He had no idea that as a United States District Judge, I evaluated chains of evidence and witness coercion every single day.

I opened my leather briefcase on the passenger seat and took out a clear plastic evidence bag from my emergency court supply kit.

Using a small pair of metal tweezers from my purse, I slid the cashier’s check into the clear plastic sleeve and pressed the adhesive strip shut.

I took out my phone and called Detective Miller’s direct line at the precinct.

“Miller,” the detective answered on the second ring.