"Do you have an appointment with the judge?" A woman who I presume to be the Judge's secretary queries me.

"No. I don't."

"Well, judge Lahey doesn't see anyone without an appointment. Would you like to book one? You can see him on Tuesday."

"Tuesday?"

"It's a Sunday, ma'am, and I'm usually not here on Sundays."

"Look," I say in tinniest voice possible, "If you don't want to lose your job, you'll go inside and inform the judge that Natalie Richardson is outside waiting for him."

Her face is pale. She looks shocked. "Y-yes, ma'am" She stutters.

**

"If it isn't the famous Natalie Richardson.” The older man says, looking...