He was conscious and furious.
"She attacked me!"
"No," someone in the gallery said.
Then another voice:
"We saw it."
Judge Lawson slammed her gavel.
"Silence!"
The room settled gradually.
Keller tried to stand.
Judge Lawson pointed toward him.
"Officer, remain where the bailiff directs you."
"Judge, she just assaulted—"
"I watched what happened."
Keller stopped.
The judge looked toward the camera mounted above the courtroom entrance.
Then toward the clerk.
"Preserve the courtroom recording."
Jordan stepped beside Simone.
"Your Honor, I request that my client be separated from Officer Keller immediately."
"Granted."
"And I request review of the basis for her detention."
The prosecutor, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Eric Vaughn, opened his file.
"Your Honor, Ms. Brooks is charged with assaulting Officer Keller during a traffic stop last night."
Judge Lawson looked at Keller.
Then back at Simone.
"Apparently Officer Keller and Ms. Brooks disagree about what happened."
Jordan nodded.
"They do."
"Was there body-camera footage?"
Vaughn hesitated.
"We haven't received it."
Judge Lawson frowned.
"Why not?"
"The report indicates a technical failure."
Simone finally spoke.
"His camera was working."
Every face turned toward her.
Jordan touched her arm gently.
Simone understood and stopped.
Judge Lawson leaned forward.
"Counsel?"
Jordan answered.
"My client says she saw the recording indicator."