“Will the defendant rise and state his name for the court?”
Hayes smirks, taking his time while he has the court’s attention—enjoying every moment when all eyes are on him.
“Dawson Hayes,” he says, omittingUlysses Haversham.Probably wise, given what happened the first time.
“You may be seated,” Judge Jones says.
“Judge Patel?”
The elder judge frowns and adjusts her glasses.
“First, I want to begin by saying how disappointed we are that the prosecution has resorted to this underhanded subterfuge. There are protocols in place for a reason, Ms. Christie.”
Patel points her gavel at the team in question.
“You are fortunate my colleagues are more lenient than I, or I would be inclined to request a professional conduct review.”
Leo’s father moves to rise in defense of his colleague and mentee.
“Sit down, Mr. Costas. Don’t think I haven’t considered this as being entirely your doing.”
Judge Patel’s tone is razor-sharp.
“We are disappointed and will have long memories. You will conduct yourselves from now on with theutmostdecorum, or we will revisit this discussion.”
All three prosecution lawyers rise, murmuring their assent.
With a nod, Patel abruptly changes horses midstream. “As we are all on the same page, I would also like to commend Ms. Christie for her thorough understanding of the Omega Protection Law. It is impressive.”
Leo doesn’t think he’s ever seen Erin’s face that red.
Judge Jones picks up the large brown book he brought with him and opens it to a page marked with a white piece of paper.
“I’d like to begin with a reiteration of the law as we interpret it.
“The Omega Protection Law was passed by a joint committee representing all two hundred and fifty pack representatives.
“That is two hundred and fifty individual pack votes at the national level thatunanimouslypassed this into law on March 25, 1853.
“There is no other law before or since—that we are aware of—that has had such singular, unanimous support in the Were Constitution.
“And it is with that knowledge in mind that we intend to allow this law to influence our sentencing.”
Hayes is on his feet in a blur.
Nix throws himself back with a cry, knocking into Grayson.
“What the fuck!” Hayes shouts. “This is ridiculous.”
Judge Sanderson bangs his gavel as the guard forces Hayes back into hischair.
“Mr. Hayes. You will remain silent and seated or learn of your sentence via a video call from your holding cell. Am I clear?”
Hayes declines to answer.
The judge reiterates himself, voice firm.
“Mr. Hayes.Am I making myself clear?”
