The Tenth Justice - Brad Meltzer [167]
“Relax,” Rick said. “They have three decisions to get through. It’ll be here.”
“Does it come out the moment it’s announced, or do they wait until they’re done with all three?” Claremont asked.
“I said it’ll be here,” Rick said. “Now shut up.”
“…is constitutional under the First Amendment. Therefore, in the case of Katz and Company v. Nevada, we find for the defendant and uphold the Supreme Court of Nevada.”
“Thank you, Justice Veidt,” Osterman said. “Justice Dreiberg will announce our final decision.”
“Why don’t you let us go?” Ben asked from across the room. “You have your decision.”
Rick stared intently at his laptop. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”
“What if he was lying?” Claremont asked. “We could’ve bet on the wrong outcome.”
“Pull it together,” Rick demanded. “He was telling the truth.”
“How do you know?”
“Because if he didn’t, he knows I’ll kill him.”
“Thank you, Mr. Chief Justice,” Dreiberg announced, leaning forward on both elbows as she spoke into the microphone. In a slow, monotone voice, she read: “In the case of Richard Rubin v. American Steel, we find that American Steel’s board of directors was not required to seek the approval of its minority shareholders before its merger proceeded. The shareholder’s claim is, therefore, insufficient to establish a private cause of action under the Securities Exchange Act. We find for the respondent and affirm the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.”
“Did we win?” Claremont asked.
Rick’s eyes skimmed through the decision as it scrolled up his computer screen. “Hold on. It’s coming.” He paused. “Looks like American Steel just won itself a huge lawsuit. Congratulations, Addison. You finally did something right.” After he shut his laptop and unhooked his phone, Rick walked over to the couch and placed both items in his briefcase.
“What do we do now?” Claremont asked, elated. “Where are we meeting Lungen? When do we leave?”
“One thing at a time,” Rick said. He pulled a key from his pocket and moved toward Ben. “Help me uncuff these three. Then we can get out of here.”
“Where are we going?” Ben asked as Rick unlocked his handcuffs.
Rick didn’t answer. Instead, he pulled Ben out of the chair and pushed him toward Claremont. “Lock them up again,” Rick said to Claremont.
“Stick your hands out straight,” Claremont said. When Ben obliged, he handcuffed him.
Lisa was unlocked and recuffed in turn. Holding their shoulders, Claremont continued to watch over the two clerks as Rick approached Nathan. “Don’t move until I say,” Claremont warned.
Glaring at Ben until she got his attention, Lisa motioned toward Claremont with her eyes while subtly pointing to her crotch. Ben leaned backward. “I’m not feeling so good,” he moaned. “I think I’m going to faint.” Claremont let go of Lisa to catch Ben as he fell. Lisa spun toward Claremont and slammed her knee into his groin. As Claremont and Ben fell to the floor, Lisa rushed to the door. Realizing what was happening, Rick turned away from Nathan, pulled his gun, and started shooting. Two bullets had ripped through the door by the time Lisa grabbed the doorknob.
“DON’T MOVE!” Rick screamed.
The door slightly ajar, Lisa stood there motionless, her hands still cuffed.
“I’ll do it—I’m not kidding. I’ll kill them all,” Rick threatened.
Lisa knew this was her last chance to escape. She darted into the hallway. Three more bullets plowed through the door.
Lisa headed straight for the emergency exit, but when she opened the stairwell door, she was surprised to see two other doors—one leading upstairs and one leading down. Opening the heavy metal door with her still-handcuffed hands, Lisa opted to run downstairs.
“Get her!” Rick screamed to Claremont, who was already staggering to the bullet-ridden door. Rick pointed his gun at Ben. “If you leave this room, I swear you’ll have two dead roommates to deal with.”
Ben looked over at Nathan, who was still handcuffed to his chair. “I’m not going anywhere,” Ben said. “I swear.” Seconds later, Rick was out the