Rain hammered against the courthouse windows while media vans crowded every street surrounding the Dirksen Federal Building.
Chicago had not seen a political trial this explosive in years.
Police barricades stretched across entire intersections while reporters shouted questions at every black SUV arriving near the courthouse entrance. Protesters occupied both sides of the street.
"LOCK HIM UP!"
"DELANEY IS INNOCENT!"
"JUSTICE FOR ELENA VARGAS!"
The chants echoed endlessly beneath the dark morning sky.
Inside the courthouse, federal marshals stood at nearly every hallway intersection while cameras flashed nonstop whenever someone important walked past.
The atmosphere shifted as Damian entered the building beside councilman Delaney. The noise around the courthouse hallway visibly dipped for a moment as eyes landed on him in black suit, black gloves and long dark coat draped over his shoulders.
