He looked rested, his skin glowing from a morning facial, his suit a charcoal pinstripe that cost more than most people’s cars. He didn’t know about the arrest the night before. Graves had been booked under a John Doe hold to keep the system quiet, a favor Julian had called in from his days interning at the district attorney’s office. Richard slammed his briefcase onto the plaintiff’s table with a heavy thud, commanding attention.
He glanced at the defense table. Julian Banks was there, but the hoodie was gone. Today, Julian wore a navy blue three-piece suit. It was perfectly tailored, hugging his frame with sharp precision. His shirt was a crisp, blinding white, and his tie was a deep crimson silk. He no longer looked like a kid from the neighborhood. He looked like a shark in deep water.
All rise, the bailiff bellowed. Judge Halloway took the bench. He looked tired, his eyes scanning the packed room with suspicion. Civil action 24 CV908. Are we ready to proceed? We are, your honor, Richard said, standing up and buttoning his jacket. He projected an air of sorrowful duty. And I have a preliminary matter that sadly disposes of this case immediately. Richard walked to the bench holding a document high in the air like a weapon.
Your honor, as of 2:30 a.m. last night, the property in question was declared uninhabitable by city code enforcement. There is a verified dangerous gas leak. It is a severe public safety hazard. He placed the report on the judge’s bench. My client, Apex Horizon, is deeply concerned for the welfare of the defendant, Richard lied smoothly, his voice dripping with fake empathy.
We cannot in good conscience allow an 80-year-old woman to live in a bomb. We ask for an immediate order of possession so my client can enter the premises and remediate the hazard. For her own safety, she must be evicted today. Judge Halloway frowned, putting on his reading glasses. He scanned the report. A gas leak? That is serious. Code 114-102 is clear. He turned to Julian, his expression stern. Mr. Banks, your grandmother is living in a death trap. I cannot allow her to stay there. The law requires immediate evacuation. The courtroom held its breath. Richard Sterling smirked at the gallery. It was over. He had won.
