Page 102 of Dissection of a Murder
“Thirty-two.”
“Mr. Millman, this isn’t in dispute, so I’m allowed to lead. Is it right to say that you live in the building that houses Innocence and Temptation?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Explain to the jury where exactly your flat is located within the building.”
“It’s an attic apartment on the second floor. The ground floor is the Innocence bar. The first floor is the club, Temptation.”
“And what—if any—is the connection between these premises?”
“They’re owned by the same person: Eddie Sorrington.”
“What is your relationship to him?”
“He’s my boss. But he’s also been a friend for many years.”
“What do you do for him?”
“I’m head of security at both establishments. That’s why I live upstairs.”
“How did you come to secure that position?”
“When I came out of prison four years ago, Eddie thought I’d be a good person to head up his security team.”
“At this point, Mr. Millman, to clarify for the jury—you arecontent for them to know that in 2019, you were convicted of assault, and you spent two years in prison for that?”
“I am, yes.”
“And no application was made by your legal team to prevent the jury from knowing about it.”
“Correct. I have nothing to hide.”
“Very well. So, since then, you’ve been working the security at the clubs. What does that involve?”
“Temptation is an exclusive club with a particular clientele. It’s my job to keep everything moving, ensuring there’s no trouble while maintaining discretion. I work with a small but dedicated team.”
His voice is calm, not too loud. Soothing, almost. He’s articulate. This is good for the jury to hear. So far, so good.
“Mr. Millman, if we could turn to the day of the alleged offense. CCTV has placed you at the beauty salon of Daniella Sorrington, wife of Eddie Sorrington, at around 1:30 p.m.”
“That was me, yes.”
“What was the purpose of that visit?”
“There was something I needed to speak to Eddie about but wasn’t able to. I left and went back home to chill out for a bit until work started.”
“Mr. Millman, at some point, you ended up in your flat with Anton Smythe, who was assaulted. He is now dead, and you’re charged with his murder. You’ve pleaded not guilty. If you have a defense, now is the time to give it.”
“Well, that’s the thing,” he says. “It wasn’t me who killed him.”
51
Witness X
Rule #10
Life Isn’t Fair
