He likes numbers.”

I shut the black binder.

The clock on her wall struck nine.

Judge Evans took the bench at nine on the dot, before the clerk had finished reading the docket.

He laid a single manila folder on his desk and folded his hands over it.

Every seat in the gallery was taken.

I recognized two women from Delaney’s old book club in the second row.

Delaney sat across the aisle in a navy dress and a fresh manicure.