“No, my dear child, I made my own conscious choices in that market, and whatever punishment comes from those choices rests entirely upon my shoulders,” Clarence stated firmly.

A profound quiet settled over the entire chamber, broken only by the soft hum of the ceiling fans and the distant sound of vehicle traffic moving along the street outside.

Judge Lawson remained perfectly motionless in his tall leather chair, resting his chin in his hand while staring thoughtfully at the photos of stolen goods.

Before the judge could deliver a ruling, Rebecca rose from her seat, shifting her sleeping son onto her hip as she took two bold steps toward the wooden railing that divided the room.

“Your Honor, if the court will permit me just one moment, there is something essential that Mr.