Chapter 7 - Storm in the Courtroom
Before Regina Vance could object, the heavy double doors of the courtroom opened.
Victor Hale entered.
He was not wearing his tuxedo today; he wore a dark gray business suit, but he carried himself with an authority that made the bailiffs in the room immediately straighten their posture.
He walked straight to the bar, presenting a document to the court clerk.
"Your Honor," Victor’s attorney, who had followed him inside, announced. "We have a motion to present to the court. A deposition from the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding the threats against the Hale estate."
Judge Henderson frowned, looking over the papers the clerk handed him.
"This deposition states that the threats against Mrs. Bennett and her daughter were orchestrated entirely by Thomas Vance," the judge read aloud, his eyes widening slightly. "And that Mr. Hale was working in direct cooperation with federal authorities to secure the arrest of Mr. Vance, which took place this morning."
A murmur of shock rippled through the gallery. Regina Vance went pale, her hands trembling as she looked at the documents.
"Furthermore," Victor’s attorney continued, "Mr. Hale is here to offer personal testimony regarding Clara Bennett’s character and employment."
The Witness of HaleVictor took the stand. He looked at the judge, then at Clara, his gray eyes carrying a warmth that left no room for doubt.
"Mr. Hale," Judge Henderson said, leaning forward. "The petition claims that Mrs. Bennett’s presence in your home is unsafe and improper."
"Mrs. Bennett is the only reason my family still exists, Your Honor," Victor said, his deep voice filling the courtroom. "For eighteen months, my sons were drowning in grief. I had all the money in the world, and I couldn't save them. Clara Bennett walked into my kitchen with forty-three dollars in her pocket and a broken suitcase, and she saved my children's lives. She gave them a mother’s warmth when they had none."
He paused, looking directly at Derek Bennett, who was cowering in his seat.
The judge leaned in. "And what is she to you, Mr. Hale?"
May you like
Victor looked at Clara, a soft, genuine smile breaking across his formidable features.
"She is the woman I love," Victor said. "And if she’ll have me, she is the future mother of my children."
