“Actually, Your Honor.. ” Roma’s snarl sliced through her concentration. Daniel’s hand moved toward hers on the table. Stopped. Withdrew. Each aborted gesture a confession neither had agreed to make.

The moments between Roma’s words. Short. Sharp. Like bullets finding targets. Like heartbeats before impact

“…given that counsel has now introduced specific constitutional framework to the panel…”

Daniel’s jaw clenched. Released. Clenched again. Juniper’s pulse turned traitor to her resolve as she caught his reflection in the polished table surface. His presence weathered by immediate moment, every careful inch of professional scaffolding between them charged with the unspoken.

”.. I move to challenge Dr. Poznek for cause.”