Beneath the bench, Scout let out a faint, low, focused whine. Merritt made a small note in the margin of his pad: Dog—what is it reacting to? The girl’s hand tightened around the leash. Silence followed, sharp and telling. The court was adjourned for the next day.
The following morning, sunlight broke through the courthouse windows in long, cold strips. The air felt cleaner, more expectant. Ms. Cooper rose. “Your Honor, the defense requests to recall the witness for just a few more questions.” Merritt nodded once. “Proceed.”