I put it in a separate pocket so it would not scratch my phone.

It had opened boxes.

It could not settle any of what those boxes contained.

For that, I would have to enter the courthouse and answer questions.

PART 7 — What the Judge Could Decide That Morning

The courthouse smelled of damp coats and floor wax.

I put my keys and watch into a gray tray at security.

The brass key sounded louder than the others when it touched the plastic.