I watch Mr. Neck Tattoo shuffle out, his shackled legs clicking together as he walks. I can’t even begin to imagine what goes through your mind when you’re told that nothing awaits you in life but misery and loneliness for the next twelve years. Which causes me to look over to Dana again. It’s as if we shared the thought, because she’s looking right back at me.

That’s when the clerk bellows out, “People of the State of New York against Dana L. Goodwin. Counsel, please state your appearances on the record.”

The players make their way onto the stage, which in this case amounts to walking through the swinging gate that separates the spectators from the well of the court. As the prosecutor, I always go first.

“Ella Broden for the People of the State of New York, by special designation,” I say.

“Ms. Broden, a pleasure to see you back in my courtroom,” Judge Gold says.

“LeMarcus Burrows of the law firm LeMarcus Burrows and Associates, New York City, for the defendant.”

“And Mr. Burrows, my warmest welcome to you too, sir. Now, before we commence with today’s conference, I must get some things out of the way. This is obviously an unusual matter. A first for me, and I dare say, perhaps any justice on this court. I knew the victim of this crime. Lauren Wright appeared before me numerous times, as did the lawyers who worked for her in the Special Victims Bureau of the District Attorney’s Office. And I also know the defendant, Dana Goodwin, in that same professional capacity. I can say that outside of professional functions, I do not recall ever socializing with either Ms. Wright or Ms. Goodwin, although, Ms. Goodwin, you should feel free to correct me on that point. Even though my relationship with all the participants has always been purely professional, if anyone thinks that association is grounds to believe I cannot impartially preside over this case, or that an appearance of impartiality would not benefit the cause of justice, please make that position known now.”

I knew all this before Judge Gold’s speech, but it’s still music to my years. I want a judge who knew Lauren so he’ll be as upset as I am about her murder. And the fact that he knew Dana professionally only means that he’s that much more disappointed that she could commit such a heinous act.

“The People see no conflict or even the appearance of a conflict,” I say.

I wonder if Burrows will agree. My guess is that, if he had his druthers, he would have selected another judge. Maybe a woman. Certainly someone younger. But there’s always a risk in telling the judge you don’t think he’s up to the job, so I suspect Burrows will ultimately fall in line too.