Marcus Johnson adjusted his tie, the same one he'd worn to William's funeral two years ago. "Remember what your grandfather always said about Judge Kessler."
Simone nodded. Malcolm Kessler's reputation was legendary in Pine Grove's Black community, and not in a good way: twenty years on the bench had earned him a reputation for favoring the wealthy and powerful, particularly in cases involving minority defendants.
"He's going to try to rattle you," Marcus continued. "Don't let him."
The courthouse was unusually crowded for a Monday morning. Word had spread about the teenage girl representing her family against Richard Bancroft's empire; curious onlookers and reporters filled the hallway, their whispers following Simone like autumn leaves in the wind.
A tall woman in an impeccable charcoal suit strode past them, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. Victoria Hale, Bancroft's lead attorney, didn't spare them a glance as she swept into the courtroom. Two junior associates trailed behind her, pushing carts laden with documents.
"All rise!"
The bailiff's voice boomed through the courtroom as Judge Malcolm Kessler emerged from his chambers. Tall and lean, with steel-gray hair and cold blue eyes, he carried himself with the authority of someone used to absolute control of his domain. His gaze swept the courtroom, pausing briefly on Simone before settling on his clerk.
"I understand we have some irregular circumstances today," he drawled, his tone making it clear exactly what he thought of those circumstances.
"Yes, Your Honor," Victoria Hale stood, elegant and predatory. "Though I must again object to the defendants' choice of representation." Her lips curved in a smile that never reached her eyes. "Surely this mockery of proper legal procedure—"
"Your objection was noted and overruled at the motion hearing," Kessler cut her off, though his expression suggested agreement. He turned to Simone. "Miss Johnson, I expect you to conduct yourself with the decorum this court demands. Any deviation will result in immediate sanctions. Is that clear?"
Simone rose on slightly shaky legs. "Yes, Your Honor." Her voice came out steadier than she felt.
"Very well." Kessler settled into his chair. "Miss Hale, you may proceed with your opening statement."
Victoria Hale moved to address the jury with practiced grace. "Ladies and gentlemen, this case is about accountability. On the night of September 15th, a fire destroyed a warehouse owned by Bancroft Developments, causing millions in damages and putting dozens of jobs at risk. The evidence will show that the Johnson family, facing financial difficulties and bitter about proposed community development, deliberately set that fire."
She proceeded to outline a damning narrative: security footage placing a figure matching Marcus Johnson's description near the warehouse, receipts for accelerants supposedly purchased by Sarah Johnson, and witness statements suggesting the family had threatened to "stop Bancroft one way or another."
Simone took careful notes, her grandfather's voice echoing in her memory: Let them talk. Every lie they tell is another chance to show the truth.