“These are fourteen certified Navy bank wire receipts showing direct, automatic transfers of three hundred sixty dollars a month from Commander Evelyn Carter’s military salary account straight to the city treasurer for every tax installment since November 2013.”

My father’s hand twitched on the wooden rail.

He shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

“We also submit the original carbon copies kept by city tax clerk Clara Potts,” Daniel added, setting a stapled stack of yellow receipts on the clerk’s counter.

“They match Commander Carter’s wire confirmation numbers exactly.”

My father adjusted his gold watch band, his face tightening.

“In addition, we submit Defense Exhibit B,” Daniel went on, walking toward the bench with a white folder.