She stamped the cover sheet received at two fourteen.

It made a flat, final sound, like a book shutting.

The clerk pushed a receipt across.

The case number was printed in the corner: CL24-1187.

In firm, steady ink, I signed my name at the bottom of the sworn search warrant application.

The courtroom carpet smelled of new wool and adhesive, and Captain Douglas laid two evidence binders on the table and lined them up against the rail.

Judge Vance took the bench at nine with his glasses already on.