Chapter 6 - Her Mother’s Name
During a recess, Daniel approached Clara in the hallway despite instructions to remain separated.
A deputy stepped between them.
Daniel raised both hands.
“I only want to speak to my wife.”
Clara moved closer to Evelyn.
Daniel finally looked at her mother.
“You are making this worse for her.”
Evelyn answered calmly.
“No. The record is making it accurate.”
His eyes narrowed.
“You think sitting behind her makes you intimidating?”
“No.”
Daniel smiled without warmth.
“You don’t understand how courts work.”
A clerk stepped out of the courtroom.
“Judge Hart?”
Daniel turned toward the voice.
The clerk handed Evelyn a sealed envelope connected to an unrelated federal matter that required her signature before the end of the business day.
Evelyn signed it.
Daniel stared at the name printed beneath the signature line.
Hon. Evelyn Hart.
United States District Judge.
His face lost color.
Clara watched the realization move through him.
Evelyn closed the envelope and returned it to the clerk.
Daniel whispered, “You’re Judge Hart?”
“Yes.”
“You used a different name.”
“I used my married name as Clara’s mother. My professional name is public.”
He looked toward Clara.
For years, he had told her that he knew the courts.
That he could control judges.
That her mother was simply an aging widow who would believe anything her daughter said.
Evelyn stepped closer, still leaving the deputy between them.
“You told my daughter no court would believe her.”
Daniel said nothing.
May you like
Evelyn’s voice lowered.
“Now you get to find out.”
