“Mr. Davenport, were you current on your court-ordered child support during the months when your ex-wife’s rent was late?”

Russell’s composure evaporated.

Benedict moved to intervene. “Your Honor, there were ongoing disputes about the payment structure—”

“I didn’t ask you, counsel,” the judge said. “I asked Mr. Davenport.”

Russell swallowed and tugged at his collar. “I was… temporarily behind.”

“For how long?”