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