Chapter 7 - The Reckoning in CourtThe courtroom was packed with journalists, legal observers, and former business associates of the Miller family.
Richard sat at the defense table in a navy blue suit, looking confident despite his orange wristband. Beside him sat Rebecca, wearing dark sunglasses, trying to hide her face from the cameras.
"Your Honor," Richard’s defense attorney argued smoothly to Judge Harold Evans. "My client is a respected businessman who temporarily managed his son's affairs while he was overseas. The incident on the porch was a unfortunate family dispute blown out of proportion by an overly aggressive military officer suffering from combat-induced paranoia!"
Murmurs rippled through the gallery.
Judge Evans turned to Victoria. "Prosecution, how do you respond?"
Victoria stood up calmly. "Your Honor, we would like to call our surprise witness to the stand."
The heavy double doors at the back of the courtroom swung open.
Walking down the aisle, escorted by two U.S. Marshals, was an elderly man in an immaculate suit, carrying a battered leather ledger.
Richard turned around—and his face went as gray as ash. His hands began to shake violently.
"I call Arthur Pendelton to the stand," Victoria announced.
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"Objection!" Richard’s lawyer yelled, leaping to his feet. "Arthur Pendelton was declared deceased twelve years ago!"
"Reports of my death were greatly exaggerated, Richard," the old man said softly as he walked past the defense table, his eyes burning with quiet contempt.
