Judge Miller took off his glasses and laid them on the bench with a deliberate click.

He looked down at Jaclyn.

“The record is clear, counselor,” Judge Miller said, his voice stern and cold.

“The child was padlocked outside in freezing rain while adults socialized indoors.”

Jaclyn’s lawyer began to rise.

“Your Honor, my client has no prior criminal record.”

“Sit down, counselor,” Judge Miller snapped.

The lawyer sat down at once.