“Mrs.

Whitmore’s sudden departure from the penthouse on Christmas morning was an irrational emotional reaction, not a necessity.”

Judge Evelyn Miller didn’t look up from her monitor.

Cold winter light came through the thirty-foot arched windows behind her bench, casting gray shadows across the gallery.

“Go ahead, Mr.

Vance,” Judge Miller said.

“The bank records show Mrs.

Whitmore has no independent income of her own,” Vance went on, turning slightly toward the gallery.