Sapphire Attraction. Zuri Day

don’t understand,” Joey said.

      “Neither do I,” Ike intoned.

      “You will supervise the work detail, Mr. Drake,” Matthew continued. “What better way to make sure that the plaintiff’s call for justice has been satisfied than to appoint him as the defendant’s supervisor?”

      “Wait a minute, Judge,” Ike said, tossing out all formality, barely maintaining respect. “That can’t happen. It makes no sense at all.”

      “It can’t, and it won’t,” Quinn added, with a glance toward Ike, who now spoke quietly yet fervently in Lance’s ear.

      “Quinn, quiet,” Joey admonished.

      “I won’t work for him,” she hissed.

      Matthew proved that he’d heard her by his swift, stern response. “You’ll do that or go to jail, young lady.”

      This comment brought Joey to his feet. “Your Honor, if I may approach the, um, the desk.”

      Matthew gathered strewn papers into a stack and tidied his desk. “Mr. Wang, that won’t be necessary.”

      The statement made Ike’s attorney pop up faster than bread in a toaster. “Your Honor, this is a thoughtful approach to rectifying an unfortunate situation. My client appreciates your diligence to justice being served. However, we regretfully cannot accept this solution. Mr. Drake is under intense pressure right now to meet a deadline for a major project with millions of dollars at stake. This is absolutely the worst time for him to be distracted with an additional responsibility. If it pleases the court, we’d like to offer an alternative location, Drake Ranch. This business includes a vineyard, stables and adequate work opportunities through which Ms. Taylor can fulfill the penalty you’ve imposed.”

      “Thank you, Mr. Holden. However, this matter has already been discussed with Ike Drake Sr., who has approved the arrangement. He has the utmost confidence, as do I, that both parties will handle themselves in a manner that will prove beneficial to all.” He placed the papers he’d gathered into a folder, looked at his watch and stood. “Now, everyone, if you’ll excuse me, I’m running late for a meeting with some council members. My assistant will provide all relevant copies of the order that has been put forth.”

      Before Ike, Quinn or either of the attorneys could wrap their heads around what had just happened, the judge was gone.