The judge allowed Leonard’s attorney to continue.
“Three weeks before this accident,” she said, “Mr. Hoffman lost his granddaughter. She was eight years old. She was struck by a distracted driver while crossing a residential street near her school.”
The room fell into complete silence.
“My client has been attending grief counseling and taking prescribed medication since her death. On the day of the accident, he had just left a remembrance gathering organized by his family. His attention failed him, and he accepts that failure. The funds being pursued represent savings he intended to use to establish a literacy scholarship in his granddaughter’s name.”
I could not look away from Leonard as he lowered his head into his hands.
The judge called a recess.
While my attorney spoke rapidly about legal precedent and strategy, I stood up and walked into the hallway, where Leonard sat surrounded by family members who formed a quiet barrier around him.
“I need to speak with you,” I said softly.
A woman who looked to be his daughter stepped forward, her expression guarded and tired. “I do not think that is appropriate.”
Leonard raised his hand. “It is all right.”