Chapter 9: The Audio Trap
Judge Reiner looked down at the massive stack of text messages and affidavits. He adjusted his glasses, his face turning pale.
He knew Councilman Voss had asked for a favor on this case. But he also knew that burying this much hard evidence would expose him to a massive judicial review.
“Ms. Park,” Reiner said slowly, clearing his throat. “While this evidence is… troubling regarding the eviction, it does not change the fact that the mother currently lacks a stable residence to raise an infant.”
Saurin smiled. It was a terrifying, blood-chilling smile.
“My client currently resides in a luxury penthouse at Callaway Tower,” Saurin corrected him. “She has a signed, twelve-month lease paid in full, and she accepted a full-time logistics coordinator position on Friday afternoon.”
Callum’s jaw dropped. He whipped his head around, staring at Isla in absolute disbelief.
“And Your Honor,” Saurin said, picking up one final sheet of paper. “There is one more matter regarding the integrity of this courtroom.”
Saurin handed a single transcript to the bailiff.
“We are submitting a transcript of a wiretapped phone call made last night at 11:07 PM between Councilman Carl Voss’s Chief of Staff and a clerk in this very courthouse. The call details a ten-thousand-dollar bribe offered to destroy the evidence I just submitted.”
Judge Reiner physically recoiled in his chair.
“I have already forwarded the original audio file to the FBI, the State Ethics Board, and the Judicial Oversight Committee,” Saurin stated, crossing her arms. “I trust this court will rule strictly on the merits of the law today, considering the… intense federal scrutiny this case has suddenly attracted.”
Callum’s attorney looked like he was going to vomit. He slowly packed his briefcase, physically sliding his chair away from his own client.
Judge Reiner stared at the transcript. His hands were shaking. He looked up at Callum Voss with an expression of pure, unadulterated rage for bringing this level of heat into his courtroom.
“The emergency custody petition is denied,” Judge Reiner snapped, banging his gavel so hard the wood cracked. “Full physical and legal custody is awarded to the respondent, Isla Mercer. Furthermore, I am forwarding this entire docket to the District Attorney’s office for a perjury investigation into the petitioner. We are adjourned!”
Isla collapsed back into her wooden chair. She wrapped her arms around Noah, burying her face in the baby carrier, finally letting out a massive, shuddering sob of relief.
Callum Voss stood up. His face was twisted in a mask of humiliated fury.
He didn’t speak to his lawyer. He stormed out of the double doors, into the crowded marble hallway of the courthouse.
Isla and Saurin walked out a moment later.
As soon as the heavy doors swung shut, Callum lunged forward, blocking Isla’s path to the elevators.
“You think you won?” Callum hissed, his eyes wide and manic, completely ignoring the crowd of lawyers around them. “You think some fancy lawyer changes anything? You’re still a hillbilly piece of trash. I’ll bleed you dry in appeals. I will make sure you spend the rest of your life looking over your shoulder!”
Isla took a protective step back, clutching Noah.
Before Saurin could intervene, a heavy, tailored shoulder shoved past her.
Roman Callaway stepped directly between Isla and Callum. He towered over the disgraced man, entirely blocking Isla from view.
Roman didn’t raise his voice. He didn’t have to.
“You aren’t going to file an appeal, Callum,” Roman whispered, his dark eyes cutting through the man’s soul. “You aren’t going to call her. You aren’t going to look at her. If I even catch you breathing the same air as this woman again, the FBI investigation will be the least of your problems.”
Callum swallowed hard, shrinking back against the marble wall, entirely emasculated by the sheer, terrifying presence of the billionaire.
Roman turned his back on Callum like he was nothing but trash on the sidewalk. He looked down at Isla.
“Come on,” Roman said gently, gesturing toward the elevator. “Let’s go home.”
