The Story Continues After Part 2

“May I show you something that Mom doesn’t know about, Your Honor?” Noah asked, his voice trembling slightly, but his gaze fixed squarely on the bench…

PART 3

Judge Thorne did not nod immediately.

Instead, she glanced at the child advocate, Ms.

Patel, and asked whether Noah had spoken about the camera before the hearing.

Ms.

Patel shook her head.

This surprised everyone, including me.

Noah had been quiet during our drive to her office.

He had asked about the vending machine and whether judges were allowed to have birthdays.

He had said nothing about making a recording.

The judge spoke gently.

“Noah, you have done nothing wrong by asking.

We need to make sure we handle this carefully.

Is that all right?”

He nodded and set his bear on the chair so he could hold the camera with both hands.

Julian pushed his chair back.