So noted.
The fear of losing everything forced Heidi to her feet. Your Honor?
The judge looked at her disapprovingly. Trisha groaned.
Im Heidi Simpson, Heidi said quickly. May I speak?
The judge glanced at the paperwork in front of her, then turned back to Heidi. As this is your ranch were talking about, all right. What do you have to say, Ms. Simpson?
Heidi looked at Trisha, who rolled her eyes. Heidi was aware of everyone looking at her.
She was used to drawing a crowd. Shed grown up with her grandfather traveling with the carnival, working various games and helping out with the animals. She knew how to entice people to play the ring toss or gather around while she performed various card tricks. But that was expected attention. She planned for it, knew what to say. This was differentmostly because so much was at stake.
Heidi ignored the shaking that began in her thighs and radiated out. She willed herself to be strong, to rise to the occasion and find the words to impress the judge.
Im not happy to be here, Heidi admitted, meeting the judges neutral gaze. But Im glad Harvey is alive. She glanced at her grandfathers friend and smiled. Ive known Harvey since I was a little girl. Hes a part of my extended family. When he came to Glen, he was dying. Now hes healthy, and my grandfather made that possible. As much as I love my home, I cant value it above a persons life.
Rafe snorted. His lawyer hushed him.
Heidi found herself staring at the ruthless businessman. Not everything can be reduced to a dollar value, she said. My grandfather was wrong to try to sell Mrs. Stryker the ranch and wrong to take the money. But he didnt do it lightly or without a really good reason. He was helping someone who is like a brother to him.
Heidi shifted her gaze back to the judge, but was unable to figure out what she was thinking.
Heidi continued. The ranch is everything Ive ever wanted in a home. I raise goats, Your Honor. I have a small herd of eight. I use the milk to produce cheese and soap. I also sell the goat milk to a few people in town. Its not a big business. It supports me and my grandfather. He took me in when my parents died. He took care of me and loved me, and now I want to be here for him. Im taking responsibility for what my grandfather did. Were willing to work out some kind of payment plan with Mrs. Stryker.
Youll put everything on the line for your grandfather, the judge said slowly. I see. But you dont have the two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
No.
The property is mortgaged?
Trisha rose. Permission to approach the bench, Your Honor. I have the paperwork for the mortgage right here.
The judge nodded.
Trisha took the folder to her, then returned to her seat next to Glen. Heidi waited anxiously while the judge flipped through the pages, scanning them quickly. When she was done, she looked up, over her reading glasses.
In todays financial climate, its unlikely you could get much of a second mortgage. By my calculations, it would cover less than twenty percent of what your grandfather took from Mrs. Stryker.
Heidi stared at the judge, not knowing what to say. Another mortgage? Where was she supposed to come up with the money for that?
How much of the two hundred and fifty thousand dollars do you have now? the judge asked. In cash?
Heidi thought of her savings account and swallowed. Two thousand, five hundred dollars.
Several people watching whispered. Heidi felt herself flush.
Rafes lawyer stood. Your Honor, were all clear on how wonderfully virtuous it is that Ms. Simpson loves her grandfather, and of course she wants to pay back the money. But Glen Simpson stole from my clients. He took advantage of May Strykers advanced years and business inexperience to swindle her out of a significant amount of money.
Advanced years? May said, loud enough for several people to hear. Im not in my dotage.
Sit down, Mr. Jefferson, the judge told him. Youll get your turn.
Yes, Your Honor. The lawyer returned to his seat, but he looked more pleased than offended by the request.
Heidi wished Rafe and his friend were a lot more worried.
The judge glanced down at her notes, then back at Heidi. You may be seated, Ms. Simpson. Am I correct in assuming the man next to you is Harvey, your grandfathers friend?
She nodded.
The judge asked Harvey to stand and listened while he detailed how hed learned of his cancer and the fairly straightforward treatment that would give him many more years of life. But as he wasnt old enough to qualify for Medicare and had never made enough to afford insurance, he was helpless to pay for the cure. Glen had been the one to come through with the money, and now Harvey was cancer-free.
Glen was questioned next. He spoke a little about his history and his intentions. To Heidi, he sounded like an itinerant gambler with a heart of gold. Which wasnt far from the truth. Her grandfather had always made decisions without thinking about the consequenceshed just as easily invited Heidi into his life, and his love had certainly outweighed his occasional irresponsibility. Finally, Rafes lawyer rose.