Vance smiled smoothly, resting his hands on the defense podium.

“Your Honor, any outside recording made through window glass is hearsay, distorted by glare, and legally inadmissible.”

“The audio file was isolated and authenticated by State Precinct 4 forensic specialists yesterday afternoon,” Jenkins said, plugging the drive into the courtroom media panel.

“The boundary microphone recorded crystal-clear sound straight through the open window frame.”

Judge Alvarez leaned back. “Play the file, Ms. Jenkins.”

The courtroom speakers hissed once with soft static, then came the faint clink of dinner silverware against crystal glasses.