Courtroom 402 was quiet.

The high mahogany walls were illuminated by the gray light from the tall windows.

Callum sat at the defense table.

His dark blue suit was wrinkled, and his tie was slightly crooked.

His hair, usually styled back, was dry and messy.

A young public defender sat next to him, turning pages in a legal folder.

Martin Voss was nowhere to be seen.

Vivian sat in the second row of the gallery, her gloved hands folded tightly in her lap.

She did not look at me when I sat down on the opposite side of the aisle.

The bailiff called the court to order, and Judge Elaine Mallory entered.

She adjusted her glasses and looked down at the documents on her bench.

“We are here for the continuation of the criminal trial and the emergency custody hearing,” Judge Mallory said.

She looked at Callum.

“Mr. Prescott, the court has received a motion from your lead counsel, Martin Voss, requesting permission to withdraw.”

Callum stood up.

“Mr. Voss has abandoned his duties, Your Honor,” Callum said.

His voice was hoarse.