pearls she had worn at Grandpa’s funeral.
Robert sat at the end of the table staring at the wood grain.
Derek chose a seat in the first gallery row, closest to the exit.
His foot bounced constantly.
Mrs. Bowden sat straight-backed in the second row.
A reporter from the Stuntton News Leader held a notebook on her knee.
Several people from Grandpa’s funeral occupied the back rows.
The courtroom wasn’t crowded.
That somehow made it worse.
Judge Hensley entered.
Everyone rose.
“This is the evidentiary hearing in the matter of
