“Sit down, Miss Sterling,” Judge Norris said without raising her voice.

Clara stayed standing at the end of the pew, her fingers locked around the strap of her bag as she glared at the clerk.

“Bailiff, lock the courtroom doors,” Judge Norris ordered.

“Notify the county prosecutor’s office that I’m holding two individuals for grand larceny, criminal fraud, and perjury.”

The silver deadbolt on the heavy double exit doors clicked into place with a sharp metallic snap.

Two uniformed bailiffs stepped into the center aisle, blocking the exit as Julian’s face turned gray.