“You don’t have to give them the original paper trail,” Cole said, his voice dropping to a fast, desperate whisper.

“Your lawyer can withdraw the joint account affidavit before eight tomorrow.”

“The affidavit is part of the public court record now,” I said.

“It doesn’t have to be,” Cole said.

He took one step closer, but the officer cleared his throat and Cole stopped immediately.

“If they indict me for forgery on the joint account, I lose my securities license for good.

I won’t be able to pay child support.”