“I’m ordering local law enforcement to secure every financial file at the Pine Street residence, and federal investigators have been told to proceed,” she said.

Ethan stood up from his chair, picked up his leather school bag, and walked past my father without a glance at him.

He went straight to the wooden gate, pushed it open, and took his place beside my left shoulder.

Evelyn sank back into her chair, her silk scarf lying loose in her lap as she stared at the floorboards.

Richard took a step toward the aisle, but the lead bailiff put a hand on his shoulder and held him where he was.