Chapter 8: Seeds of Doubt
“After receiving the report, the Greenwich District Station Chief, Wilcox, immediately led a team of constables to search the surrounding roads of the election rally site,” Arthur read aloud.
“Ultimately, at 5:03 PM, the constables discovered Adam Evans, the criminal suspect, hiding in a narrow alley not far from the venue. He was carrying stolen goods and attempting to flee.”
“He confessed to his crime and willingly submitted to arrest by the constables.”
“Based on Adam Evans’s behavior and methods at the scene of the crime, the Metropolitan Police decided to charge him with theft.”
“Furthermore, given the suspect’s prior history of multiple thefts and the short time between his release from prison and the current offense, it suggests that he has no remorse.”
“Therefore, after internal discussions, the Metropolitan Police recommends that the court impose a severe punishment to deter unlawful acts in London and restore social order.”
Arthur finished reading and let out a sigh.
While he wished to manipulate the indictment, he received the case too late. The indictment had already been submitted to the court.
Any last-minute changes to the indictment would arouse the magistrate’s suspicion.
If the magistrate were to perceive that the police were bribed by the criminal, forget about acquitting young Adam; the judge might even impose a harsher sentence.
Everyone knew that the magistrates were eager to take a swipe at the newly established Scotland Yard.
Many conservative old-school judges believed that the establishment of Scotland Yard was a blatant power grab from their hands.
Previously, they had the authority to command their subordinate constables to arrest criminals. However, the emergence of a professional police force led to the demise of local constables, turning them into pure judges.
As expected, after hearing Arthur’s statement, the magistrate carefully compared it to the indictment before him. Only after confirming that there were no inconsistencies did he nod slightly.
“Submit the evidence,” he instructed.
Tom, the constable, sweating profusely and wearing white gloves, nervously placed the prepared umbrella on the witness stand in the middle of the courtroom.
“What’s wrong with you?” the judge asked.
Tom, fearing that the judge would see through his nervousness, clutched his stomach and said, “I’m sorry, Your Honor, I’m feeling a bit unwell. I think I caught a cold from sweating too much while patrolling the other day.”
The judge, seeing this, jokingly asked, “Was it on March 25th?”
“No, no,” Tom quickly waved his hands, “It has nothing to do with the case. I’m just not feeling well.”
He was afraid that the judge would blame this on young Adam.
The judge didn’t think much of it. He said, “You can have some tea in the back after the trial, but please bear with me for a while. The case is very straightforward and will be over soon.”
Hearing this, Tom’s face turned pale. He turned to Arthur and looked at him for help.
Arthur took over, “According to the victim, this umbrella is an expensive custom-made item worth seven shillings and six pence. Furthermore, this type of umbrella was only produced in one batch, making it unique and of significant commemorative value. Therefore, she hopes that the magistrate’s court will consider both its practical and collectible value when assessing the stolen goods.”
“Is the victim present in court today?” the judge asked.
Arthur replied, “Due to her busy work and numerous responsibilities, the victim has applied for non-attendance in this trial. This application was officially approved by the court beforehand.”
The judge awkwardly scratched his head, then pretended to rub his temples. “I’m getting old, how could I forget about this?”
He tapped his gavel lightly. “Then, next, summon the defendant, Adam Evans.”
As the iron gate opened, young Adam, shackled and wearing thin clothes, walked towards the defendant’s bench with heavy steps.
However, due to his small stature, only half of his head was visible from the defendant’s bench.
Therefore, the judge had to grant him permission to stand outside the defendant’s bench so that the judge and the jury members could observe his facial expressions and behavior during the trial.
Young Adam nervously looked around. The large defendant’s bench was empty except for him, standing alone.
Although he had been here many times before, it was the first time he felt how terrifying it was to have so many eyes focused on him.
His gaze swept over everyone in the room, finally stopping on Arthur, who stood tall and straight like a sharp sword.
He drew courage from Arthur’s calm and confident expression.
Though still afraid, he mustered his courage and greeted everyone in a slightly trembling voice.
“Your Honor, officers, and all the gentlemen and ladies who have come all this way to see me, you have worked hard. Good morning.”
As soon as he finished speaking, a wave of light and cheerful laughter erupted from the jury bench.
Even the usually stern magistrate couldn’t help but chuckle, “Adam, they’re not here to watch you perform; they’re here to determine whether you’re guilty.”
Young Adam’s mind immediately flashed with Arthur’s instructions. He quickly admitted, “I’m guilty.”
The judge, suppressing a smile, asked, “Why did you admit so quickly?”
“Because I did steal the thing. I was wandering around Central Street, hoping to find a few coins in the cracks of the pavement. But then I saw a large crowd gathering ahead, so I followed them. And then I saw a beautiful lady with a beautiful umbrella. I thought, wow, she must have been sun-struck. Such a nice day, and she’s still carrying an umbrella. So I followed her…”
As young Adam spoke, he heard a few clicks of knuckles tapping on a table.
It was the signal he had agreed on with Arthur, meaning he should stop talking.
Naturally, young Adam stopped speaking.
The judge hadn’t noticed anything. He naturally continued, “So you stole her umbrella?”
Arthur said, “At least that’s what our indictment says.”
The magistrate was dissatisfied with Arthur’s sudden interruption. He frowned and said, “Officer Arthur, please remain silent while I’m questioning the defendant. You’ll have your chance to speak later. Alright, Adam, you can continue. So, did you steal Ms. Nancy’s umbrella?”
Young Adam, receiving Arthur’s signal, knew exactly how to answer.
He repeated Arthur’s words verbatim, “At least that’s what the police officer’s indictment says. I’m guilty. I’m sorry. I’m guilty.”
“At least that’s what the indictment says?”
The magistrate looked at young Adam, who was hanging his head with tears in his eyes, then at Arthur, who was expressionless. Combining their words, the magistrate’s brows furrowed tighter.
Suddenly, it was as if he had figured something out. His face turned black instantly.
“Adam, I am now formally questioning you. Did the police employ any improper methods or tactics during your arrest and interrogation?”
Agareus saw this scene and laughed until he held his stomach.
He placed a hand on Arthur’s shoulder and leaned against him, “Arthur, you’re truly the scoundrel I chose. You’re a natural devil! Once the seeds of doubt are sown, they can never be eradicated. Now it’s up to you to guide this muddled old magistrate.”
(End of Chapter)