“In my chambers. Both of you.” Judge Donahue’s voice could have carved diamonds. The words hung in the air like a falling guillotine as he rose, his robes seeming to absorb all light. The message was clear - the time for games was over. The cost of their showcase of warfare was about to come due, and neither of their carefully crafted personas would shield them from what was coming.

The remaining ticket holders watched in hushed anticipation as the three figures disappeared into chambers, the heavy door closing behind them with the finality of a tomb being sealed. The last thing the gallery saw was Roma’s perfect smile finally beginning to crack.

The courtroom air felt different when they returned, as if Judge Donahue’s dressing-down had cleared away some invisible static. Roma stepped forward first, his usual flair tempered by what appeared to be genuine contrition.

“I would like to apologize to everyone for my behavior earlier - the audience, my colleagues, and the judge. I have also spoken to Ms. Valenca…”

Yeah, that’s one way to put it, Juniper thought, remembering the judge’s thunderous expression in chambers. Her fingers unconsciously traced the edge of her legal pad, finding comfort in its precise corners.

Roma turned to the witness stand, his demeanor shifting like quicksilver. “Mr. Delaney, we may have gotten off on the wrong foot here… I know I must come across as brash or indignant, but…” He spread his hands in an almost vulnerable gesture. “I’m just up here doing my best. I hold no personal grudges against you or anyone else in the room. It’s actually quite the contrary - we just might have… different methods or perspectives, one could say.”