Arthur’s attorney picked up his leather briefcase and stepped back from the podium without saying a word to Arthur.

“Arthur Vance’s petition against Mrs.

Whitman’s property is dismissed with prejudice,” Judge Thomas said.

Arthur turned around and walked out of the courtroom in total silence, his lawyer following two paces behind him through the heavy double doors.

Greg sat frozen in his chair, his head lowered as quiet tears dropped onto his jacket sleeve.

I leaned close to his ear and tightened my fingers around his trembling hand.

Judge Thomas struck his wooden gavel on the sound block with a loud, echoing thud.