“Yes,” I said. “And I am also the person you have named as defendant in this action. Which means I cannot preside, and I am recusing myself effective immediately. This matter will be transferred to a reassigned judge.” I paused. “But before I step down, I will make one statement for the record, because the court record is permanent.”
Kevin’s attorney opened his mouth.
“You will have your opportunity,” I said, and my tone had the edge I used when someone tried to talk over a truth they didn’t want stated. “The person you are suing is alive and present in this courtroom. She has been alive the entire time you claim you were searching for her.” I let that settle. “Bailiff, please contact the assignment clerk.”
Karen made a sound that was not quite a word. Kevin stood frozen with the specific paralysis of a man whose plan has just been revealed to have been built on a foundation he never checked.
I stepped down from the bench, collected the scarf from counsel table, and walked out of Courtroom 23B.
