As Kyle was led into Judge Speering's courtroom, it struck him as it always did how empty court looked during a lot of these pre-trial proceedings. Arraignments, hearings, motions… All essential parts of the criminal process. But the trial, with the jury box full and an audience in the gallery… That was when the courthouse truly felt alive.
He was escorted by the bailiff through the prisoner access at the side of the room, leading directly to the defendant's table. On top of everything else that made this process feel surreal, this wasn't the same direction he usually entered the courtroom from. Attorneys usually came in through the public entry at the back of the room. It made everything feel twisted around and out of place.
Andrea was already seated at the table and gave him a reassuring smile. She remained the one positive thing of this whole experience for him to cling onto.
