The retired deputy tapped a pen against the leather cover, watching Mark squirm under the judge’s gaze.

“Do you contest these financial records, Mr.

Stevens?” the judge asked.

Mark looked at his duty lawyer, but the young man just shook his head.

Mark reached over with his right hand and unclasped his heavy gold wristwatch.

He set the watch flat on the table, the metal band clicking against the wood.

“No, Your Honor,” Mark said.

“Given the clear evidence of systematic financial deception, I’m signing the emergency order,” the judge said.