car reynolds's jaw clenched Marcus lifted the phone higher and right now this recording is being sent to every journalist I know Elijah grinned oh and guess what the internet loves corruption scandals reynolds's eye twitched you

think that'll stop us Marcus took a step forward no he said but it'll make sure everyone sees what you are reynolds's men hesitated the game had changed the whole world was about to know the truth Reynolds exhaled through his nose then he smiled a slow knowing smile well played he said then he turned to his men Stand Down the officers lowered their weapons Reynolds looked back at Marcus this isn't over Marcus didn't blink I know Reynolds smirked then I'll see you soon then he stepped back got into the SUV and drove away the others followed

just like that they were gone silence Elijah let out a long breath okay that was insane Vanessa holstered her gun still tense Marcus that was dangerous Marcus exhaled I know she studied him you were ready to die for that weren't you Marcus swallowed then nodded Vanessa's eyes softened then suddenly she hugged him tight Marcus tined at first then let himself breathe Eli clapped his hands together so uh can we never do that again Marcus let out a breath no promises Elijah groaned I hate you Marcus smirked I know by morning the recording was everywhere news

stations blogs social media the city exploded with outrage investigations were launched careers ended but Reynolds he disappeared no charges no arrest gone on a week later Marcus sat on his porch staring at the sunset Vanessa sat beside him you did it Marcus didn't answer because deep down he knew it wasn't over Reynolds was still out there watching waiting and someday they would come for him again but next time he'd be ready one week later the city was still on fire news anchors called it the justice system scandal of the decade protests erupted people demanded arrests

the mayor held emergency press conferences promising change but Marcus knew better the system didn't change it just hit its cracks better and the biggest crack of all Captain Reynolds was gone not arrested not fired gone no one knew where no one knew how and that was a problem because Marcus knew one thing for sure Reynolds wasn't finished Marcus sat on his porch scrolling through the news on his phone Vanessa leaned against the railing beside him arms crossed you're still thinking about it aren't you Marcus didn't look up of course Vanessa side you exposed them you

won Marcus clenched his jaw no I just made them go underground he wasn't stupid when people like Reynolds got caught they didn't go to jail they moved they adapted they waited Elijah walked up the steps holding a soda y'all really sitting here all dramatic while I'm just trying to enjoy my day Marcus finally looked up you're not worried Elijah scoffed oh I'm terrified but if I stop for even 5 Seconds to think about how close we came to getting murdered I might throw up so I'm just vibing instead Vanessa smirked smart strategy Marc aside putting

his phone down I don't get it Reynolds should be in prison he should be on trial instead he just vanished Vanessa exhaled guys like him always have an Escape Plan Elijah pointed at Marcus and guys like you always got to go poking around and making things worse Marcus didn't deny it because he was already digging that night when the house was quiet Marcus locked his bedroom door and pulled out his laptop if Reynolds had disappeared then there had to be a trail Marcus had learned something valuable over the last week the people who ran the

system they were sloppy they assumed no one was watching Marcus was watching he pulled up government databases news reports even hacked into private security locks and then there it was a flight record one-way ticket private plane destination Washington DC Marcus's stomach tightened Reynolds hadn't disappeared he had moved up Marcus stared at the screen his fingers hovering over the keys he could ignore it pretend it wasn't happening pretend he was just a normal 12-year-old kid but that was a lie he had never been normal and now the stakes were higher than ever Marcus exhaled then he

picked up his phone and called Vanessa when she answered her voice was groggy Marcus it's 2 a.m. Marcus didn't hesitate Reynolds is in De silence then Vanessa cursed send me everything Marcus already had she exhaled okay I'll make some fulse but Marcus I know Marcus said this is dangerous she sighed I was going to say you should go to bed but yeah that too Marcus smirked no chance Vanessa muttered something under her breath then hung up Marcus closed his laptop he had taken down Reynolds once now he was going to end him for good the

next morning Vanessa showed up with two cups of coffee in a plane ticket Elijah nearly choked on his breakfast wait wait what is happening right now Vanessa slid the ticket across the table to Marcus you coming or not Marcus looked at the ticket it wasn't just for him there was a second one Elijah's name was on it Elijah blinked oh n Marcus smirked too late you're already in this Elijah groaned slumping over the table I hate you so much bro Marcus grabbed the ticket DC the capital the heart of power that's where Reynolds had run

to that's where Marcus was going because this time he wasn't just playing defense he was taking the fight to them and he wasn't leaving until Reynolds paid the plane touched down at Reagan National Airport and Marcus stared out the window the skyline of Washington DC stretched before him gleaming in the morning light this was it the final move Elijah stretched yawning all right I'm just going to say it this is officially the most insane thing we've ever done Marcus smirked and we haven't even started yet Vanessa grabbed her back all right listen up we're not

tourists we're here for one reason to find Reynolds expose him and make sure he can never do this again Elijah groaned cool just casually taking down government corruption no big deal Vanessa turned to Marcus what do we know Marcus pulled out his phone opening the files he had collected Ed Reynolds took a private flight here a week ago Marcus said but there's no public record of him after that Elijah frowned so either he's hiding or someone is hiding him Marcus finished Vanessa exhaled then let's start at the source she turned to the car rental counter

we're going hunting the drive-thru DC was different from home here the power wasn't loud it was quiet hidden the city was clean the buildings polished but Marcus could feel it corruption buried under all that gloss Elijah tapped the GPS all right so where exactly are we going Marcus scrolled through his phone I traced the plane rental back to a private security firm they handle sensitive government matters Vanessa raised an eyebrow which is code for we clean up messes people don't want made public Marcus nodded and guess who just became their newest consultant he turned his

phone around on the screen was a security badge with reynolds's face on it Elijah groaned oh come on this man got promoted Vanessa's grip on the wheel tightened yeah that's how it works Marcus exhaled which means we don't just have to take him down his eyes burned with determination we have to take the whole system down with him they parked a block away from The Helio security building a Sleek glass covered Tower Marcus studied the entrance hi security cameras everywhere Elijah sighed let me guess you got some crazy plan Marcus grinned you know me so

well Elijah groaned I hate that I do the plan was simple Marcus would sneak in Elijah would run distraction Vanessa would pull the strings from outside and if it worked they'd have everything they needed to end Reynolds forever Marcus slipped into the staff entrance using a stolen key card from an unsuspecting guard inside the building was cold all steel and glass he moved quickly staying low avoiding the cameras his heart pounded if he got caught here there was no walking away but he had come too far to back down now meanwhile Elijah did what Elijah

did best caused chaos he strolled into the main lobby acting like he belonged when a guard looked at him suspiciously Elijah grinned hey yo yall hiring I heard y'all need people for like top secret government scandals the guard frowned sir you need to leave Elijah nodded seriously cool cool but like before I go who's in charge of the corruption Department the guards radio crackled to life we have a disturbance in the lobby Elijah grinned perfect while security focused on eligah Marcus slipped into the main server room rows of computers glowed softly in the dim light

he plugged in a flash drive and started downloading everything emails transactions confidential files the truth all of it back outside Vanessa monitored the feeds from her laptop her jaw tightened as she scanned the data coming through this is bigger than we thought she muttered Elijah peaked over her shoulder how much bigger Vanessa turned the screen it wasn't just about Reynolds this was a network judges cops business men even politicians all connected all Untouchable until now Marcus's heart raised as the files finished downloading he yanked out the flash drive and then the alarm blared security had

found him a voice boomed over the intercom Intruder in the server room Marcus's blood ran cold then a door slammed open and standing there Reynolds the room felt smaller Reynolds smirked arms crossed I should have known you wouldn't let this go Marcus's grip tightened on the flash drive I don't like unfinished business Reynolds took a step closer you really think you're going to walk out of here Marcus smiled I don't think I know then Vanessa's Voice crackled through his earpiece now Boom the fire alarms exploded smoke poured into the hallways and just like that the

building descended into chaos Marcus didn't wait he ran Reynolds cursed chasing after him security swarmed the hallways but Marcus was faster he dodged slipping through doors weaving through offices then he saw Elijah at the entrance waving frantically move dude move Marcus sprinted behind him Reynolds yelled orders too late Marcus died through the doors and straight into Vanessa's getaway car she peeled out before the guards could react Elijah collapsed into the seat oh I think I just had a heart attack Marcus grinned breathing hard he had the files they had everything and Reynolds he was done

the next morning the headlines hit corruption exposed police politicians and secret Network uncovered the world saw the truth people were arrested careers ended and Reynolds gone again days later Marcus sat on his porch staring at the sky Vanessa sat beside him you did it Marcus didn't answer because deep down he knew Reynolds was still out there and one day they would meet again but next time Marcus wouldn't just win he would end the game forever the system tried to break him but they forgot one thing you can't break what's smarter than you and Marcus Jackson

was the smartest of them all