anger and pity. Michael was right, he’d have certainly done the same thing if he thought Jules, Betty, or Piper was in imminent danger. Look at how many concessions he had already made since starting out on this. It wasn’t like Michael had lost the case intentionally or destroyed important evidence. Should he have blown the whistle? Maybe, but as Bobby was starting to find out not everything was quite so cut and dry.
“Judge Rosenthal is going to be here any minute.” Michael said impatiently. “She’s probably down there right now wondering what the hell is wrong with the elevator. We’ve got one shot at this, and if she thinks for a minute we aren’t all calibrated then she’ll pull the plug. You won’t get your protection and relocation,” Michael said pointing at Christian, “and you, Bobby, won’t get your justice.”
Bobby turned to Christian and tried to put this whole thing in perspective. “You remember earlier tonight when you told me you wanted your brother to be included in your relocation? It goes against everything I believe, but I am going out on a limb, because I trust you’ll get him help. You know him better than I do, and if you really believe you can help him then I have to default to you in order to make the rest of this work. I’m asking you to do the same. I know Michael, and I believe him. Without him we can’t pull this off.”
Christian didn’t speak. He only nodded and rolled his eyes. Michael released the stop button on the elevator and they all stepped out as the door opened back up.
Chapter Twenty-four
“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