Judge Harlan entered the room, his black robes billowing behind him as he took the bench.

He sat down and immediately began reviewing the papers stacked before him.

The silence in the room stretched until I could hear the hum of the fluorescent lights.

“We are back on the record,” Judge Harlan said, his voice echoing in the high-ceilinged room.

“Yesterday, we suspended to allow for the review of certain financial disclosures.”

“Ms. Fowler, you may proceed.”

Sarah stood up, smoothing her skirt.

“Thank you, Your Honor,” Sarah said. “We have submitted a supplemental exhibit.”

She handed a blue folder to the bailiff, who passed it up to the judge.

“This is a certified deposition from Daniel Vance, Mr. Bellamy’s business associate.”

“Along with a printed receipt recovered last night.”

Preston Carroway stood up immediately, his face flushed.

“Your Honor, I must object,” Carroway said, his voice booming. “This is highly irregular.”

“We have had no time to review these documents.”

“And the source of this so-called receipt is highly suspect.”

“Mr. Carroway, you will have your turn to cross-examine,” Judge Harlan said coldly.