MICHAEL

I pace around in helplessness at the courtroom for the first time in all of my career confused, I see the faces of the plaintiff, parents of victims and the pressure is much. Cameras are allowed today—high-profile case, public interest—and I can feel every lens pointed at me like a loaded question. My name sits heavy on the murmurs.

They think I’m here to lose.

They don’t know I’ve already lost everything that matters.

I straighten my cuffs slowly and deliberately. If anyone is watching closely they’ll think it’s confidence. They don't see how flustered I seem but they've concluded that I'd lose this case and throw asides my...