Chapter 3 - The Unraveling of Julian Cross
Marcus, my attorney, was the first to react. He stepped forward, his eyes sharp. "Your Honor, my client’s family trust—the Montgomery Estate—was supposedly liquidated six months ago due to what Mr. Cross claimed were 'failed real estate investments.' We accepted that loss because the financial records Mr. Cross provided were certified by his firm."
"They were certified!" Julian shouted, his face flushing a dangerous, dark red. "This is child fantasy! She's six years old! She doesn't know what she's talking about!"
"Mr. Cross, sit down or I will have the bailiff place you in custody for contempt," Judge Thornton barked, her voice like a whip. She looked down at Maya. "Maya, do you have Barnaby with you?"
Maya nodded. She reached into her coat pocket, pulled out a small pair of safety scissors, and before anyone could stop her, she began snipping the worn seams on the back of the stuffed rabbit.
From the white stuffing of the toy, she pulled out a small, metallic object—a secure, encrypted hardware cryptocurrency ledger and a folded piece of heavy parchment paper bearing the seal of a Swiss private bank.
Vanessa stood up, her face draining of color. "Julian, we need to leave. Now."
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"You aren't going anywhere, Ms. Vance," Judge Thornton said, signaling the two bailiffs at the door. "Bailiff, secure that physical evidence. Marcus, bring your client's financial forensic expert to the bench."
Julian sank back into his chair, his polished confidence collapsing like a house of cards. The charcoal suit suddenly looked too big for him, and the sweat bead tracing down his temple betrayed the absolute ruin staring him in the face.
