“This is an official commission as a United States District Judge,” Judge Alvarez said quietly, his voice carrying clearly to every corner of the room.

Vance stopped mid-sentence, his right hand frozen over his leather briefcase as his eyes darted from the bench to my face.

Charles sat up straight in his chair, his hands falling away from his gold cufflinks as he stared at the gold-sealed parchment on the bench.

“I was sworn in three weeks ago by Chief Judge Harrison,” I said, my hands loose at my sides, without raising my voice.

“I am Federal District Judge Valerie, and this prosecution will go forward on all felony counts.”