The hearing came and went on a gloomy morning.

I sat beside Howard.

Gloria held on to my elbow as we walked into the building.

The judge reviewed the deal, listened to the facts, and handed down the sentence.

There was no grand speech and no sudden confession from Dwight.

The courtroom simply followed its procedures until everything was done.

Outside the courthouse, reporters were waiting near the steps.

I turned down every one of their requests.