Adventureland #16 - Beaumont vs Devine begins

 Beaumont vs Devine begins.

Being a diva, Korie Devine was certain that establishing a strong relationship with Alexander Beaumont would secure her and her family permanent residence in Beaumont House. After all, who could resist her? Unfortunately for her, Alexander started dropping hints that maybe it was time for her and her family to find their own place. After all, he and Sally were engaged, and she would soon become lady of the manor. They might even want to start their own family. Korie was hurt by this suggestion and over time guilted overly generous Alexander into letting her continue to live there. Then she enlisted her nanny Maggie, who was skilled at hacking, into putting her name on the deed. Korie then took advantage of the fact that Alex had too much to drink one night and gaslighted him into thinking he might have signed the place over to her when he was in his drunken state. Alex became upset and left, seeking out Anwar Russo's advice on the matter. 

Since Korie will not leave the property, the case will go to trial. Korie enlisted "slippin' Jimmy" aka Saul Goodman as her defense. Saul is an up-and-comer in the legal circles, and has a reputation for defending some questionable characters. Korie explained that any internet search will reveal that her name is on the deed for the property.

Saul confirmed that this would be very powerful evidence indeed.

Saul went to City Hall to file some papers for the trial. He was tired and decided to take a nap in the jail cell. He looks quite comfortable there. He is probably used to these kinds of place due to his propensity to steal.

In fact, he might have tried to short-change the barista at the cafe as when I went to look for him; she seemed quite angry about something he did.

In the meantime, Alex learned that one of his old classmates was in town, and arranged to meet him on the beach one evening to see if he knew of any solid attorneys that would take his case. His classmate's name was Albert Matlock, and it just so happened he was the son of Ben Matlock, a well-known member of the legal system. Albert arranged for Alex to meet with Ben at Ben's new law office the next morning.

Upon meeting, Alex laid out the events that led up to his predicament. Ben explained that he usually charges 100,000 simoleons per case, . . . 

But since he and Alex shared the same alma mater, 

and it's clear that Alex is being robbed,

He would cut the fees in half, leaving Alex to pay 50,000 simoleons in installments if needed. 

Alex said that he was hired, and suggested Ben stay with him and Sally while the case was going, so they would have more time to strategize.

Ben took him up on the offer. In an effort to raise money, Alex went to the Crystal Springs junkyard to see if he could collect some gems and precious metals. Sally wanted to help, so she took some of her photographs from their honeymoon and the gems that Alex cut and tried selling them at the art gallery on her day off. She had a lot of looky-loos, . . . 

but Sonyja seemed a lot more fascinated with the light fixtures that belonged to the museum, . . .

and Roger felt the prints were too amateurish. 

In the end, nothing sold that day. Better luck next time. 

Ben suggested that Alex go over and try one more time to oust Korie from his property with Ben present to show he was serious about going to trial. 

Alex thought about his previous friendship with Korie and wondered if she had ever been sincere. 

"What you are doing to me is neither proper nor ladylike! You should be ashamed of yourself! I thought we were friends!"

"But you would cast my children and me out into the cold cruel world without any means to secure a home?!?"

"You are working, and I heard you have one of your teenage daughters working part time as a commercial actor. Furthermore, that muscle-head of a husband of yours could give up on this pipe dream of becoming an author and get a real job!"

"How dare you insult my husband!"

(Despite this altercation and repeated insults, I could not get these two below the acquaintance level. I was really hoping the white glove would come out or that I'd have the opportunity to declare Korie a nemesis, but they still have a positive relationship, though I did manage to get them out of the friendship level.)

Meanwhile, Ben helped himself to a hotdog and sized up the competition.

The drama continued on the front steps as Ben and Alex prepared to leave.

Korie complained to Ben about Alex's rudeness, but Ben told her that because she refuses to leave the premises, they will be seeing each other in court.

Alex tried to get one more zinger in, and was rewarded with another slap.

She thought about calling the cops, but Alex and Ben left.

It was evident to Alex and Sally the next morning that Ben had indeed made himself at home, when he came to breakfast in his skivvies. (If you're from Australia, in the US skivvies means underwear, not turtleneck - big difference.)

Alex expressed concern that his fight with Korie last night might have a negative effect on the case. Ben said not to worry, he has a brilliant idea that should put the fear of God into Korie.

He said he'd best get to work earning those attorney's fees.

The day of the trial rolled around. Ben Matlock arrived early to prepare his argument.

Then Alexander arrived and waited eagerly to learn what Ben's big idea was that he mentioned at breakfast a few days earlier.

While Anwar Russo, the town politician was supposed to preside over the court, he got tied up with something and apparently sent Denny Pyle in his stead. Denny seemed more interested in his cake than in listening to the case.

Ben Matlock argued the fact that we should all live in peace and that no one should take advantage of a generous man. Alexander Beaumont the rightful owner of Beaumont house, which bears his family name, has always been generous to the entire town, inviting them to parties at his estate and sharing his home with everyone. But Korie took advantage of him.

Ben pointed out that he had called Grim in to remind Korie that she could go straight-legged to Hell if she insisted on taking advantage of an innocent man. However, Grim refused to take the stand. 

Then it was Saul's turn to argue the case.

Korie was a little upset at Grim's presence in the courtroom, and hoped that she wouldn't go to Hell for her grift, but Saul seemed confident.

Saul argued that logic was on Korie's side. It was only logical that a house that big should house as many people as it comfortably could. Korie and her husband (who was seated next to Grim) had two teenage daughters and a newborn baby boy to shelter, while Alexander had only himself and his new wife who had her own home, and it was more logical that the couple should live in the smaller house and leave the large family to live in the bigger house. Besides, possession is 9/10th of the law, and Korie was in possession of the house. Korie was miffed that Denny chose to go use the bathroom while her lawyer was making such an excellent case. She then left and went to the cafeteria and got some cake of her own.

She decided to sit in the judge's seat while Saul got Korie's husband to attest to Korie being an excellent mother and pillar of the community.

Ben presented his final comments for the day as the case was adjourned until the next day.

Korie seemed confident in the end, while Ben Matlock contemplated his next move.

Grim stuck around and danced with Mrs. Russo in the reception hall before going back to the cemetery.

Later that night, Saul convinced Korie to go to the cemetery and try to befriend Grim with the admonition to keep her friends close and her enemies closer. 

With fear and trepidation, Korie knocked on the door, while Saul watched on from a distance.

Korie chatted Grim up, then Saul worked up the courage to do the same. 

Neither of them were devoured by the Grim's pet monster, but one of the paparazzi wasn't as fortunate.

While Saul doesn't look too concerned about the guy, he did get the wish to have him reincarnated. I've never done that before, so maybe after the trial . . . . Of course Saul will be responsible for the guy whatever form he takes. 

Oddly enough, Sally autonomously happened by to witness the tragedy, spotted Saul and Korie at the cemetery with Grim. She immediately called home to let Alex and Ben know that it appeared that Korie and Saul were tampering with the case!

Alex and Ben then went to see Grim and make sure Korie didn't have an unfair advantage in the case.

Ben brightened Grim's day . . . or rather night . . . and Alex and Grim parted in a friendly hug. 

I decided the trial will go on for three sessions, and will be settled by a formula which may be adjusted depending on how things go. So far the jury will consist of Grim, Denny, Anwar, Boyd Medley who lives next-door to Beaumont House, the magic 8 ball, and the love tester. The lawyers', plaintiff's and defendant's levels of charisma and logic will also be taken into account as will the plaintiff & defendant's overall skill levels, number of friends in the community, and their overall conduct in the courtroom. 

We'll see what the next session brings. In the meantime, I've been sidetrack by the upcoming prom. I realized this town has four teen girls and only one teen boy, so I continued with my work in progress of building an ophange/workfarm for troubled boys that also functions as a nectary, producing nectar to be sold at shops in town or at the yet-to-exist farmer's market. More details on that situation will be explored in the next installment. For now, that hacker chick Maggie has secured her prom date.