Merritt raised an eyebrow. “Communicate?” he repeated, pen poised above his notes. He’d heard of emotional-support animals, but never one disrupting a federal proceeding. The attorney nodded. “Yes, sir. She’s learned certain signals to calm herself. Sometimes he reacts instinctively when she’s anxious.” Merritt considered that carefully.
The prosecutor, Lowell, gave a derisive snort. “Then perhaps the animal senses how absurd this defense is.” The courtroom tittered, but Merritt’s glare silenced them instantly. He had no patience for theatrics, and least of all from men who mistook cruelty for confidence.