“Counsel will file that supplemental information by four o’clock this afternoon,” I said plainly.

He nodded once, gathered his papers, and sat down without another word.

By noon, all six scheduled motions had been decided strictly on their legal merits, recorded by the court reporter’s quiet keystrokes.

I went back to my chambers, hung my robe on the wooden hanger behind the door, and signed four pending orders.

Arthur brought in my coat and set a small stack of mail on the edge of the desk.

“Your three o’clock appointment is confirmed on the calendar, Judge,” Arthur said.