The door behind the raised bench swung open, and the bailiff called for everyone to rise.

Judge Evelyn Norris walked out in her dark robes, her expression stern and unreadable as she took her place behind the high bench.

She adjusted her reading glasses, pulled a thick black folder toward her, and struck the sound block once with her gavel.

“Be seated,” Judge Norris said, her voice quiet, flat, and full of authority.

The courtroom settled into silence except for the hum of the heating vent along the outer wall.

Judge Norris opened the Vance file and glanced at the court clerk’s handwritten notes.