He turned to Harvey. Im glad youre better, he said. Good health is a blessing.
Harvey nodded.
Dante faced the judge. Your Honor, it appears much of this case is about what home means. For Ms. Simpson and her grandfather, the ranch is a dream come true. But its also that for Mrs. Stryker. Thirty years ago, she and her husband came to Fools Gold to work at the Castle Ranch. Her husband was to manage the ranch, while May took care of Mr. Castle and raised their children. A few years later, Mays husband was killed, leaving her alone with three small boys.
Heidi knew what was coming and realized it was nearly as sympathy-inducing as Harveys recovery. Not good news for her.
May continued to work as the housekeeper, but, without her husbands salary, money was tight. Mr. Castle was not a generous man, and the working conditions were difficult, but May hung on. You see, Mr. Castle had promised to will her the ranch when he died. But he lied, and when he passed, the ranch went to distant relatives back east. Crushed, May took her young family to Los Angeles and found work there. But she never forgot the Castle Ranch. When she learned it was for sale, she was finally going to reclaim what had been denied her. But once again, the ranch was snatched from her. This time by a thief.
May continued to work as the housekeeper, but, without her husbands salary, money was tight. Mr. Castle was not a generous man, and the working conditions were difficult, but May hung on. You see, Mr. Castle had promised to will her the ranch when he died. But he lied, and when he passed, the ranch went to distant relatives back east. Crushed, May took her young family to Los Angeles and found work there. But she never forgot the Castle Ranch. When she learned it was for sale, she was finally going to reclaim what had been denied her. But once again, the ranch was snatched from her. This time by a thief.
Dante paused to point to Glen. Heidi was more concerned by his words than his theatrical gestures. Even though she had no part in the past or Glens actions, she still felt horrible and guilty, as if shed done something wrong.
Dante, stop it! May rose. Your Honor, can I say something?
The judge threw up her hands. Well, everyone else has had a chance to speak today. Go ahead, Mrs. Stryker.
Rafe stood. Mom, this isnt the time.
It is exactly the time. I know youre a successful businessman and winning is everything to you, but I dont like any of this. Yes, of course, theres the money, but I dont want Heidi and her grandfather turned out. I know exactly what it feels like to lose a home. We need to work something out. All of us. A compromise.
May turned to Heidi. We could share it. Im not sure exactly how, but you seem reasonable, and I want this to work.
Me, too, Heidi murmured.
Good. May faced the judge. Heidi has the most lovely goats. She needs a place to run her business.
You do realize Glen Simpson stole two hundred and fifty thousand dollars from you, the judge said.
Of course, but Heidi mentioned a payment plan. Im open to that.
She doesnt have the means, Dante said. Your Honor, she admitted she has twenty-five hundred dollars. My client isnt interested in a payment plan that takes us into the next millennium. As he signed the documents, as well, he should have an equal say in what happens.
The judge nodded slowly. Yes, I see, Mr. Jefferson. But Im surprised that a successful businessman such as your client didnt realize the deal was a sham before he signed.
Dante muttered something under his breath. He was busy, Your Honor.
Her eyebrows rose. Are you saying your client didnt read the documents in question?
No, he did not.
Caveat emptor, Mr. Jefferson, the judge said.
Trisha turned and whispered, Let the buyer beware. Its Latin.
Heidi wanted to believe that the judge was on their side, but she had a feeling that she was reading too much into the exchange. With so much on the line, hope seemed painfully naive.
Judge Loomis leaned back in her large leather chair and removed her reading glasses.
Mr. Stryker, despite your legal claim, am I correct in assuming this is truly your mothers property?
Yes, Your Honor.
The judge nodded slowly. She glanced at May, who stood with her hands clasped.
Youve given me a lot to think about, the judge said at last. While Mr. Simpson took a significantly large sum of money, I believe it was with good intentions. Not an excuse, Mr. Simpson, she added sternly.
Glen lowered his chin. You are so right, maam.
Ms. Simpson, your willingness to help your grandfather is admirable but, twenty-five hundred dollars isnt going to cut it.
Heidi swallowed. Yes, Your Honor.
Mr. Stryker, youre a businessman who signed a contract without reading it. You deserve what you get.
Heidi saw Rafes jaw muscle clench, but he didnt speak.
Mrs. Stryker, you seem the most injured party here, yet youre the one who counsels forgiveness and compromise. You have given my somewhat cynical spirit a good dose of hope. I admire you and will therefore consider the merits of this case from your point of view.