'Clear out your locker? Whatever for, Jenkins?' Arthur asked softly.
Jenkins looked up, confused. 'For gross insubordination, sir. For disrespecting a judge.'
'Disrespecting me?' Arthur shook his head. 'Jenkins, you didn't disrespect me. You didn't know who I was.
What you did was protect this courtroom. You saw someone you believed to be an unauthorized individual
sitting at the bench, and you took immediate, decisive action to preserve the dignity of the court.'
Jenkins blinked, still bracing for the punchline.
'If anything,' Arthur continued, 'you showed me exactly the kind of bailiff you are. You are fiercely
protective, strictly adherent to protocol, and completely fearless in the face of confrontation. That is exactly
the kind of man I want running security in my courtroom.'
he relief that washed over Jenkins was visible. His shoulders slumped, and he let out a long,
shaky breath.
'Thank you, Your Honor,' Jenkins said earnestly. 'I promise it won't happen again.'
'I should hope it does happen again, if another stranger decides to play judge,' Arthur laughed. He
extended his hand. 'I have a feeling we're going to work very well together, Jenkins.'
Jenkins took the judge's hand in a firm grip. 'Yes, sir. Absolutely.'
Martha, who had been watching the exchange with a small smile, clapped her hands together briskly.
'Well, now that the introductions are out of the way, Your Honor, we have thirty minutes until the gallery
opens. Shall we review the morning docket?'
'Lead the way, Martha,' Arthur said, picking up his briefcase.
Chapter 13: Preparing for the Docket