Judge Evelyn Ross entered at 9:05 a.m. and made it immediately clear she had little tolerance for delays.

Victor’s lawyer, a sharp-featured attorney named Peter Nolan, rose first.

“Your Honor, my client has been locked out of personal and professional accounts by his wife in an act of emotional retaliation. Mr. Langley has been a senior executive of Langley Medical Logistics for nearly eight years.

He has a right to access funds necessary for his living expenses and legal defense.”

Judge Ross peered over the top of her glasses. “Was Mr. Langley attempting international travel when these accounts were frozen?”

Nolan paused. “He had planned a short business trip.”