Master of Time

Regardless of the new changes in her life, Allison returns to work as soon as she is able.

This is because of my little copyright problem.

Allison wants to close the case to my satisfaction.

Only then, she will be able to take on more clients without worrying too much about anything else.

It shouldn't take much effort, considering that I have already laid out the foundation for her.

Most of the seniors from the firm already figure out the hidden message, since they are just that good at noticing things. And because they are unsure which of them have figured it out first, none of them request for the rewards.

It isn't like they are lacking in money.

Aside from their very generous salary, the firm provides everything and much more. It takes good care of its employee and severely punishes anyone who dare to violate its policy and integrity.

Like every subsidiary belonging to Chrono Holdings, if you are a professional, then you will be treated like a professional.

There can be no bullshits at the workplace.

I have learnt a hard lesson that any kind of bullshits open rooms for more bullshits. Being considerate and nice to people will allow them to walk all over you.

"Good morning, Mr. Maxwell."

Allison greets me at the courthouse.

Although it is unnecessary for me to be here, I still want to attend to give her my support.

Didn't believe that?

Heh. You're right.

Why the hell would I do such a thing even if she is related to me.

And Allison doesn't need my support since she knows she is going to win.

I am here for another reason. A much more fun reason.

Her old boss, Mr. Simmons is no longer with her as he has his own clients to attend to.

Allison has a new assistant now, considering her current position at the firm. She isn't the youngest to make senior, but she is still very young. Most seniors get there when they are in their thirties.

It is just not that easy to make senior at the firm, let alone partners. Partners are people of the inner circles, having the power to command Hydra and its division. They only take care of things when there no other options, at least legally.

"Please, we are more than just friends, Allison. Call me Max."

I response with a smile. We did have sex several times already, so we should be on first name basis.

Allison blushes lightly before heading into the courtroom with me. The judge is not there yet since it is not time.

However, the other party is already there along with a few spectators.

Allison greets the other lawyer, and the man did the same. It is just common courtesy.

"Good morning, Mr. Crichton. Have you given another thought to my offer? It is still stand."

I greet the man.

This is the second time I have talked to him. The first time is just before the preliminary hearing. I only give him the offer since I feel somewhat guilty for stealing his work.

Unfortunately, Michael Crichton is a very proud person. He despises those who dare to claim his work as their own, so for someone like me, who steals his work – well, you can guess.

Furthermore, he has won every case against him, making his confidence through the roof. He believes that this will be the same.

There is no reason to doubt it otherwise.

"I have already told you what I think of your offer. No amount of money or compensation is adequate for what you did. You think you can steal my work and claim it as your own? I don't know how you did it, but I will see to it that you will never be able to publish anything ever again!"

Michael Crichton tells me. He is about to say more, but his lawyer stops him.

"That is very harsh, Mr. Crichton. In that case, I will withdraw my offer. You will find that this is one of those moments in your life that you wish you have a second chance. Well, third chance. Let's us fight it out in court, huh?

It shouldn't be too long."

I response and sit down next to Allison. I give her a smile. She reciprocates before passing me a small handwritten note, asking whether I am free this evening.

What are we? Schoolkids?

I draw a smiley face and pass it back to her before chilling until the judge and the jury arrives. I didn't bother to buy out the jury. I could totally do that, but it is pointless.

"Good morning, everyone. I see that both Mr. Crichton and Mr. Maxwell is here for the case. I did not see any of them during the preliminary hearing. I have reviewed the case and I have found everything is in order.

Is there any other document or item either party wish to enter into exhibit?"

The judge asks once he takes his seat.

"No, your honor."

Allison and the other lawyer answer. I didn't need to do anything but sit there and look pretty.

I did scan around the room and notice Sandra Bullock is presented in the courtroom.

Sandra should be at the auditoriums, working with the stage crew and practicing her acting skills, but I guess she take this morning off to come and give me some support.

Everyone knows about the company being sued for theft. They hope that it won't affect the company in anyway.

They like working for Terra Entertainment since the salaries and bonuses are very generous.

Sharon Stone has taken the lead in Sleepless in Seattle. It is currently being filmed alongside with The Fugitive and Speed around Los Angeles. I don't need to attend the filming, but I do drop by to see how my actresses are doing.

Halle is happy to see me. Sharon is not so much. Sandra is too much. Jennifer is missing in action.

Maybe I should gather more actresses when this is over.

Even if there are no movies or serial television shows for them at the moment, they can use the time to get familiar with the company and its working.

"Ahem. Let's begin."

The judge tells everyone before outlining what the case is about. He gestures at me when referring to Terra Entertainment and Mr. Crichton when referring to Mr. Crichton.

Since it a straight forward case since every pieces of item are documented and notarized, giving them authenticity.

"Is there anything else to add?"

The judge asks.

"If I may, your honor. Mr. Crichton has claimed that my client, Terra Entertainment has stolen his work and published it under the alias M.C. However, I wish to contest this and prove to you, your honor and everyone present that it is in fact it is Mr. Crichton that is in the wrong."

Allison speaks up.

"Groundless accusation, your honor!"

The other lawyer calls out.

"That is to be seen. Please continue, Miss McBill."

The Judge responses.

Allison nods and picks up the copy of Jurassic Park. It is the one that has been published and is currently in circulation even if its sale is on hold.

"In my hand is a copy of Jurassic Park published by my client. It is in fact an exact copy of the exhibit A, submitted by the plaintiff."

Allison states and pick up the copy by Michael Crichton.

"I will use the Mr. Crichton's original version to demonstrate. If you please turn to page 1 first sentence and take note of the first bold word then page 3, take note of the first bold word…"

Allison directs the Judge as well as the Jury to collect each letter.

By the time they reached the tenth letter, everyone is already gasping.

All the letters are at the edge of the page, so if a person flips through the page very fast, they can read the entire sentence easily.

Michael Crichton stands up and nearly drops his book when he realizes the message.

He couldn't believe what had just happened. He snaps towards me and rushes to my table to give me a beating. He has been had, and it just overturns the entire case.

It is hilarious to see his face.

Whispers and murmurs erupt in the courtroom once they collect all the letter.

"Silence."

The Judge hammers, bringing silent back to the room.

"So, what do you make of this Mr. Crichton?"

The Judge asks, looking at the man.

Some people in the courtroom did wonder why the Judge keep referring to Mr. Crichton instead of his lawyer, who is utterly loss for words.

That is because the Judge is in my pocket just in case. I did tell him to judge fairly since it is unnecessary, considering I have already tampering with the work.

Michael Crichton didn't even check his own work before submitting it in into evidence. He is so damn sure and full of himself, considering he is the one who had written the book.

Pride is one thing, but don't let pride turns you into an idiot.

"He did it! I don't know how, but he did it!"

Michael shouts. His lawyer rephrases his accusation into proper term for the Judge.

"Yeah, totally. I did it – somehow."

I laugh, causing Allison to glare at me.

It is an admission of guilt, but meh.

It isn't like what I say is being recorded.

Oh wait –

I cough and continue.

"But it is not what you know, Mr. Crichton. It is what you can prove. So, please prove it. If you can't, I will sue you for stealing my work and false accusation. And are you completely sure that all of your previous works are yours?"

I produce a copy of the Andromeda Strain to prove a point.

It is a book that Michael published in 1969. It is also one of his earlier novels.

I flip through the pages before whistling loudly.

"This is the property of Henry Oxford. Please do not distribute it without my permission."

That is the message hidden between the lines. I would have used my name like Jurassic Park, but sadly, I was a baby back in 1969 as according to my false identification and documents.

People would definitely question that part if I used my name.

Nobody would notice the hidden message unless they look a little bit closer. Actually, there are several hidden messages in each book for insurance. I didn't need to resort to them.

The simple message nearly causes Michael Crichton to spill out blood. His pride and confidence shatter in a fragile piece of glass.

He couldn't believe that I have tampered with all his works, making it seems that he has stolen them from others. More than that, he has stolen it from one of the most powerful man in America.

"So, can we sue him for everything, Miss Allison? I'm sure all his works are stolen from various people. He will be buried under a ton of legal proceedings."

I pause before eyeing the man.

"And Mr. Oxford would really love to have a chat with him."

Hearing the Oxford's name is like getting hit by a train.

"You bastard!"

The Judge hammers his gavel repeatedly, demanding order.

However, his request pale in comparison to a single sentence coming from the door.

"Is it really, Mr. Crichton? You should have taken the offer."

Henry speaks up, calmly.

Everyone gasps.

His appearance in such a small civil case has blown the whole case wide-open. It is something I have planned for allowing him to see his oldest daughter again. He has been talking to her for the last couple of weeks. Her sentence is about to begin as soon as this case is over.

Michael nearly passes out at seeing Henry Oxford.

His lawyer also wants to get far away from here as possible.

I guess the case is over with the plaintiff being scared shitless.

Time to torture Marian Oxford.

Oh wait, I need to kidnap a few children before condemning her. I did promise to help my little mother with her bullying problem.

Hmmm…