And then Richard Sterling’s voice, arrogant, distinctive, and undeniable, filled the room. We will pay your grandmother $500,000. And you? $50,000. It’s a starter kit for a real life. Everyone has a price, kid. The gallery went silent. Richard looked like he was going to be sick, but Julian wasn’t done. And defense exhibit C, Julian said. Recorded via directional microphone outside the conference room yesterday. He tapped the screen. Burn the house down if you have to. Just find me a reason to get her out before Friday morning. The silence that followed was heavy, suffocating. It was the sound of a career dying.
Judge Frederick Halloway was trembling, not with fear, but with a righteous volcanic rage. He was a man who believed in the sanctity of the law above all else, and what he had just heard was the ultimate desecration. He slowly took off his glasses.
He looked at Richard Sterling with a look of pure disgust. Mr. Sterling, the judge said, his voice dangerously low. In my 20 years on the bench, I have never, never witnessed such a vile abuse of the legal system. You have attempted to defraud this court. You have solicited a felony crime against an elderly woman. You have attempted to bribe opposing counsel.
The judge turned to the bailiff. Officer Miller, secure the doors. Officer Miller, the burly bailiff who had tried to throw Julian out on the first day, unclipped the handcuffs from his belt. He walked toward the plaintiff’s table. What? Richard gasped, backing away. You can’t. I’m a partner at Sterling, Lockwood, and Pierce.
You can’t arrest me in a civil hearing. I am holding you in direct criminal contempt, Judge Halloway shouted, pointing his gavel at Richard like a weapon. And I’m referring this matter immediately to the district attorney for charges of solicitation of arson, burglary, witness tampering, and racketeering.
You are not leaving this room a free man. Richard looked at his associates. They had all backed away from him, terrified of being associated with the blast radius. He looked at the gallery. Hundreds of eyes judged him. Officer Miller grabbed Richard’s arm. He twisted it behind his back with practiced force. Click, click. The sound of the handcuffs locking was louder than any shout. Richard Sterling, Officer Miller recited. You have the right to remain silent.
