A flutter of nerves went down Andie's spine.
"Can you come with me, please? And you can bring your things."
Andie slowly got up, flashing a resigned look around the table. She was gone!
She followed Sharon Ann into the courtroom, which, to her surprise, was hushed and packed. And all eyes seemed to be centered on her. She felt really embarrassed now, like she was being publicly marched into the boss's office and fired-just for speaking her mind.
Sharon Ann led her through a side door in the courtroom behind the judge's bench. A marshal was guarding the hallway. Sharon Ann motioned flatly."Go in. She's waiting for you."
Andie stepped inside the large, book-lined room. Judge Seiderman looked up from behind a desk covered with papers.
"Ms. DeGrasse." She peered over her reading glasses."It's come to my attention you seem to have a bit of nervous stomach of the mouth."
"I beg your pardon?"
"You have trouble keeping your mouth shut, don't you?" The judge looked at her sternly."It might've been amusing during jury selection, but now… We're about to start an important trial, not a theatrical audition. I can't afford any troublemakers on this jury."
Andie stood her ground."If you're talking about what I said in there, I actually thought it was a pretty legitimate question."
"What,Ms. DeGrasse?" Judge Seiderman looked up impatiently.
"Everyone heard our names during selection. And where we live. If we're married or not. Or have any kids. Anyone in their right mind would be concerned. Certainly, people have raised questions."
"People?" The judge arched her brows.
"I don't know. My sister. My mother. When I told them I was on this case. That can't exactly be a shock to you."
"Why we opted for how we conduct this trial is the court's business, Ms. DeGrasse. All you have to know is that if we thought there was the slightest danger to the jury, I assure you it would be our first concern." Judge Seiderman sat back. She took out an official slip and reached for a pen."You've wanted off this trial from the beginning, haven't you?"