The Rise of Lucas

Chapter 20

The respected judge overseeing the legal dispute between Tonia and Lucas, Justice Robertson, was faced with a surprising turn of events in the solitude of his chambers.

Like a portent of secret discoveries, a letter sat on his desk, quietly delivered and marked with an appearance of anonymity.

A figure of unbiased judicial authority, the judge looked down at the plain envelope and wrinkled his brow. There was an air of mystery as the subdued noises of the courtroom outside and the rustling of papers filled the chamber.

With great care, Justice Robertson opened the letter and revealed a single sheet of paper with typed words that seemed to have weight beyond their physical appearance.

The letter, purportedly from an anonymous writer, was a severe warning, a subtle but frightening reminder of the judge's own weaknesses from his past.

Justice is watching, and your judgments in the courtroom have an impact beyond its borders, the letter started, "Dear Justice Robertson," with every word c