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