Chapter 8 - THE WARNING BEFORE THE HEARING
The notation changed everything.
Harrison requested extra courthouse security.
The sheriff’s office agreed to place two deputies near the courtroom.
Richard’s attorneys called the request theatrical.
Khloe did not care.
She was thirty-four weeks pregnant.
Her blood pressure remained high.
The doctor warned that another serious stress event could trigger early labor.
Harrison wanted her to appear remotely.
Khloe refused.
“The custody accusations are about whether I can stand for myself.”
“You do not have to prove strength by entering danger.”
“I am not trying to prove strength.”
“I want the judge to see me.”
Harrison studied her.
“What do you need to feel safe?”
“Two deputies.”
“You beside me.”
“And no private hallway.”
He agreed.
The hearing concerned sanctions for the forged mortgage documents.
Richard had ignored the court’s disclosure order.
His attorneys withdrew two days earlier.
He hired Daniel Price.
Price filed a motion accusing Harrison of intimidation.
The courtroom was crowded.
Khloe wore a navy maternity dress.
She sat beside Harrison.
Richard sat across the aisle.
Vanessa remained outside under subpoena.
During the hearing, Price argued Richard signed with implied spousal authority.
Harrison responded:
“Marriage is not a blanket authorization to forge a name.”
The judge ordered Richard to surrender his passport.
She expanded the asset restraint.
She referred the mortgage evidence to the district attorney.
Richard remained expressionless until the judge mentioned criminal referral.
Then he turned toward Khloe.
The hatred in his face shocked her.
He blamed her for the consequences of choices she had not made.
After court, Harrison asked the deputies to escort Khloe through the secure exit.
A fire alarm suddenly sounded.
Courthouse staff directed everyone toward the main staircase.
One deputy received a radio call and moved toward another floor.
The second became trapped behind a crowd of reporters.
Harrison kept one hand near Khloe’s back.
“Stay beside me.”
At the top of the staircase, Vanessa appeared.
She was supposed to remain in a witness room.
No officer stood with her.
She approached quickly.
Khloe stopped.
“Do not come closer.”
Vanessa’s face was pale.
“Richard says you gave prosecutors my recordings.”
“I did not.”
“Harrison did.”
“Then speak to your attorney.”
Vanessa looked toward Richard.
He stood several feet behind her.
His expression gave nothing away.
Khloe understood.
He had told Vanessa she was being sacrificed.
He had positioned her in Khloe’s path.
Harrison stepped between them.
Then Daniel Price called his name from the hallway.
“Harrison.”
A clerk held up an emergency document.
For one second, Harrison turned.
Vanessa moved closer to Khloe.
“You destroyed my life.”
“No.”
“You helped Richard destroy several lives.”
“Get away from me.”
Khloe placed one protective hand over her belly.
Vanessa’s eyes moved to the gesture.
May you like
Then to Richard.
He did not tell her to stop.
