Judge Carter still sat above us with the same unreadable expression.
But Daniel was no longer seated at the opposite table.
At his request, his attorney had moved beside him farther down the aisle, leaving a clear space between us.
Vanessa sat behind me.
Mark sat beside Maria Reyes.
Sophie was not in court.
Maria had wisely decided that her niece had already done enough.
She was spending the afternoon at school, where the greatest question she faced was apparently whether she would be allowed to bring cupcakes for a classmate’s birthday.
I was glad.
Some battles belonged to adults.
Children should not have to carry them longer than necessary.
Judge Carter began by reviewing the new evidence.
Dr. Shah’s evaluation.
Dr. Leland’s complete report.
My February directive.
The consulting firm’s explanation concerning the incomplete medical summary.
Elena’s records.
Gregory’s conflict disclosure.
No single revelation transformed the case.
