PART 3 The courthouse smelled like wet coats, old paper, and coffee that had been burned for too many hours.

provided she remains seated.”

Judge Pike nodded.

“Very well. We’ll proceed efficiently.”

Bryce’s attorney stood first.

Martin Hale was smooth, gray-haired, and confident in the way lawyers are confident when they believe the facts can be dressed better than the truth.

“Your Honor,” he began, “my client, Mr. Bryce Calloway, is deeply concerned about his continue reading …