(Kieran)
The recess lasted twenty minutes.
When the courtroom settled again I watched Gerald lean in close to Vaughn. Whatever he said was brief. Vaughn listened without moving. Then Gerald stood and asked to approach the bench.
The judge waved both lawyers forward. They spoke quietly for several minutes. The room waited.
David leaned toward me. "Something changed during the recess. Gerald would not be approaching the bench unless Vaughn had made a decision."
I did not respond. Just watched the bench.
When the lawyers returned to their tables the judge looked out at the room.
"The defendant has indicated he wishes to change his plea. We will hear from both parties before proceeding."
Sloane glanced over from across the aisle. I looked back at her. Her face gave nothing away but I c
