His voice rang off the high plaster ceiling.

“This court won’t stand for the misuse of public notary seals or fraudulent parcel filings.”

He took a black fountain pen from its stand and signed the red order sheet sitting next to his gavel block.

“The deed recorded on the fourth is hereby set aside as fraudulent,” Judge Harrison announced.

“Sole title to the Maple Street property is returned to Claire Miller effective immediately.”

Frank grabbed his leather briefcase off the floor and got up before the judge had finished reading the last line.