Hale,” Judge Whitmore said.

“The continuance is denied.”

Grant shifted in his chair and adjusted his silk tie knot as Hale sat back down.

“Call your first witness, Mrs.

Holloway,” the judge told me.

“I call Grant Holloway to the stand,” I said.

Grant walked to the witness box with measured steps, rested one hand on the wooden rail, and took the oath.

I stepped up to the center podium holding my blue audit schedule.