Elena remained calm.
"I would like to know what this is about."
The hallway became quieter.
Several people nearby noticed the conversation.
A lawyer walking past slowed down.
A visitor looked over.
James spoke again.
"You are being instructed to come with us."
Elena looked surprised.
"Am I under arrest?"
Linda answered:
"You need to come with us."
That answer created more confusion.
Elena held her folder tighter.
"I haven't done anything."
James looked serious.
"Ma'am, please don't make this difficult."
The words sounded official.
But something felt wrong.
Elena looked around.
She saw people watching.
She knew how quickly public perception could change.
A person being escorted by officers inside a courthouse often looked guilty before anyone knew the facts.
That was the problem.
The appearance came first.
The truth came later.
Elena tried again.
"Can someone explain what happened?"
James looked at his tablet.
"There are concerns about evidence submitted in your case."
Elena froze.
"Evidence?"
"Yes."
"What evidence?"
James did not explain.
Instead, he motioned toward the hallway.
"Please come with us."
Elena shook her head.
"I want to speak with my attorney."
James stepped closer.
"You can do that after you come with us."
The situation escalated quickly.