Chapter 18 - The Fall of Vance
"Your Honor," Vance’s lead attorney stammered, raising his hands, "we... we were not made aware of the provenance of these audio recordings, nor were we privy to the offshore banking structure. In light of this newly presented information, my firm must immediately withdraw as counsel."
"You certainly will withdraw, counselor," Judge Harrison said coldly. "And you will submit your entire billing and communication file to my chambers by five o'clock today."
The judge slammed her gavel down with the force of a thunderclap.
"The Court finds substantial and irrefutable evidence of predatory lending, fraud in the inducement, and criminal conspiracy. The lien against Parcel 408, the Miller property, is hereby declared NULL AND VOID ab initio. The county clerk is directed to expunge all encumbrances held by Vance Capital Holdings immediately."
Arthur, sitting in the front spectator row beside Julianna, let out a ragged sob and buried his face in Julianna’s shoulder. Julianna wrapped her arms tightly around her father, crying tears of relief.
Judge Harrison wasn't finished. She looked over at the bailiff stationed at the back of the courtroom. "Bailiff, please contact Detective Morrison with the Financial Crimes Task Force and have two deputies report to this courtroom immediately. Mr. Vance will remain in custody pending formal arraignment on felony fraud and extortion charges."
Two armed deputies entered the courtroom within seconds. Marcus Vance stood frozen as the cold steel handcuffs clicked around his wrists.
As he was being led past the defense podium, Vance stopped, his eyes bloodshot, glaring at Claire with venomous hatred. "You think you won, Claire? You have no idea whose money I was playing with. Richard didn't just borrow from me. You think you’re safe in that little house? You’re dead wrong."
May you like
"Move along, Mr. Vance," the deputy grunted, shoving him through the heavy wooden double doors.
Claire stood alone at the podium, her heart pounding against her ribs. She had saved the house. She had exposed the monster. But Vance’s parting words hung in the air like a poisoned mist.
