Chapter 10 - Thursday
Thursday morning arrived with rain.
The courthouse hearing concerned temporary financial restraints.
Nothing dramatic.
At least on paper.
Khloe wore a navy maternity dress and low shoes.
Harrison checked the hallway twice before letting her leave the private conference room.
“You stay next to me.”
“I know.”
“You don’t speak to Richard alone.”
“I know.”
“You don’t speak to Vanessa at all.”
Khloe smiled.
“You’ve told me six times.”
“I’m going for seven.”
The courtroom was packed.
Richard sat with three lawyers.
Vanessa sat two rows behind him.
Khloe noticed the bruise hidden beneath makeup.
The judge entered.
For two hours, attorneys argued over frozen accounts, corporate records, and hidden transfers.
Then Harrison stood.
“Your Honor, we have evidence that Mr. Harrington used my client’s electronic credentials to execute transactions without her consent.”
Richard’s lead attorney objected.
The judge overruled.
Harrison continued.
“Those transactions are linked to companies currently under federal review.”
Richard’s face tightened.
Harrison placed one document on the screen.
Then another.
Then another.
Khloe watched her husband slowly realize that Harrison knew nearly everything.
The judge ordered expanded financial restraints.
Richard lost access to multiple accounts immediately.
His lawyer whispered something.
Richard didn’t respond.
He stared at Khloe.
The hearing ended.
People flooded into the hallway.
Harrison was stopped by an assistant district attorney.
Khloe continued toward the stairs with a court officer nearby.
Then Vanessa approached.
“Khloe.”
Khloe stopped.
“I have nothing to say to you.”
“Please.”
“No.”
“I’m sorry.”
Khloe almost laughed.
“For which part?”
Vanessa flinched.
“I need your help.”
“You need a lawyer.”
“I need Richard stopped.”
Khloe looked at her.
“Then tell the truth.”
“I’m trying.”
Vanessa stepped closer.
“I have the recording.”
Khloe’s heart jumped.
“Where?”
“Not here.”
“Give it to Harrison.”
“I can’t.”
“Why?”
“Because Richard has something on me.”
Khloe shook her head.
“I’m done with secrets.”
She turned toward the staircase.
Vanessa grabbed her elbow.
“Wait.”
“Let go of me.”
“Listen!”
“Take your hand off me.”
Richard came through the courtroom doors.
His eyes widened.
“Vanessa!”
She looked at him.
Something like panic flashed across her face.
Khloe pulled her arm free.
Vanessa reached again.
“Don’t walk away from me!”
“Leave me alone!”
Khloe stepped backward.
Her heel reached the edge.
Vanessa shoved.
Hard.
Khloe’s face changed.
For one impossible second, both women realized what had happened.
Then Khloe fell.
One step.
Five.
Ten.
Twenty.
May you like
Thirty.
And Harrison came running.
