'Jenkins...' Martha started, her voice dropping an octave.
'I got it handled, Martha,' Jenkins assured her. 'He was just leaving.'
Arthur smiled warmly at the clerk. 'Good morning, Martha. The docket looks heavy today.'
Martha swallowed hard, ignoring Jenkins entirely. She stepped forward, shifting the heavy files to one
arm, and extended her free hand. 'Good morning, Your Honor. Welcome to Courtroom 302. I've placed the
preliminary briefs in your chambers, as requested.'
enkins physically reeled back, as if he had been struck. The color drained completely from his
face, replacing the angry red with a sickly, pale white. He looked at Martha, then at Arthur, his
mouth opening and closing without producing a sound.
'Your... Your Honor?' Jenkins finally choked out, his voice a hoarse whisper.
Arthur nodded, pushing off the table and standing up straight. 'Judge Arthur Pendelton. It's a pleasure to
formally meet you, Officer Jenkins.'
Jenkins looked horrified. He had just threatened to arrest the man he was sworn to protect and serve. He
had yelled at a sitting circuit court judge, ordered him out of his own chair, and treated him like a common
vagrant.
'Judge... I... I had no idea,' Jenkins stammered, taking a step back. 'You weren't in robes. You were... I
thought you were just some guy. I am so terribly sorry, Your Honor. I... I'll go clear out my locker.'
Jenkins looked utterly defeated, staring at the floor, expecting to be fired on the spot.
rthur walked closer to the devastated bailiff. He didn't look angry; in fact, there was a gentle
smile playing on his lips.