And my reply, directly under it: We don’t need anything from you if your help requires me to humiliate myself. Just send the support you already owe.

Judge Leonard’s face went cold. “Mr. Welch, the printout your client provided this court deliberately altered the context of that exchange.”

Benedict flushed and glanced at Russell. “I presented the evidence as it was given to me, Your Honor.”

“Then I suggest you verify your client’s evidence before you bring it into my courtroom again.”

Part 6 — The Grandmother Takes the Stand

Benedict tried to recover by calling my mother to the stand.

Martha walked up slowly in her favorite navy cardigan and pearl earrings, sat down, folded her hands in her lap, and looked at the lawyer without a flicker of nerves.