In a cinematic turn of events, the Texas Senate was on the edge of its seat as Ryan Bangert, a former deputy to suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, testified about the controversial hiring of an outside attorney. The attorney in question was brought on board to serve subpoenas to Austin-area banks related to accusations by real estate magnate, Nate Paul.

Bangert, echoing the confusion of many, stated, "My concern was that we did not know what we did not know." His perplexity derived from the hiring of Brandon Cammack, a relatively green lawyer. Allegedly, Paxton championed Cammack's hiring to delve into claims made by Paul that the FBI may have played foul in securing search warrants for a 2019 operation into Paul's assets.

Behind Closed Doors: Disagreements and Dissent

Evidence presented to the Senate revealed Paxton's impatience with Mark Penley and David Maxwell, two deputies initially tasked with investigating Paul's claims. This discontent led to the push for Cammack's involvement, a move Bangert and another senior deputy, Jeff Mateer, vehemently opposed. They equated this to a ship veering off course, with its captain ignoring the alarms.

As the pressure mounted, Bangert likened their situation to a pot at boiling point, "Our hand had been forced." The decision to involve the FBI wasn't taken lightly, especially given that Paxton was already on their radar.

 Paxton Deputy FBI Hack : A Series of Puzzling Events:

Peeling back the layers, Bangert recollected how Paul's persistent records requests in early 2020 led to undue pressure from Paxton. But the real stunner came with the reveal of the "midnight opinion." This clandestine document allegedly aided Paul by halting impending foreclosures on his properties. Tony Buzbee, defending Paxton, was quick to challenge its legitimacy, painting it as mere "informal legal guidance."

Paxton's dealings with Paul grew even murkier as Bangert recounted a bizarre luncheon with the duo, where Paul narrated grievances against the Mitte Foundation. It was a plot twist Bangert found astonishing, admitting, "I've never seen anything like it."

Highlighting the skewed priorities, Bangert expressed his astonishment at the disproportionate attention given to Paul amidst more pressing legal battles such as a lawsuit against Google, COVID-19 guidance, and election-related cases.

H3: Accusations, Denials, and A Deputy Isolated

In a scene reminiscent of courtroom dramas, Rusty Hardin, on cross-examination, grilled Bangert over the alleged "mutiny" against Paxton. Tony Buzbee had earlier implicated Mateer in an office coup, suggesting a rebellion against the Attorney General. An incredulous Bangert, unaware of this earlier claim due to Senate rules, rebuffed the insinuation with a firm, "That would make no sense to me."

Post the FBI reporting, Bangert depicted a gradual sidelining, likening himself to a sidelined player in a pivotal game. He eventually resigned post the 2020 elections, hinting at a dramatic climax.

The story continues to unfold as the Senate weighs 16 impeachment articles against Paxton, with most linked to Nate Paul. Charges also extend to a $3.3M settlement with top aides post the FBI report and alleged sham investigations.

Stay tuned for further updates as cross-examination of Bangert commences this Wednesday.