The loud sound of a gavel echoed through the courtroom as it slammed into the hardwood of the judge's bench, bringing the bustling atmosphere in the chambers to a sudden halt. A distinct smell of polished wood and leather filled the air, creating a sense of formality and seriousness.
"Order! Take your seats, the honorable Sir James Parker Deane presiding."
The call for order signaled the start of the already tense court proceeding.
Once the judge took his seat, everyone else followed, and then a hushed silence fell over the room. Jackson was at the prosecutor's table with the other barristers. Christopher sat in the seats behind him in the witness gallery.
"BRING THE DEFENDANT FORWARD!"
The judge, with his powdered wig and royal purple robe, shouted at the bailiff to present the defendant, Magnus Gillian.
