“The message on line eight says you’ll regret cutting off Mom’s house money,” Brenda read out loud.

“That message was sent twelve hours before this formal welfare complaint landed on your desk,” I said.

Mrs.

Gable opened her briefcase and took out a thick red administrative binder.

“Mr.

Vance,” Mrs.

Gable said, “this intake form rests on fraudulent statements meant to force a civil financial outcome.”

“I’m aware of that,” Mr.