Page 2 of Dissection of a Murder
But what if all the evidence points toward you and it was more complicated than it seems? Are we just to accept you’re either the victim or the killer and there’s nothing in between?
That is not real justice.
The prosecution can tell whatever story they want, but I know what really happened. Don’t get me wrong—it all got completely out of hand. When I think about the lies I’ve told, the people I’ve involved, the lives I’ve destroyed, I despise myself. But a life sentence for this wouldn’t be justice.
I killed him, yes. But it wasn’t my fault. I had to do it.
I never had a choice.
Part One
The Arrest
A jury consists of twelve persons chosen to decide who has the better lawyer.
RobertFrost
1
Leila
Monday, September 9, 2024
126 days before trial
The party hasalready started by the time I arrive back at chambers.
Well, I say party; “somber gathering” is a more accurate description, given the circumstances of the last seventy-two hours. I don’t understand why he didn’t cancel it. Then again, coming together in times of crisis is something the Bar is incredibly good at.
Besides, Chester Vernon would never allow the murder of a Crown Court judge to come between him and a good drink.
The sound of low-volume chatter spills out of the chambers lounge into the corridor. It’s because of Chester—our illustrious, wildly eccentric, wine-loving head of chambers—that we’re known for boozy bashes. Any day ending in a “y” has been used as a reason to party in the past. Today, though, is his fifty-ninth birthday. To have your absence noted would be professional suicide, and he’s not the kind of man you want to make an enemy of. While not technically our “boss”—barristers are self-employed—he is our elected, professional leader. What he says, goes. Every set of chambers has one.
“Chambers” is a fancy word for “offices,” but you’re not allowed to call it that. Just another part of the tradition that comes with thisjob. I did actually call it an office once, during pupillage, and heads turned. I never did it again.
I scurry into one of the conference rooms. Well, as quickly as youcanscurry while pulling a wheely suitcase behind you that contains a wig, robes, and a load of heavy books. Even after all these years, it still gets caught on chairs, tables, and, on one unfortunate occasion, a condom display in Boots.
“Leila!”
Poking my head out of the door, I see Chester beckoning me toward the lounge in the arrogant way a mafia boss might summon a waiter. God, I can’t be bothered with this tonight. I won’t be allowed to leave until I’ve had at least three glasses of wine. My icy blonde hair hangs down my back, untamed and wet from the rain. After five hours under a horsehair wig, it’s not looking slick. The last thing I want to do is parade myself in front of some of the most important people in the legal profession like a kind of bedraggled peacock.
“Five minutes, Chester!” I yell back, furious with myself. I should have gone straight home.
No sooner do I close the door than it’s thrown wide open again. I can tell by the way it’s done that it’s Jim, our senior clerk. He’s always in a rush to get somewhere. Jim runs at least four marathons a year and is in his late fifties but looks younger because all he eats is fruit and lean meats—and he likes to tell you about it.
“Been waiting for you to get back. You going in?” he asks, nodding toward the lounge. In his hand he’s clutching a thin brief, held together by pink tape.
Jim is responsible for getting cases in and distributing them to the barristers he thinks will be the best fit. Maintaining good relationships with clerks is vital if you want a healthy career. Thankfully, I get on with mine.
“Not really in the mood,” I tell him. After a long day in courtdefending a man accused of sexually assaulting his daughter, I have a banging headache.
“Great result today.” He smiles, alluding to the acquittal I secured for my client. “Already had the solicitor on, singing your praises.”
“Really?”
“Said you were hypnotic to watch.”
“Hypnotic?” I repeat, delighted. “I’ve never been called that before.”
