“Let’s hear from the lead specialist,” the hearing officer said, turning his yellow legal pad to a fresh page.

“Call Martha Miller to the witness stand.”

Martha walked up the two carpeted steps to the wooden witness chair and sat down without looking toward Arthur’s table.

She wore a pressed gray cardigan over her cotton blouse and held a neat manila folder flat on her lap with both hands.

“State your main trade and your specific duties on the project site,” the hearing officer said.

“Lead drywall specialist,” Martha said softly, her voice carrying a brisk edge that filled the quiet room.