clap before the bailiff intervened.
I remained quiet.
Judge Rebecca Hale took off her glasses and studied the display. “Mr. Bennett,” she said, “how did your daughter pledge a van in 2020 that wasn’t manufactured until 2023?”
Nobody spoke.
Dad blinked. “She must have replaced the van.”
“The agreement identifies a specific VIN,” the judge replied. “A vehicle cannot be replaced and retain another vehicle’s identity.”
Tyler’s attorney sprang up, scraping his chair. Evelyn stood as well, holding the manufacturer’s certificate, vehicle history, and banking evidence.
Dad changed course. “Maybe
