Kingsward City Courthouse.

The press from across the city had converged here.

The courthouse steps were packed, a crush of bodies lit by the relentless flashing of cameras. Everyone’s lenses were trained on the sleek black town car parked at the curb, waiting for the precise instant when Julian Hale would step out. That moment was destined to set the internet ablaze.

Inside the car, Ms. Laura turned her head slightly. "Sir, should we call in security ...