Chapter Twenty Three

 

Lenny

 

 

This was it.

Blowing out a long stream of breath I mentally prepared myself.

Angela had gone too far.

She pushed too hard.

It was time to put an end to this madness. It wouldn’t be easy. It wouldn’t be fair. I was done playing by their rules. I was done being a gentleman.

“You ready?” Lisa asked from beside me. I took in her cool calm demeanor wishing I had a fraction of the confidence she exuded.

Lisa’s thick auburn hair was slicked back into a tight high bun. Her face was perfectly made up in neutral colors making her appear as though she wasn’t wearing any. I knew the truth, only because we had been friends for so long. Lisa never went anywhere without makeup.

Her well-tailored suit was white, fitting her like a glove. She looked every bit the successful lawyer she was without looking too sexy. The bold red shell she wore underneath provided just enough color to keep her from washing out. Her heels matched the shell, pulling the look together.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I grumbled. My nerves were set on edge leaving my temper short.

“Keep your head up and shoulders back. Put your trust in me, Len. I got your back, brother.” Lisa smiled bumping her shoulder against mine.

I let out one last long breath then signaled I was ready.

Makayla had been taken back already. She was being held in the judge’s chambers until she was needed. Howard fought to keep her from the proceedings, claiming her statements would be biased if she was allowed to witness the case.

I didn’t like it. I wasn’t prepared to face Makayla but it didn’t mean I didn’t love her. I would always love her. Perhaps that’s why it bothered me so much that they were pushing her aside, yet again.

The only thing keeping me from blowing a gasket right now was Lisa. She had agreed that Makayla should be left out of the proceedings until needed. Unlike Howard’s defense team, Lisa believed it would work to our benefit. I trusted Lisa. That was the only reason I let this charade continue.

The courtroom was empty. Howard had ensured the case would be a closed matter, preventing the media from entering the courtroom.

I followed Lisa up the long aisle, passing rows of empty benches. Angela Sat beside her father and their legal team. Her smug grin slashed across her face. Howard looked as though he swallowed a lemon, his lips pursed in a grim line.

Ignoring their stares I took my seat. Lisa tidied her files on the table in front of us, oblivious to the scathing looks being shot in our direction.

The Bailiff called our attention to rise as the Judge entered. “All rise. The Los Angeles County court is now in session, The Honorable Judge Knowles presiding.” 

“Please be seated.” The Judge motioned with his hands as he studied the docket in front of him, not even casting us a cursory glance. “What on the calendar today?” Judge Knowles asked glancing toward the bailiff.

“Your Honor, today’s case is Laser Records Label v. Demark.”

Unconcerned the Judge finally looked out at the courtroom. “Are the attorneys for each side of the case ready?”

“Yes, your Honor.” Both Lisa and Howard’s attorney replied in unhurried unison.

“Has either side come to an amicable agreement?”

“No, your Honor.” The attorneys echoed.

“Fair enough. Let’s starts with the Plaintiff.”

Lisa stood. “May it please the court, my name is Lisa Radcliff, counsel for Leonard Demark in this action. We accuse Laser Record label of breach of contract, slander, and intimidation through blackmail and extortion. We are suing in the amount for twenty million dollars in damages.”

A choking sound came from Howard’s side of the courtroom. It took everything in me to remain stone-faced. Every cell in me wanted to flash both Howard and Angela and snide grin. I had no idea how much Lisa was going to be asking for. Any number in the millions was beyond my comprehension.

Lisa was pulling out the big guns. She had come to me with a case prepared to go after Angela after the lawsuit over the apartment but I didn’t budge. I hoped that by losing the case Angela would have disappeared. It wasn’t until she messed with my family that I gave Lisa the green light. As if she saw this coming Lisa already had everything in place. It took her no time to track down the evidence needed to go after them for extortion and blackmail. Just before we came out I was served with a Palimony lawsuit by Angela.

With dear old Daddy behind her, the Howards pushed for an emergency hearing.  It took less than a month to get a court date. Less than a month to bring everything to together, bringing us here and now.

“And for the Defendant?” The Judge asked.

Howard’s lawyer rose. “May it please the court, my name is Nathaniel Hawthorne, counsel for Laser Record Label in this action. Laser Record Label denies all accusations and is suing on behalf of Angela Howard for Palimony in the amount of Fifty thousand a month until satisfactory employment is obtained.”

My stomach revolted, threatening to spew its contents on the smooth white marble of the courtroom. Fifty thousand dollars a month? Lisa’s hand on my forearm did nothing to qualm the herd of elephants stampeding on my stomach.

“Very well,” The Judge replied not even blinking at the sum. “Counsel, how do you plead on the suit for Palimony?”

“We deny all monies,” Lisa replied curtly.

“Will both attorneys approach the bench?” Though posed as a question it was clear the request was anything but.

Lisa gave me a comforting smile before leaving. I watched with bated breath as both attorneys and the Judge spoke in hushed whispers. The seconds ticked by like hours. Perspiration began to gather beading on my forehead. Snatching a napkin off the table in front of me I wiped it away. I could feel Angela’s eyes boring into me. Like heat-seeking missiles, they drilled into the side of my head. I refused to give in. I wouldn’t play her silly little games. I was in this to win.

Finally, the impromptu meeting of lawyers was over. Lisa smiled smugly as she walked back to the table. “Piece of cake.” She side whispered.

“Ms. Radcliff, if you will, please present your case.” Lisa shifted through the files on the table, flipping open the covers as she meticulously pulled out the sheets of paper she was looking for.

“Your Honor, On August 14th, 2018, Laser Record Label released my client, Leonard “Lenz” Demark, from his contract following a two-party Non-disclosure agreement. Said agreement stated neither party was allowed to discuss the reason for their separation or to discuss any business dealings from the past or future. Both parties agreed to part ways with no mention of the other in any media. May I present a copy of the agreement to the court?” Lisa asked.

“You may.” Lisa handed a copy of the agreement to the bailiff who presented it to the judge.

“On August 15th, 2018, Angela Howard signed four statements to the press claiming the plaintiff indulged in recreational drug use and was a known habitual user. False medical documents were also handed over to collaborate the statement. I have signed copies of statements provided by all four news medias. I also have signed witness statements and video evidence to prove the allegations against my client were not only false but also slanderous. My client was dismissed from finding future work by eight record labels despite his following. My client lost every one of his endorsements and his image was destroyed worldwide. May I present my findings to the court?” Lisa asked.

It took a moment for the Judge’s jaw to work. He stared at her with wonder. “Please.” He finally managed to mutter.

Lisa presented three large files to the bailiff along with a CD.

“Objection.” Mr. Hawthorn shouted out. His voice echoed through the empty courtroom.

“On what grounds?” The Judge asked intrigued.

“Angela Howard does not work for Laser Record Label; she is merely the daughter of the owner.” Mr. Hawthorn looked smug as though he had destroyed the case with that one statement.

“If it pleases the court, I have evidence of Angela Howards tie to the company. She is, in fact, a ten percent owner in the company and does receive a monthly payment from Laser Record Label.” Lisa held out a sheet of paper for the bailiff to collect.

“Your Honor, The defendant asks for a short recess.” Mr. Hawthorn’s voice had wilted. I sat back in my seat with a satisfied grin.

“Request denied. I would like to get through the rest of this case. I have more pressing matters to attend to.” I could practically feel the Judge rolling his eyes. “Continue counsel.” Judge Knowles nodded toward Lisa urging her to continue.

“I have written and video evidence of Angela Howard stalking the plaintiff and his family, demanding the family cast him out or face false statements regarding the care and treatment of his three-year-old daughter. If it pleases the court.” Lisa held out another file of papers along with five CD’s containing footage of Angela sneaking around leaving letters on Makayla’s car and in Avery’s backpack.

“Does the Plaintiff have anything else to add?” The judge asked.

“Not at this time Your Honor.” Lisa smiled stepping back behind the desk.

“Mr. Hawthorn, you may present your case.” The judge looked down his nose and Howard and his defense.

“The defendant has nothing to add your Honor.”

“In the bag,” Lisa whispered in my direction.

Quite honestly, I had never been in a courtroom before in my life so I was just going to have to take her word for it. The fact that Lisa sat beside me looking like the cat that ate the crème and Howard’s side looked like the stepped in something that stunk was reassurance enough for me.

“At this time we’ll take a thirty-minute recess while I review the documents. Court will adjourn at 10 am.” The Judge said gathering the evidence in his arms he rose. The bailiff called us all to rise as the judge walked back to his chambers.

“Slam dunk.” Lisa laughed. She looked like adrenalin junking riding her high.

“You’re not going to win this. I’ll make sure you pay. I’ll keep you so wrapped up in lawsuits you won’t know which way is up.” Angela threatened. “If you think this is bad, just wait until the sexual harassment and physical abuse lawsuits hit. You can consider your career toast.” She continued to taunt.

“Both of us know that isn’t true. I’ve never laid a finger on you in any capacity.” My anger began to boil over, soiling my good mood.

“It doesn’t have to be true to ruin you. It’s my word against yours.” She continued to clout.

“Enough Angela. I’ve had enough of your games. I’m ending this now. If you so much as breathe in his direction again I will cut you off. I will write you out of my will and toss you out onto the streets.” Mr. Howard’s voice bellowed through the room reverberating off the walls.

“But, Daddy.” She began only to be cut off.

“No. I told you I’ve had enough. I mean it. Not another word. His name is henceforward removed from your vocabulary.” The steel in his voice was enough to make even the strongest of men quiver. “That goes for his family as well. One peep and it all goes away, Angela.” Angela deflated. Her shoulders slumped forward. Her head hung low. “Hawthorn, I trust you to wrap this up.”

“Yes, sir.” Howard seized Angela by the arm roughly, nearly dragging her out of the courtroom.

Once the pair had left the tension in the room evaporated. “Ms. Radcliff. I am permitted to offer you twenty-five million to drop the case and agreement on sealing the records.” Mr. Hawthorn looked nervous as he toed the white marble. His hands were sunk into his pockets making him appear more like a sullen child playing dress up than a corporate attorney.

“Deal.” She agreed striking out her hand. “And keep a muzzle on the beast, would ya?” Mr. Hawthorn laughed nervously.

“More like euthanization.” He mumbled under his breath. I couldn’t agree more.