At our first hearing, Brandon’s attorney tried to make the birthday party the whole case.

“Mrs.

Gwen deliberately humiliated my client’s elderly mother,” he told the court, “in front of thirty invited guests.”

My lawyer rose, and set two printed pages on the judge’s desk.

“My client was given exactly two hundred dollars to cater an event for thirty people.

Here is the transfer confirmation.

And here are her itemized receipts, totaling one hundred and ninety-four dollars.”

The magistrate studied the figures, and then looked at Brandon over the top of his glasses.