Page 29 of Client Privilege

My pulse quickened. “I’m listening.”

“File a motion under section 236 of the Ontario Courts of Justice Act for case reassignment based on specialized knowledge requirements. Argue that this case involves complex dynamics of same-sex domestic violence that require specific expertise—expertise that Judge Patterson has demonstrated he lacks through his previous rulings.”

“Would that work?” I asked, hope rising despite my attempt to remain pragmatic.

“It’s a procedural approach rather than a direct challenge to his impartiality, which makes it more likely to succeed. I can speak with Chief Justice Huang about the importance of having judges with appropriate training handle these sensitive cases. Frame it as a matter of judicial efficiency rather than bias.”

I nodded, already mentally drafting the motion. “And in the meantime?”

“File an emergency motion under section 40 of the Children’s Law Reform Act.”

“But that pertains to children, not pets,” I pointed out.

“Yes, but the Ontario Superior Court has recently begun recognizing pets as more than mere property in domestic cases—seeBaker v. Harmsworth, 2022. The court acknowledged the emotional bond and potential for using pets as tools of control. It’s not settled law, but there’s precedent you can cite.”

She returned to her desk and jotted down several case citations. “Reference these cases in your motion. Focus on the pattern of control and the documented psychological impact of pet separation in domestic abuse situations.”

I took the paper, feeling a surge of gratitude. “Thank you, Your Honour.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” she warned. “You’re still fighting against a system that’s often stacked against victims like your client. And challenging a judge, even indirectly, is risky.”

“I understand the risks,” I said, gathering my documents. “But I also understand what’s at stake for Alex.”

Justice Sommers studied me for a moment longer. “You know, Mr. Richards, I’ve appeared before you in corporate matters several times over the years. I always found you impressively dispassionate—calculating, even. This is… unexpected.”

I wasn’t sure how to respond to that. It was unexpected for me too—this fierce protectiveness I felt toward Alex, this willingness to risk my carefully constructed professional reputation.

“Sometimes,” I said finally, “a case changes you.”

She smiled slightly at that. “Indeed. The good ones always do.” She extended her hand. “Good luck, Counsellor. I think your client is fortunate to have you in his corner.”

As I left her chambers, my mind was already racing with the work ahead—the motions to draft, the precedents to cite, the arguments to construct. But beneath the legal strategy, something else was driving me forward: the image of Alex’s face when he realized Marcus still had Buster, the mixture of fear and heartbreak in his eyes.

I pulled out my phone and texted Sandra:

Alex

I COUNTEDmy money again, spreading the worn bills across the stained motel bedspread. Twenty-seven dollars and forty-three cents. Not even enough for another night at this roach-infested place, let alone food. My stomach growled, reminding me I’d stretched yesterday’s convenience store sandwich into two meals.

My phone buzzed. Damian Richards.

“Alex? Are you available to meet this afternoon? I have updates on our strategy.”

I glanced around the dingy room, at my few possessions already packed in my backpack. The manager had made it clear checkout was at eleven, no exceptions.

“Sure,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “What time?”

“Two o’clock at my office?”

I calculated the subway fare. Four dollars each way. That would leave me with nineteen dollars and change. Not enough for anywhere to sleep tonight.

“Could we meet somewhere else?” I asked, hating how small my voice sounded. “Somewhere… less formal?”

A brief pause. “Of course. There’s a coffee shop called Blackbird on Queen Street East. It’s quiet, and they have private booths in the back.”

“That works,” I said, relief washing through me. Maybe I could nurse a cup of tea for a couple hours in the warmth before facing whatever came next.

“I’ll see youthere at two.”

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