Chapter 10 - The Judge on Julian’s Payroll
Julian’s attorney, Martin Crowe, held the court order above his head.
“Mr. Vale is not under arrest.”
The lead detective read it twice.
“This was signed twelve minutes ago.”
Martin smiled.
“Efficient courts are a blessing.”
The signature belonged to Judge Richard Sloan.
A federal judge.
A major donor to Vale Meridian’s charitable foundation.
And the man who had dismissed every lawsuit I filed against Julian.
I finally understood why Evelyn’s legal strategy had always failed.
The courtroom itself had been compromised.
The detective released Julian.
Beatrice remained in custody because officers had witnessed her holding a weapon.
Julian adjusted his tuxedo.
His confidence returned with every movement.
“You’ve created an impressive performance,” he told me. “But performances end.”
“This one ends with you in prison.”
“Does it?”
He walked close.
“The doctor is discredited. Evelyn participated in arson. Owen will say anything to save himself. Your files were illegally obtained.”
He glanced toward the ballroom.
“And by morning, every news outlet will describe you as a jealous wife who interrupted a charity gala.”
He believed he had won again.
I almost admired the consistency of his arrogance.
Then Thomas Reddick stepped forward.
“The board is suspending you as chief executive, effective immediately.”
Julian’s smile flickered.
“You don’t have the votes.”
“I do now.”
Three board members joined Thomas.
Then two more.
Julian looked toward the ballroom, searching for allies.
They avoided his eyes.
He turned to Nathan.
“You’re fired.”
Nathan shrugged.
“You no longer have that authority.”
Julian’s face reddened.
Beatrice had called him weak.
Now the room was watching him become exactly that.
But we still needed evidence that could survive a corrupt judge.
Dr. Keene handed me the deposit-box key.
A number was engraved on it.
417.
The box was held at First Atlantic Trust, two blocks from the hotel.
The bank would close its private vault at midnight.
It was already 11:18.
Julian heard the address when Keene gave it to police.
His eyes shifted toward Martin.
A silent message passed between them.
I saw it.
So did Nathan.
“We need to reach the bank first,” I said.
Thomas arranged a car.
Walter insisted on coming.
Evelyn joined us under police escort because she knew my father’s old legal files.
As we left the hotel, Julian stood beneath the chandeliers watching.
He made no attempt to follow.
That worried me more than if he had chased us.
Halfway to the bank, our driver suddenly slowed.
Three black SUVs blocked the street ahead.
Another appeared behind us.
Walter looked through the rear window.
“This isn’t traffic.”
Our driver reached beneath his seat.
Evelyn saw the gun first.
She grabbed the steering wheel.
The car swerved across the wet road and struck a parked vehicle.
Airbags exploded.
My head slammed against the window.
Through the smoke, I saw Julian’s attorney step out of the first SUV.
Martin Crowe walked toward us carrying a document bag.
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And behind him stood Judge Sloan.
👉 The corrupt judge who protected Julian was personally blocking Claire from reaching her father’s deposit box, proving the conspiracy controlled far more than one company.
