Through the Shadows. Karen Barnett

proceedings can commence.”

      The defendant’s keening sobs carried through the hall. “I not, I not . . .” She lapsed into Cantonese, the sound tearing at Charles’s heart.

      Miss Cameron placed a protective arm around the young girl.

      Charles sank back in his seat, the impact of the decision causing a familiar clawing at his throat. He closed his eyes for a moment, the memory of his sister’s trial etched forever in his mind. A quick glance back at Elizabeth’s tearstained face heaped coals on the fire.

      The judge shot a bushy-browed glance at the defense table. “The defendant—the minor child, Tien Gum—will be transported to the city jail until further arrangements can be made.”

      Donaldina Cameron’s chin jerked up. “Your honor, she wouldn’t be safe. I must insist she remain in my custody. She could serve—”

      The bang of Judge Reinhardt’s gavel cut off her words. “You are out of order, Miss Cameron. The court has been very tolerant of your outspoken manner in the past, but—”

      “You have yet to experience my outspoken manner.” The woman’s fingers curled into fists.

      Charles braced himself on the seat back in front of him. The Mission’s attorney needed to intervene.

      As if on cue, Miss Cameron’s lawyer grasped her elbow, muttering in the woman’s ear.

      She shook her head, brows pinched low. “I will not.” She shoved the man’s hand away and turned back to the bench. “If you insist on imprisoning this child, I’m going with her.”

      The judge rose halfway off his seat, like a vulture hunched over its meal. “That can be arranged.”

      Miss Cameron pulled the sobbing girl close. “Take her, you take me.” She glared at the judge as if daring him to defy her.

      Judge Reinhardt sounded the gavel, the crack echoing through the room. “Miss Cameron, you are in contempt.”

      Miss Cameron’s attorney stepped in front of the women, lifting his palms toward the front. “Your honor—”

      The judge pointed the mallet at the counselor. “One more word, Mr. Allen, and you’ll join them.”

      Charles bit his lip as the bailiff and guard escorted the two women out of the room. This had gotten out of hand. After the judge dismissed the buzzing courtroom and withdrew, Charles leaped from his seat and pushed past the spectators to reach the defense attorney. “I need to speak with you.”

      The man heaved a sigh and jammed a hat atop his thinning hair. “No questions, please. I’ll have a statement for the press later. Right now, I need a drink.”

      Charles pushed down the growl climbing his throat. “I’m not a reporter. I’m with McKinley and McClintock.” He cast the names out like a fishing line.

      The counselor’s shoulders sagged. “I’m sorry. It’s been a long day.” His eyes traveled over Charles’s frame. “You new there?”

      “What are you planning to do about Miss Cameron? You know they won’t allow her to accompany the girl to her cell. You need to get her out of there. Both of them, if possible.”

      The man shoved his hat back from his forehead. “Look, young man—I don’t care who you are. I’ve had it with the woman. I do everything I can to keep her girls out of trouble. If she wants to simmer down by spending a night in jail, who am I to object?” He jammed his papers into a folder. “In fact, I’m done arguing—both with her and for her.”

      The young woman who had served as Tien Gum’s translator appeared at Mr. Allen’s elbow. “I don’t understand what’s happened. Why are they taking Miss Cameron?”

      Charles caught Mr. Allen’s arm. “You can’t just leave them. This case needs to be appealed, and quickly.”

      The man shoved the files against Charles’s chest. “You do it. I quit.”

      A breathless Elizabeth appeared at Charles’s elbow. “What’s Donaldina doing?”

      Mr. Allen jerked a thumb toward the judge’s chambers. “She challenged this judge one too many times. She can deal with the consequences, but I’m not threatening my career by antagonizing Reinhardt. The ruling’s ludicrous. You ask me, someone slipped him a wad of cash. No, strike that—don’t ask me. I’m leaving.” Hoisting his bag up under his arm, he shoved past Elizabeth and hurried toward the door.

      “Wait, you can’t just . . .” She followed him for two steps before turning and surging back to Charles. “What do we do?” Twin spots of pink dotted Elizabeth’s cheeks. “We can’t let them take Donaldina and Tien Gum!”

      A tremor cascaded through his chest. He blew out a long exhale. “You two return to the Mission. I’ll speak to the judge.” If he’ll see me. Charles locked his eyes on the young woman who’d sent his life pitching out of control the moment they’d met. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.”