“I had no idea about those files,” Gavin lied, his voice rising. “She fabricated them.”

Dane didn’t even look at me.

He kept his eyes on Gavin’s face.

“The corporate registry of Maryland does not lie, Gavin,” Dane said.

“The signature on those founding documents is yours.”

“And the accounts in the Cayman Islands are registered in your name.”

Judge Beckett looked down from the bench.

Her glasses rested on the bridge of her nose, her eyes sharp.

“Mr. Dane,” Judge Beckett said, her voice echoing in the quiet room. “Is there a problem?”

Dane stepped away from the defense table.

He walked to the podium in the center of the well.

“Your Honor, at this time, I must formally request leave to withdraw as counsel for Mr. Rourke,” Dane said.

The courtroom fell completely silent.

I could hear the steady tick of the wall clock behind the bench.

“On what grounds, Mr. Dane?” Judge Beckett asked.

“Irreconcilable differences regarding the defense strategy, Your Honor,” Dane replied.

“Additionally, new information has come to light that makes my continued representation a violation of my ethical duties under the professional code.”