“Your Honor, we request a brief recess to examine the original document under magnification,” Deborah said.

“And we wish to call an expert witness who is currently in the building.”

Gavin’s lawyer, Philip Dane, scoffed loudly.

“Your Honor, this is a delay tactic,” Dane said.

“The signature is notarized and witnessed by Ms. Pierce.”

“The notary stamp is right there.”

I looked at the notary stamp on the photocopy.

It belonged to a notary who worked in the Rourke Regional office.

A notary who answered directly to Sloane Pierce.

Judge Beckett looked at the document, then at Gavin, then at me.

The silence in the courtroom stretched.

Outside, rain began to patter against the high glass windows.

The sky was a heavy, dark gray.

Judge Beckett looked at her watch.

“We will take a fifteen-minute recess,” Judge Beckett declared.

“Mr. Dane, provide the original document to the bailiff immediately.”

“The petitioner’s counsel will have fifteen minutes to examine it.”

“Court is in recess.”

She struck the gavel.

The courtroom erupted into a low murmur of voices.

Gavin stood up and immediately turned to Sloane, a triumphant look on his face.