"But that's good, right?" Sarah asked. "If they're submitting new evidence, we get time to review it."
"Usually, yes." Simone was already pulling up legal references. "But they're requesting an expedited hearing tomorrow morning before the trial resumes. They're claiming it's time-sensitive evidence that could be destroyed if we delay."
Marcus leaned over her shoulder to read. "Can they do that?"
"They shouldn't be able to. The rules of discovery require—" Simone's voice trailed off as she read further. "Judge Kessler already granted their motion. The hearing is set for 7:00 a.m. tomorrow."
"That's not even normal courthouse hours!" Sarah protested.
"Nothing about this is normal, Mama." Simone checked the time: 9:47 p.m. "I need to prepare. They're trying to blindside us with this evidence before I can properly review it."
She worked through the night, fueled by coffee and determination. Her parents tried to convince her to rest, but eventually gave up and took turns keeping her company: Sarah brought sandwiches that went untouched; Marcus helped organize documents, his maintenance supervisor's eye for detail proving invaluable.
Around 3:00 in the morning, Simone found something interesting in the case law. "Look at this: Thompson v. State, 2019. The court ruled that rushed evidence submissions without adequate time for review constitute a violation of due process."
"Can you use that?" Marcus asked, stifling a yawn.
"Maybe, if I can show they're deliberately timing this to prevent proper examination of the evidence." She made more notes, her handwriting growing messier with fatigue.
Dawn found them still working. Simone changed into her court suit, her movements mechanical with exhaustion. Sarah insisted on breakfast, but Simone could barely manage a few bites of toast.
They arrived at the courthouse at 6:45 a.m. to find Victoria Hale already there, looking fresh and impeccable. She smiled when she saw Simone's tired face.
"Late night, Miss Johnson? Perhaps this case is too demanding for someone your age."
Simone ignored her, setting up her materials at the defense table.
Judge Kessler entered promptly at 7:00 a.m., looking irritated at the early hour.