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He paused, stewing in the uncomfortable silence. “I’d have to get back to you on that.”
Jack had him.
“You overpaid because owning Imani’s master recordings wasn’t just about money.”
“Not every deal is about dollars and cents.”
“Right. For you, owning Imani’s recordings was about control.”
“Objection,” said Ellis.
“Overruled. The witness can answer.”
The witness shot a look at the judge that was less than respectful, and then he looked at Jack. “I have no idea what you mean, counselor.”
“Owning Imani’s master recordings wasn’t a matter of money to you,” said Jack, his cadence quickening, affording the witness no wiggle room. “It was about control over Imani—at any price.”
“That’s not true.”
Jack spoke even faster. “What really makes you angry is that Imani’s ‘go pirate’ campaign has taken that control away. You can’t control her the way you’ve always wanted to control her—which makes you the abuser, not her.”
His lawyer jumped to her feet. “Objection. Your Honor, Mr. Swyteck objected to my questions about abuse, and now he’s speeding straight down that road.”
“Sustained. Let’s wrap this up, Mr. Swyteck.”
“Final point,” said Jack. “Mr. Nichols, it was suggested during your direct examination that my client is getting kickbacks from piracy websites. You don’t have a shred of evidence to support that accusation, do you?”
“Objection.”
Jack didn’t really want an answer. “I withdraw the question. Nothing further, Your Honor.”
Ellis approached the bench. “Your Honor, given Mr. Swyteck’s insinuation that my client is an abuser, I’d like brief redirect examination.”
“No,” the judge said sharply.
The response surprised even Jack.
“Excuse me?” said Ellis.
“We’re done here,” the judge said. “I have no appetite for presiding over two celebrities who are hell-bent on trotting out their dysfunctional marriage for the world’s entertainment. I’m a judge, not a marriage counselor for the rich and famous. I’ve heard enough, and I’m ready to rule.”
He looked at Jack, then at plaintiff’s counsel, and then spoke directly to the media.
“The plaintiff’s request for an injunction is denied without prejudice. Mr. Nichols is free to refile his request for injunctive relief if and whenhe has evidence that the defendant is receiving kickbacks or other remuneration from piracy websites for her ‘go pirate’ campaign.”
Imani’s fans cheered. The judge demanded order and gaveled down the outburst to churchlike silence.
“We’re adjourned,” he said with a final bang of the gavel.
All rose on command, and the entire courtroom waited with anticipation until the side door to Judge Stevens’s chambers closed with a thud. Instantly, the crowd erupted with pro-Imani cheers and applause. Shaky Nichols and his lawyer made a quick exit, no congratulatory handshake with the opposition. Theo came barreling through the gate, singing Queen’s “We Are the Champions.” Imani jumped into his arms and planted a kiss on the lips that was so spontaneous, it seemed to shock and embarrass both of them. Jack, too, was surprised, though on the upside it should have put an end to any “sleeping with her lawyer” rumors.
Maybe that was her angle—she was using Theo, too, albeit to Jack’s benefit.
“Let’s celebrate!” said Theo.
“The media will expect a press conference,” Jack told his client.
“Here’s my press conference!” Imani said. Then she turned, faced the gallery, and shouted at the top of her voice: “Go pirate! Woo-hoo!”
