Vance waved his hand dismissively.

“Local police officers are easy to manage, Valerie.

Your father has lived in this county for forty years.

He knows every magistrate and precinct commander in the district.”

“You’ve made your position completely clear, Attorney Vance,” I said.

I didn’t touch the silver pen, and I didn’t pull the release any closer.

I stood up and smoothed the front of my tailored coat.

“You have until five o’clock to return that document signed,” Vance called after me as I walked toward the glass doors.