Gavin stepped forward, his hands trembling against the wooden table.

“Philip, you can’t do this,” Gavin stammered. “We’re in the middle of a hearing.”

“Sit down, Mr. Rourke,” Judge Beckett said.

Gavin did not move.

He was staring at Dane’s back.

“Sit down, Mr. Rourke,” the judge repeated.

Her voice dropped, cold and heavy.

Gavin slowly sank into his chair.

His face was pale and slick.

“Your Honor, my firm cannot be associated with any attempt to hide assets or mislead this court,” Dane said.

He bowed his head slightly toward the bench.

“I will file the formal written motion to withdraw by the end of the day.”

“Motion granted,” Judge Beckett said.

She didn’t hesitate.

She didn’t ask Gavin if he wanted to object.

“Mr. Rourke, you are now representing yourself until such time as you retain new counsel.”

Gavin stared at the empty chair next to him.

Dane had already turned and was walking toward the heavy swinging doors.

He didn’t look back once.

The defense table looked massive with only Gavin sitting there.

I sat down at my table next to my attorney, Sarah Vance.