A few moments later, the bailiff announces that the recess is over. As Ramirez steps back into the courtroom, the sound of camera shutters immediately fills the room once again. He barely acknowledges the reporters before his eyes drift toward the public gallery, where an unexpected sight catches his attention.
Cabello and Rivera are already there. Rivera watches him with a faint look of concern, as though even he finds it difficult to believe that everything has come to this. Cabello, meanwhile, simply meets Ramirez's gaze with his chin held ever so slightly higher than usual, his expression calm and full of confidence.
There is no smile on Cabello's face, no trace of mockery. Yet somehow, that very lack of expression only convinces Ramirez that Cabello is taking quiet satisfaction in seeing him.
Ramirez scowls. "Happy now? Feeling free without me?" He tears his eyes away and returns to the defense table just as the judge resumes the proceedings.
