David's shoulders shook, a single tear slipping down his cheek. "Thank you, Your Honor. Thank you."
"Don't thank me, Mr. Henderson. I am simply applying the law," Valerie said. She picked up her pen, ready to deliver the killing blow.
"In the matter of Henderson Construction v. Carmichael Development Group," Judge Jenkins announced, her voice ringing out like a death knell for the Carmichaels' bank accounts, "I find for the plaintiff, David Henderson. I am ordering the defendants to immediately pay the outstanding balance of $150,000."
Richard let out a shaky breath, nodding rapidly. "Yes, yes, Your Honor. Happy to pay it."
"I am not finished," Valerie said coldly. "Given the documented bad faith, the intentional manipulation of contracts, and the deliberate attempt to financially ruin a small business, I am also awarding Mr. Henderson punitive damages in the amount of $450,000, plus all attorney's fees. The total judgment of $600,000 is to be placed in an escrow account by the close of business tomorrow, or I will authorize the seizure of Carmichael Development assets."
Arthur Pendleton closed his eyes. The Carmichaels were officially ruined. David Henderson buried his face in his hands, completely overwhelmed. His business was saved. His family was saved.
"Now," Valerie continued, closing the civil file and pulling a fresh, blank sheet of paper to the center of her desk, "that concludes the civil calendar. However, before we adjourn, this court has a separate administrative matter to address regarding an incident that occurred on county property at 8:15 a.m. this morning."
Richard's head snapped up. "Your Honor, please—"
"Bailiff Brody," Valerie called out. "Please activate the monitor facing the defense table."
The large screen flickered to life. Arthur, Richard, and Brenda watched in absolute horror as crystal-clear, high-definition security footage from the VIP parking garage played. The courtroom watched silently as the silver G-Wagon illegally bypassed security, boxed in the Honda Accord, and the Carmichaels stepped out.
The audio was slightly muffled, but Brenda's racial slurs and condescending tone were unmistakably clear. Then came the physical altercation. The courtroom watched Richard Carmichael aggressively step into Judge Jenkins' personal space, verbally threaten her, and forcefully shove his shoulder into hers, causing the hot liquid to spill.
Arthur Pendleton slowly packed his briefcase. "I am officially withdrawing as counsel for the Carmichaels," he announced flatly, refusing to go down with this sinking ship.