Judge Vance frowned, set down his pen, and looked straight at Howard over his frames.

“Mr.

Cobb,” Judge Vance said, “that’s a serious allegation to bring into a probate hearing.”

“I call Claire Rowan to the stand,” Howard said.

Claire rose from her chair and walked down the carpeted aisle to the wooden witness box, holding her leather purse with both hands.

She took the oath in a quiet voice and sat down, the morning sun from the tall arched windows catching her silver hair.

Howard walked into the well of the court with two thick cardboard display boards.