Chasing Justice (24 page)
“Judge Rosenthal, I can’t thank you enough for coming out this time of night. I know it’s a little unorthodox, but I can assure you it will be worth your while,” Michael said in his work voice, which was a bit softer and more polished.
“Mr. Cooper, until I came in and saw Mr. Donavan sitting there I was prepared to give you quite the tongue-lashing regarding after hours calls to a judge. Now I must admit I am a little intrigued,” Judge Rosenthal said. She was a tiny woman with frail hands and wispy brittle hair. Her pointed nose nearly took up half her face and her thin lips seemed to be permanently pursed. She appeared meek, but as Michael had seen firsthand in the courtroom, one should never mistake her stature as a weakness. There was nothing weak about Judge Rosenthal.
“I’ve always known you to be a highly ethical and unbiased judicator. I’ve enjoyed every opportunity I’ve had to try a case in your court.” As Michael attempted to continue, the tiny judge cut in.
“Don’t let me give you the wrong idea, Mr. Cooper, just because I am intrigued doesn’t mean I want to sit here all night while you blow smoke up my ass. I still have hopes of getting to bed at a decent hour, so get to it.”
“Mr. Donavan has long been aware of judicial misconduct by Judge Lions.” Michael cleared his throat and continued, “He has been privy to and part of multiple counts of bribery, extortion, and intimidation all spearheaded or supported by Judge Lions. He has ample evidence of this and is here tonight to give a sworn statement regarding his information,” Michael explained curtly, knowing that Judge Rosenthal was not in the mood for fluff.
Judge Rosenthal looked wary. “And I suppose he’s doing this because of a sudden spell of conscience? Or should I assume that he is looking for full immunity and most likely some kind of witness protection?” The judge pushed her glasses up tighter to her face from the bridge of her nose. She had done her job long enough to realize nothing this size came without costs.
Michael knew this was a game of chess and he was playing against an expert. “Mr. Donavan feels when he provides this information he will be at great risk as will his brother and son. In return for his testimony he would like—” The judge huffed loudly and cut in.
“Michael, for goodness sake, it’s late and this isn’t court, can we please cut the bull? How serious is this? I’ve had my concerns about Judge Lions for a long time, and I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to end the ridiculous circus he considers a courtroom. Are you telling me this is it? Is this credible?” Judge Rosenthal pursed her lips together. She would have gladly driven Christian to the airport herself if it meant removing a corrupt judge from his seat.
“Judge Rosenthal,” Christian said quietly, “it’s more than all the legal stuff that brings me here today. I’ve known about his deals for years. I’ve given him buckets of money in return for favors.” Christian reached into his breast pocket and pulled out an envelope. “I found these in his home,” he said, sliding the pictures across the table to her. “I’ve been a part of some pretty heinous things in my life, but I won’t spend another minute dealing with a man capable of that.”
Judge Rosenthal pulled open the envelope and, in her composed fashion, thumbed through the pictures of Judge Lions and his victims. She didn’t gasp, or even wince, because, unfortunately, she had seen her share of these kinds of things.
“Mr. Donavan, I despised your father. He was a brutal man with no moral compass. I’ve had numerous people cross my path who were damaged by him in so many ways.” The three men all sat stone-faced, unsure what correlation she was trying to draw. “But I adored you. I saw you often around town, and you have the sweetest spirit and kindest eyes. I would often pray for you, that you might have a chance to forge your own path and not fall prey to the legacy of your father. As time went on I saw you being sucked into his world. I thought perhaps when your own son was born or when your father died you would take those as opportunities to change your ways. I want you to know that what you are doing here tonight separates you from your father. There would have been no pictures awful enough, no crime vile enough, for your father to put aside a mutually beneficial relationship and do the right thing.” Judge Rosenthal reached her hand across the table and patted Christian’s arm. “Michael,” she asked, getting back to business, “what are you proposing we do next?”
“I’d like for Christian to document everything he can and compile the evidence against Judge Lions. Then he writes up his statement and coordinates with a witness protection team to get him out of here first thing in the morning. Judge Lions is currently indisposed at a designated location where he can be picked up anytime a warrant is issued.” Michael could feel the wheels spinning in his mind. There would be so many steps once this was put into motion.
“Your Honor,” Bobby said quietly, “there is a police officer who has been a right-hand man to Judge Lions for years. He conspired to, or possibly did, kill an Edenville police officer ten years ago.”
“Stan?” Judge Rosenthal questioned. This time, there was unmistakable emotion in the judge’s voice. Bobby nodded his head, and she continued, “I knew Stan well, we went to school together. Do you have any proof that they were involved in his murder?” The Judge sat up a little straighter in her chair.
“I don’t, and I’m not sure we ever will. I thought it was important for you to know when we go through this process. Christian can give you enough evidence and important information to implicate Officer Rylie in plenty and ensure he spends the rest of his life in jail. I just wanted someone else to know, even if we couldn’t do anything about it now.
Bobby knew it wasn’t of any legal significance to a judge to know about crimes someone may have committed if there was no proof, but he came here to say his piece, and he wasn’t going to let this opportunity pass by.
“I’m glad you told me. If we can’t find the evidence to incriminate them for the murder, we’ll make sure they never see the light of day again. It might not be exactly what you were hoping for, but it’s certainly better than what they have right now.” Judge Rosenthal’s smile was warm. It was amazing how quickly she could transition from the stern, disciplined judge to a warm and comforting maternal figure.
“There is one more thing, Your Honor,” Michael said clearing his throat nervously. “Bobby was an essential part of bringing all this together. Without him we never would have been able to pull it off.” Michael paused, surprised by the look of annoyance spreading across the judge’s face.
“I can assure you, Michael, you’ll all get your time in the spotlight. I’m sure they can get someone very famous to play you in the movie version of this epic adventure you’ve been on.” The judge rolled her eyes, never surprised by the size of men’s egos.
“You’re misunderstanding me. No matter how many of the people we put in jail, there’ll always be someone seeking retribution for what we are about to do. Bobby has lived here his whole life. He has people he loves dearly who would be in jeopardy if his name was in any way associated with this. He’s not looking for notoriety. On the contrary, I’m asking for anonymity for him. I know we’re not in the business of removing people’s names completely from something like this, but I was hoping, considering the circumstances, you would make an exception. Allow Christian to write his statement without mentioning his interactions with Bobby.” Michael wasn’t speaking now as a lawyer, his shoulders weren’t back, his chin wasn’t up and his eyes were notably avoiding everyone in the room. Michael had turned off his confident boisterous persona and was now only asking a favor for his friend.
“I genuinely hate putting my foot in my mouth, it really annoys me. I’m sorry I misread your request for confidentiality. Under these very unique circumstances I think we can find a way to leave Bobby out of the written statement. I would imagine, Michael, that you, too, have people you would like to protect. Is your desire for fame outweighing your concern?” She raised an eyebrow at him and smirked. She assumed there was another reason for him not including himself in his request and she wanted to hear it.
“I don’t intend to leave you standing alone in this,” Michael responded. “Christian is going to be getting relocation and protection, Bobby has more people here in town who deserve to be protected. I know there will be some blowback, and I know what I signed up for.” Michael had returned to his courtroom posture and tone.
“That’s all quite laughable, Michael. I appreciate your concern, but I can assure you these men don’t frighten me. I never married. I have no children, no family, and ample protection for myself. What you have both done is extraordinary, and while you deserve the accolades of your community you are far more likely to get the retaliation of the many scorned people who will be losing either their freedom or their paycheck. I suggest that before Mr. Donavan takes pen to paper and starts telling this story you make your decision. You have an opportunity to wake up tomorrow morning and act as surprised as everyone else when you hear the news.” Judge Rosenthal pulled her phone from her purse and began typing a message on it. She was trying to minimize this moment by not giving it her full attention. She appreciated the gesture on Michael’s part, but the fewer people involved the less likely the collateral damage.
“As long as you’re sure, your honor, I would greatly appreciate it.” Michael felt a weight lift off his shoulders as the thought of his sister flashed through his mind.
“Yes, hurry up then. I’m already out much later than I had hoped to be. Mr. Donavan, let’s get this straight then, you found these pictures while you were a welcomed guest in the Lion’s home. You felt it was your duty to ensure the judge is held accountable for his deplorable actions, and you therefore contacted me directly. We met, drafted a plan for the relocation of yourself, your brother, and your son with the conditions that you turn over any and all evidence you have that pertains to Judge Lions and any of his associates. Are we all clear on that?” Judge Rosenthal barely looked up from her phone as she spoke. There was an opportunity here for anyone in this room to recant, to get cold feet, and she wouldn’t be a part of making this moment feel profound, even though it was.
The three men shook their heads in agreement as they looked at each other. The room was quiet now, and they fixed their eyes on the judge, waiting for their next direction, and she was happy to oblige.
“Mr. Cooper, I’ve just sent a message and there are two men on their way up. They escorted me here tonight and will now be in charge of getting Mr. Donavan and his family on a chartered plane tonight.” She turned her attention over to Christian.
“Mr. Donavan, please draft your written statement and then contact your brother to ensure everyone is ready to leave within the hour.” The Judge stood, and, out of sheer habit, all three men stood as well. “There is one last thing I’d like to say to the three of you. This is a clean slate, Mr. Donavan, not a free pass. There is a difference. I will not be privy to where you have settled. This is both for your protection and my own, but these two men,” she said pointing to Bobby and Michael, “will be informed. If you or your brother step one toe out of line I will personally have you dragged back here and deliver you to whoever is offering the highest bounty for your head. You haven’t made good choices up until this point, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t capable. I won’t be around to give your brother the same warning, so I hope you will convey this to him. When people are seeking revenge for this, I’m sure your brother will make a suitable substitute for you. You don’t want him shipped back here because he can’t keep his hands to himself.” The judge moved toward the conference room door and flagged down two large men and waved them over. “Michael and Bobby, it was a pleasure meeting with you this evening. We have it all under control from here. I’d tune in to the morning news tomorrow, I plan to send them one hell of a story to run.” She shook both of their hands and smiled widely at them.
“Bobby,” Christian said, reaching his hand out. “Thank you for stopping me tonight. If you ever need anything don’t hesitate to ask.” Bobby nodded his head and shook Christian’s hand, amazed how this night had turned out.
The elevator ride was silent as Michael and Bobby attempted to process what had happened—what they had just accomplished. As the elevator doors opened and they stepped out, Michael finally found his voice through the thoughts swimming in his head.
“We’ve got quite the story to go tell the girls, don’t we?” Even though everything had come together, there was still one thing that terrified Michael. “Bobby, I’m really sorry for not telling you about that case. I should have trusted you enough to tell you, I should have believed you’d understand. If you want me to head home and not come back to Betty’s with you, let me know.”
Michael held his breath, not wanting to hop in his car and drive to his cold loft apartment and sit alone on a night like tonight, but he would if it was what Bobby wanted.
“I wish you had told me, but there’s no rulebook for things like this. Even if I was still mad at you I wouldn’t be crazy enough to keep you from Jules tonight. I had one near-death experience already, I don’t need another.” Bobby slapped Michael on the shoulder. It wouldn’t have been so long ago that an infraction like Michael’s would have been enough for Bobby to lose all respect and cut all ties with him. The last few months had taught him the only thing that mattered was surrounding himself with people who cared—friends who cared about each other, about the world around them, and doing the right thing. No one was perfect, but people can be perfect for each other.