Chapter 52. Bail out

Fenella’s POV

"All rise!"

Everyone seated in the courtroom stood up. Jessy, Mike, Laird, and I sat together on the same long bench. In other seats, several people seemed to be observing the open trial as well.

There were about six long wooden benches filled to capacity in this small courtroom. Most seemed to be family and friends of the defendants who were to be tried this morning by Judge Brown.

Judge Brown was an elderly woman, perhaps in her fifties or older. Her hair was styled in short, dark brown curls, and she wore brown glasses. As she sat in the highest chair in the room, she motioned for the audience to sit back down.

"The State of New York vs. Alan Schmidt."

Laird then stood up and walked forward past the wooden barrier. He stood waiting as the bailiff brought Alan into the room. Shortly thereafter, Alan entered the room wearing a white shirt and gray pants.

"Did he change clothes?" I whispered to Jessy.

"Yes, Mike broug