The thick manila folder rested on the mahogany bench like a ticking time bomb. Judge Sterling stared down at the cover, his face losing all its color in a single second. Sweat beaded up on his forehead, and his hands trembled as he slowly opened the flap to look at the first page.

It was a complete bank statement showing a massive cash deposit wired directly from an offshore account controlled by Marcus Vance into a private account belonging to the judge's cousin.

Next to it were printed copies of recorded phone calls and text messages discussing the exact bribe to fix today's hearing.

Marcus jumped up from the plaintiff...