Patricia’s rings clicked on the edge of the table.

Judge Ramirez laid the page down.

“Let’s hear the sealed statement.”

Thomas cracked the red seal on the manila envelope and pulled out one page.

He gave it to the bailiff, who carried it up to the judge.

She read it silently first, her lips moving a little.

Then she raised her eyes and read it out loud.

“My name is Walter James Ashford.