Judge Callahan looked over his spectacles at the defense table.

“Is there a written power of attorney or gift declaration on file for those transfers?” the judge asked.

Julian’s lawyer cleared his throat.

“It was an informal family arrangement based on oral promises, Your Honor.”

Melissa Grant stepped up to the witness stand carrying her black leather briefcase.

She adjusted her wire-rimmed reading glasses on her nose before opening the first binder.

“First National Bank conducted a complete digital tracing of the nineteen disputed transfers totaling six hundred fifty-one thousand six hundred thirteen dollars,” Melissa said.