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With billions of dollars, thousands of employees, and the fate of several lucrative companies at stake, Mathew and Laura Connelly vs The Estate of Nicholas W Gladstone was the best kept secret in Denver The sh seats for a six-member jury, but a jury, even one that orn to absolute secrecy, could not be trusted

Instead, Marcus Stonewall Hawthorn, a direct descendant of the famous Colorado Hawthorns on one side, and Stonewall Jackson on the other, served as both judge and jury

The judge wore the usual black robe and sat behind the usual podiu on the other The walls were polished wood paneling and a short fence, cos fro the judge, Attorney Bradley Hyde sat at a table with his clients, Mathew and Laura Connelly, while the estate Attorney, Austin Steel, sat alone at the other table

The argument between the two attorneys had already lasted well over two hours Laura looked bored and Mathew looked irritated

Once more, Austin Steel respectfully stood up "Your Honor, the will specifically states that proof of Miss Connelly's death istered their daughter in a boarding school in the United Kingdoia Marie Jaraph of the dead wo but conclusive"

Bradley Hyde slowly stood up too "Your Honor, Miss James' identification was found on the body after the accident Who else could it have been?"

"It was found several feet away, Your Honor," Austin countered

"Yet, no other identification was found anywhere near the site of the accident," Bradley Hyde argued "The body was creerprints and there is no DNA How else are hter is dead?"

"Your clients wouldn't know their own daughter if…"

Judge Hawthorn banged his gavel twice "Mr Steel, I have already heard what you think of the parents Please refrain froaze "Yes, Your Honor"

"Counselors, both sides agreed not to call any witnesses and to have e this case based on the facts presented Am I mistaken about that?"

"No, Your Honor," said Bradley Hyde

"No, Your Honor," Austin sadly agreed Just then, a bailiff walked in through the side door, whispered in the Judge's ear, and when the judge nodded, walked down the steps and handed a note to the estate attorney