The real estate deeds Charles had tried to hand over sat untouched in a filing cabinet in the county clerk’s office.

My father stayed shut away inside Pinecrest Manor as his local political network fell apart under federal scrutiny.

Attorney Vance had surrendered his law license to the state disciplinary board after the bribery check was entered into evidence.

I walked through the heavy wooden door and took my seat in the center of the raised bench.

Fourteen attorneys sat behind the long counsel tables, their paper files neatly arranged on the polished wood.

“Good morning,” I said, my voice carrying clearly across the oak-paneled room.