I watched the detective talk to Mr. Trazelli at the end of the hall. I watched him leave. I thought it was odd that he would disappear like that. We went back inside the court.

Then the old lawyer asked to meet with the judge in his chambers and Mr. Crawford went too. Something was very odd. Mr. Crawford came out to us a little while later and told us the trial was over for today and we would resume at a later date. The detective must have had something to do with it. Mr. Crawford whispered to my parents. They looked surprised and shook their heads. I took Devon’s hand and led her toward the car.

When we were finally home and Devon was put to bed, I went to my parents in the living room.

“Mom, Dad? Did that detective have something to do with the trial being postponed?”
“How’d you know that?”
“I saw him leave and thought maybe that was why.”
“You are one smart cookie! He was going to speak, but then he had to go.”
“Oh.” I paused. “Was he really that important?”
“I guess so.”

I couldn’t imagine why.