Chapter 2217

In the courthouse lobby, Troy helped Nathaniel to his feet and asked, "Mr. Nicholls, did that spike mat hurt? How does it compare to kneeling on a washboard?" Nathaniel glared at him and retorted, "I haven't tried that. Why don't you find out for yourself?" That would be the end of him. "It's fine. I was just kidding." Troy chuckled nervously. Lionel approached and patted Nathaniel's shoulder approvingly. "You've done well in the second half. That's the way to do it! If being tough doesn't work, try being gentle. You've got to keep it up for the next two weeks. "If you've been this tender and considerate, speaking softly, a long time ago, this mess wouldn't exist." As he spoke, he gestured with his eyes for Nathaniel to look outside the lobby's glass walls and added, "Seems like someone is going to dominate the news for the next few days." Nathaniel followed his gaze and realized the flashing cameras had not subsided. If anything, they were even more brazen now. "Troy,