The sign on the wall adjacent to the doors of the courtroom read, “Courtroom Six: The Honorable Monica Davies.” He pushed through the door, noting that the seats for observers were almost empty. Since the trial had not started and the jury had not been chosen, this was not surprising. Paul Butler was used to large audiences and had a reputation for courtroom theatrics and occasional trial fireworks.
Then he looked at the plaintiff and defense tables inside the barrier in front of the seats. At his (the plaintiff’s) table sat Stan Murphy, one of his partners, and Cleo Jones, a beautiful and exotic young associate at his law firm. This was to be the first big trial for her. Both Murphy and Jones had smiles of relief on their faces when they saw him enter.
Charles Quick, at the defense table, gave a small, disappointed wave to Paul on seeing that he had beaten the judge to the courtroom. (p. 15) Malpractice! the Novel
