Chapter 8 - The Missing Witness.
When Judge Vance took his seat at the bench, the atmosphere in the courtroom was electric.
The gallery was packed tighter than before, with a dozen new reporters holding cameras at the ready.
"Mr. Latham," Judge Vance boomed, "I am waiting for your explanation regarding the explosive allegations contained in the plaintiff's folder."
Latham stood up slowly, a renewed smirk playing on his lips.
"Your Honor, during the recess, my team conducted a preliminary background check on the so-called evidence," Latham began smoothly.
"We have reason to believe these documents are highly sophisticated forgeries designed to extort my client."
I pulled my microphone closer.
"That's a lie," I announced.
"The janitor who wrote the note about falsifying the logs, Mr. Thomas Vance, is sitting out in the hallway waiting to testify."
The judge looked intrigued.
"Bailiff, please bring Mr. Vance into the courtroom," the judge ordered.
The heavy doors at the back of the room swung open, and the bailiff stepped out into the crowded corridor.
A full minute passed in agonizing silence.
The bailiff returned, his expression grim.
May you like
"Your Honor," the bailiff said, "Mr. Vance is nowhere to be found, and his phone has been left on a bench."
Latham turned to me, his smile now completely victorious.
