A sudden burst of activity outside the courtroom caught everyone’s attention. A loud commotion, followed by a few frantic whispers, made its way through the crowd. Everyone in the courtroom paused to look, wondering what was going on.

  Before anyone could react, the courtroom doors swung open, and a uniformed officer stepped inside, holding a sealed folder of documents. The officer walked directly to the clerk, who took the folder and hurried it to the judge.

  The judge accepted the folder with a frown, flipping through the pages. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the contents before setting it down with a slow exhale.

  “We have a late-breaking development,” he said, his tone sharp. “I’ve just received a report from the police department containing new evidence that may significantly impact these proceedings.”

  A murmur rippled through the courtroom. Opposing counsel rose to object, demanding clarification, but the judge lifted a hand for silence.

  “Officer, summarize this evidence for the court.”

  The officer cleared his throat. “Your Honor, we just arrested a man for attempting to rob a liquor store downtown. Upon questioning, he admitted to using a vehicle registered to Ms. Tanya Williams.” He glanced at the paperwork. “Additionally, stolen goods were found in the car. Based on his statements, he claims Ms. Williams was aware of his activities.”

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  Tanya’s stomach dropped. She had no idea what was coming, but the look on her lawyer’s face told her it was bad.

  “What? No! That’s— I didn’t know anything about that!” she blurted.

  Her lawyer was already on his feet. “Objection, Your Honor. This information was not disclosed to the defense. My client has had no opportunity to respond or refute these claims.”

  The judge’s expression remained unreadable. “Objection noted. However, given the severity of the allegations, I will take a brief recess to review the details. Counsel, prepare your arguments.”

  Tanya sat frozen, her heart hammering as the reality of the situation sank in.

  The judge turned to the prosecutor. “Does the Crown intend to amend the charges based on this new information?”

  The prosecutor flipped through their notes. “We will need to review the full report, Your Honor, but if the connection is substantiated, additional charges may be pursued.”

  Tanya’s lawyer gritted his teeth. “With all due respect, Your Honor, this is highly prejudicial. Even the mention of potential new charges could unfairly sway these proceedings.”

  The judge leaned back, considering. Finally, he gave a short nod. “I will review this in chambers. Court is in recess until then.”

  The gavel struck, and the tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. Tanya turned to her lawyer, her voice barely above a whisper.

  “What the hell is happening?”

  Her lawyer rubbed his temples, looking deeply unimpressed.

  “We’re about to find out.”

  ***