“Your Honor,” Carter muttered, his voice cracking. “That leaves me with nothing.”

“Quiet, Carter,” Vivian hissed, her hand gripping his forearm so tightly her knuckles were yellow.

Judge Vance did not acknowledge the interruption.

She turned to a fresh sheet of paper, her face devoid of any emotion.

“Finally, we address the matter of the fraudulent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.”

“The court has reviewed the documents where Ms. Sloane Whitaker signed under the name of Evelyn Vale.”

“We have also reviewed the emails indicating that this forgery was directed by Carter Hartwell and Vivian Hartwell.”

The courtroom seemed to lose all air.

The rain outside lashed against the leaded glass windows, a dark grey sheet of water.

“This court does not have the jurisdiction to try federal criminal offenses,” Judge Vance said.

“However, this court does have the duty to report them.”

She looked directly at Vivian, then at Carter, and finally at Sloane.

“I am referring this entire matter, including all exhibits and deposition transcripts, to the United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island.”