“The people allege, your honor, that two days ago defendant Trevor Barber broke into a private home in Edgartown. The home belongs to Michelle Whitehouse and Gabriel Castro. When confronted by police, Mr. Barber lied, and later resisted arrest. Mr. Barber has no connection to Dukes County. He is a student at New York University and his family lives in Canton, Ohio. This morning we received a call from the New York City Police Department whose detectives would like to question Mr. Barber about an assault in Manhattan. Given that, I think it would be prudent to hold the defendant without bail.”

“Is the defendant a suspect in this Manhattan assault?” asked the judge.

“Not that I’m aware of, your honor.” The prosecutor took the white cloth from his pocket and wiped his nose with it.

“That’s not a particularly helpful answer, counsel. Did the detectives say he was a suspect?”

“I’m sorry, your honor. No, they did not go into specifics.”

“Yes or no, please.”

“No.” The prosecutor sneezed into his tissue. “Excuse me, your honor. I’ve got a bit of a cold. They did not say he was considered a suspect.”

“Thank you,” said the judge. Trevor’s body was nearly frozen with fear but he could see that while the prosecutor was trying to make him look like a menace, the judge wasn’t necessarily buying it. Might he get lucky? “Is the defendant accused of doing any damage at the home he allegedly broke into?”

“Not that we know of.”

“You don’t know what he’s been accused of?”

“I’m sorry, your honor. I meant that Edgartown police are currently looking into…” The prosecutor sneezed again, and this time he didn’t get his tissue up in time. “Excuse me, your honor.”

“Let’s move this along, shall we?” said the judge. “Mr. Farmington, I do not appreciate you bringing your virus into my courtroom. After this case, please arrange to have one of your associates take your place until you are well.” Before the prosecutor could respond, the judge turned to Trevor’s table. “How does your client plead, Ms. Monroe.”

“Not guilty on both counts, your honor,” she said, standing.

“Mr. Barber?”

Was he supposed to speak now? To stand? Amy put her hand on his shoulder indicating he was.

“Yes,” he said, getting up. “Not guilty.”

Should he sit down?

“You may sit down,” said the judge. “I suppose you think I should set bail, counselor?”

“I absolutely do, your honor. As I’m sure you know I’ve just been handed this case but my client assures me this is a big misunderstanding.”

“How so?”

“My client says that Ms. Castro is a friend from school and they’d made plans to meet at the house.”

“And what does Ms. Castro say?”

“I haven’t had a chance to speak to her yet,” said Amy. “Like I said…”