CHAPTER 105 AVA The heavy mahogany doors of the federal courtroom closed behind us with a final, echoing thud that sounded like a tomb sealing shut. The air inside the chamber was artificially chilled, smelling faintly of floor wax, old paper, and the metallic tang of absolute dread. Across the aisle, the senator’s hand-picked federal prosecutor sat upright, an air of unbothered, smug certainty radiating off him. "All rise for the Honorable Judge Sterling presiding," the bailiff boomed, his voice bouncing off the high, ornate ceiling. We stood up, our legs feeling heavy and leaden. Judge Sterling strode into the room, a severe-looking woman with silver-streaked hair pulled back into a severe bun and eyes as cold and flat as winter ice. She settled into her high-backed leather chair, flicked open a crimson file folder, and gave a sharp nod. "Be seated," the bailiff barked. Marcus Vance stood at the defense table, his charcoal suit immaculate, his tie straight, and his posture r
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