“Wait.”

Chapter 5 — Wait

The word was small, but it cut through the courtroom like a gunshot.

Everyone turned. The heavy oak chair scraped against the linoleum. Nolan had stood up, his fists clenched at his sides, gripping the fabric of his jeans.

“Nolan, sweetheart, sit down,” I whispered, reaching for his arm.

He shook his head, his jaw set in a startling imitation of my mother’s stubbornness. He looked straight at the judge.

“I have something to say about that picture.”

Carroway surged to his feet. “Your Honor! I object! The child is a minor, he is clearly under severe emotional duress, and it is highly inappropriate—”