The defense continued to dispute liability and the interpretation of several transactions.
The judge took the matter under advisement.
I knew there would be no immediate declaration that my entire life had been vindicated.
I also knew that the evidence had finally been examined on its merits.
Outside the courtroom, reporters were not waiting. There were no television cameras or dramatic public announcements. This was a civil dispute, not a theatrical trial.
But when Arthur emerged from the hearing, he looked at me with something I had never seen in his expression before.
Uncertainty.
He approached me in the corridor.
“You must be satisfied,” he said bitterly.
I gathered my papers.
“I will be satisfied when the facts are properly resolved and everyone accepts responsibility for their part.”
“You could have settled this months ago.”
“I offered to resolve the financial issue before you sued me.”
“You refused to cooperate.”
