CHAPTER 4: The Order No Judge Signed

Elara did not rise.
Is there a written order? she asked.
Holt's smile tightened. Ma'am, this is a city proceeding. We can remove disruptive individuals.
I have not spoken yet.
You have created concern.
Concern is not a statute.
A few people behind her shifted in their seats. Someone near the back made a soft sound that might have been a laugh if fear had not swallowed it immediately.
At the front table, Mayor Rusk leaned toward the microphone. Mrs. Voss, no one is trying to silence you. We are simply maintaining safety.
Elara turned her head just enough to look at him. Safety for whom?
Adrian's face changed before the mayor's did.
He knew that tone. It was the tone Elara used when she had stopped asking questions because she already possessed the answers.
Holt reached for the back of her chair. Stand up, he said. Now.
Elara's fingers closed around the folder in her lap, not from fear, but to keep herself still.