He looked at me as if I had spoken in a language he had never heard.
“You said that money came from a temporary family loan.”
“I said that because your mother told me the company needed to appear stable to the bank.”
Ruth’s face went pale.
Frank reached for the document.
Judge Porter’s clerk collected it before he could touch it.
“Everything is to remain with the clerk,” Judge Porter said.
“That includes all copies currently in the courtroom.”
Calder rose once more, but this time he looked less certain.
“Your Honor, I believe we need to clarify whether Mrs. Ellison is attempting to reopen settled financial matters.”
“There is no settlement before this court if the agreement was not signed.”
Judge Porter’s voice remained even.
“But I agree that the financial issues will require careful review.”
She turned to me.
“Mrs. Ellison, when did you first notice the discrepancy in this document?”
