Not the majority ownership.
The recording.
Grace walked back to our table.
She lifted a small evidence bag.
Inside was an old digital voice recorder.
Melissa said, “Dad used it to dictate maintenance notes because he was dyslexic. He recorded conversations sometimes so he could update the logs later.”
Victor whispered something I could not hear.
Grace said, “Your Honor, this evidence has been provided to opposing counsel and referred separately to the state’s attorney. We are not asking this court to determine criminal liability. Its relevance today concerns Mr. Hale’s credibility, fraudulent ownership transfer, concealment of marital assets, and the circumstances under which Mrs. Hale was induced to waive business-related claims.”
Judge Monroe looked at Gerald.
Gerald seemed fifteen years older than he had that morning.
“Mr. Pike?”
He rubbed his forehead.
“No objection to the limited purpose.”
Victor turned on him.
“What?”
Gerald leaned close.
“Do not say another word.”
