“Mrs. Simmons,” he said, and there was no pity in his face now, only a kind of grave respect. “On the basis of the evidence presented today, I am freezing all known assets associated with the plaintiff, including offshore structures pending forensic review. I am awarding you immediate access to the marital residence and full temporary support. I am referring this matter to the District Attorney’s office for review of perjury, fraud, and related financial crimes.”
He turned to Keith.
“You should obtain criminal counsel before lunch.”
Then back to the room at large:
“This hearing is adjourned. Asset and sanctions review in thirty days. Court reporter will prepare an expedited transcript.”
His gavel came down one final time.
The room exploded into movement.
Not chaos exactly. More like the release of an electrical charge. Law clerks whispering. Associates already on phones. Spectators standing too quickly. One of Catherine’s junior people moving efficiently to gather signed copies. The bailiff positioning himself subtly between Keith and anything he might lunge toward. Garrison folding his papers with the care of a man handling his own obituary.
Through all of it, I sat absolutely still.