Vance swallowed hard, his gold pocket watch forgotten in his vest pocket as he looked at Charles with a pale face.

“Furthermore,” I went on, looking straight at Vance, “I’ve filed a formal ethics complaint with the state bar about your ongoing attempt to extort a federal judicial officer with false employment claims.”

Judge Alvarez picked up his heavy wooden gavel and struck the sound block once, the sharp crack echoing off the high mahogany walls.

“The court finds probable cause on all charges,” Judge Alvarez announced firmly.

“Bail for Chloe is denied, and she’s remanded to the county detention facility pending formal grand jury indictment for felony aggravated child abuse.”