The judge looked toward Brenda.
“Is that accurate?”
“Yes.”
My sister answered too quickly.
Judge Morland noticed.
So did I.
The committee counsel, a narrow-faced man named Mr. Avery, opened another file.
“Judge, may I?”
“Please.”
He adjusted the microphone.
“Ms. Hamilton’s licensure has been independently verified. She has been an active member of the Massachusetts bar for nine years, with no disciplinary history.”
My mother stared at him.
“Nine?”
I felt something old move inside me.
Nine years.
She hadn’t even known.
Mr. Avery continued.
“Her reported employment history is accurate. Her trial record is accurate. Her role in Fitzgerald is accurate.”
Brenda looked down.
“And,” he added, “the committee received three letters from sitting judges and two former federal prosecutors responding to notice of the complaint.”
My father’s face changed.
“Letters?”
“They address Ms. Hamilton’s professional reputation.”
Judge Morland replaced her glasses.
“Which is why we are now confronting a different issue.”
