Alafair Burke, Patricia Friedman, and Max Hirsh assisted me with the legalities—any mistakes are my own （tragically, the law is never what you want it to be）。 For those of you who are wondering: on March 14, 2020, the Chief Justice of Georgia’s Supreme Court issued a state-wide order prohibiting all jury trials “due to the number of people required to gather at courthouses.” By October, the prohibition was lifted, but a few days before Christmas, soaring infection rates forced the Chief Justice to reinstate the prohibition. On March 9, 2021, the prohibition was lifted again, citing that the “dangerous surge of Covid-19 cases recently has declined.” That’s where we are as of now, and I fervently hope it will stay that way.
Lastly, thanks to D.A. for putting up with my long absences （both physical and mental） during the writing of this story. Having enjoyed the quarantine lifestyle for many years, I thought it would be easier; alas, it was not. Thanks to my dad for always being there no matter what. I anticipate a rapid return to soup and cornbread deliveries now that the worst is behind us. And to my sister: thank you so much for being my sister.
Last lastly: I took many liberties when writing about drugs and how to use them because I am not in the business of offering how-tos. If you are one of the many people struggling with addiction, please know that there is always someone out there who loves you.