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| unfinished business; Bad Girls / Judge John Deed trilogy | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jun 22 2008, 10:39 AM (19,807 Views) | |
| richard | Nov 26 2008, 09:43 AM Post #226 |
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Two wonderful pieces of work which are well up to the customary high standard. To you, Emtsue, you have brilliantly captured how Sir Ian and Co’s obsessive Machievellian politics are turning in on them to devour them. What they are incapable of doing is turning round and saying ‘what the hell are we doing here?’ and breaking free. Your thoughtful thesis on Joseph Channing is interesting. I’ve found it tricky to calculate just how to pitch him and not to underrate just how ‘old school’ he is and being frightened by George’s new found ‘gayness’ if this makes sense. I found the answer in your depiction of Alice in being unobtrusive in the way you describe in coming over as reassuring him. Great point about the positive side of John being able to face his worries being a strength rather than weakness, in conceiving of a trial with a human dimension and your commentary on Karen smoothly rounds out her emotional journey to date. To you, Andlif2laf, you have superbly summarised George’s inner and outward confidence in who she is and in her abilities and have very nicely focussed on John’s self doubt which is a big obstacle in him functioning as a judge. I can’t say too much about how that support group will mobilise but I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. You’ve prompted me to tweak the scene when Fenner does finally appear. Thanks for all your hard work and dedication. |
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| Axiegirl21 | Nov 27 2008, 09:53 PM Post #227 |
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Out of Dorm
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Wow where to start?. What to say? I don't know you go off line for a week and come back to these juicy morsals. Richard let me just say an astounding peice of work my friend. I see Sir Ian and Lawrence James are upto their pompous tricks as usual, if only they stopped trying to cover therir arses and thought about the case they wold realise that an innocent person was cruelly mowed down just so that an evil man could get revenge for being dumped. Nice to see Joseph feeling comftable around George and Alice enough to spend a quiet evening with them, he seems to really be treating Alice like the 'daughter-in-law'. I was intrigue to see that both Helen and John are leaving things to fate, somethng that has definately help in Helen and Nikki's relationship, sometimes with good results, sometimes bad results but always with a lesson learned. Brian Cantwell seems to belong to Sir Ian's pompous club which he will find is not a good career move in the long run. Having Nikki's brother on his team will also help in his downfall, John Wade will have his own agenda concerning Nikki. I loved George in court getting right to the heart of Mrs Welles testimony, her jelousy of Karen Betts, her comment about the blonde hair showed that. Like I said Richard great couple of chapters, looks like the trial is certainly gonna be a doozy can't wait to see Fenner on the stand, especially when he spots Helen and Nikki in the crowd. Keep 'em coming. |
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The past is history. The future a mystery. And now is a gift thats why we call the present. Larkhall Lovelies Rule | |
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| richard | Nov 29 2008, 12:53 PM Post #228 |
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Hi, Axiegirl21, a nice set of perceptive observations on all the characters and situations you describe. Your comment on Joseph’s perception of Alice were exactly what I hoped for when I wrote the scene. I loved the way you see that, ultimately, Helen and John trust to fate after all their deliberations. I’m delighted to see you pick up on the core of the first trial scene, something I hoped would pan out right. |
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| richard | Nov 30 2008, 10:30 AM Post #229 |
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I’m sure you’ll enjoy this next scene as it kicks off with Helen and Nikki making their first appearance- until they have given their evidence, thy are forbidden to watch the trial from the visitor’s gallery. It is ironic how DI Sullivan comes to John’s rescue and ends up being chewed over by George. .............................................................................................................. Scene Thirty- Two While John quickly adjourned the court hearing for lunch, George directed a questioning eye at him, seeing him so quiet, not like his normal inquisitive, domineering self. As he retreated back to his chambers, George gathered up her files and made her way out of the courtroom. As Karen stepped down from the dock, it crossed her mind that, at least, she was free to move within the normal confines of the court building. Was it only the other day that Crystal Gordon was similarly placed in the dock, between two prison officers and she, the detached professional, pronounced an unsatisfactory character judgment on her? In her character reference, she had set out the facts of Crystal stealing the present for Sylvia Hollamby’s thirtieth wedding anniversary and giving it to a charity shop. She knew very well that she didn’t feel half as judgmental as she had on that long ago day. She followed George through into the lobby. She had to hear from her how these opening rounds of the battle had gone. Did the witnesses come over as credible or had George cast enough doubts on their evidence? She couldn’t help but feel feeling jumpy even though she knew that the prosecution was building up their case first. Her normal level-headed nature was being severely tested right now, especially as she relied on others to defend her. She had a severe conscience in disturbing a professional on the job as, after all, she had been one once. “I hate to bother you, George, but just how did the morning work out?” “Karen, I’ll have to keep it quick as I need to prepare for the afternoon session,” the blond woman said, looking distracted. She had enough presence of mind to kindly place her hands on the other woman’s shoulders. She spoke in calm tones with as much sense of reassurance as she could conjure up. ” I’m pretty sure we made some inroads into the credibility of the witnesses. For that reason, I think the opening exchanges went as well as I could have hoped for. You must keep your spirits up. We’ll have our turn later. Think of the witnesses who are batting for our side, Karen.” Just then, Nikki and Helen came clattering into the lobby, looking windblown and harassed. “We’ve just come over on our lunchbreak,”Helen explained rapidly, twenty words a second,“ so we thought we’d keep you company.” “We’ll take the full day off when we take the stand,” Nikki offered in her considerate way.” You leave Karen with us, George. We know you’ve got to go someplace else and work on the case.” Both blond haired women smiled appreciatively at this generous help. Karen found a waiting room, which had its usual institutional look of being well-used. Somehow, the other two women managed to chat in that light, inconsequential style which veered its tricky course in avoiding being either too heavy or too trivial while Karen smoked many cigarettes in quick succession. A knock on the door signaled the usher coming to ensure that she was ready. She was more grateful than her reserved nature could express as the kindness of these two women, surely her friends, as otherwise she would have sweated out the endless dead time till God knows what fresh mental horrors would descend on her. ****** DI Sullivan strolled into the courtroom, feeling the man of the moment. To his egocentric personality, he was the expert witness, the one to set the record straight. After he took the oath, he thrust his hands deep into his trouser pockets while Brian Cantwell readied himself to start questioning the keen as mustard detective inspector. Suddenly, the policeman became aware of two penetrating blue eyes looking down on him from above. “Mr. Sullivan, take your hands out of your pockets when you’re in court.” “I beg your pardon?” the other man said in amazement. He had never been corrected before in this fashion. “This may be your habit when you’re at Larkhall police station but I view such behaviour as treating the court with contempt. I do not allow anyone to behave this way and I have ways of making you fall into line if I choose to exercise them.” John Deed’s steely hard tone of voice precisely articulating every hard-edged consonant startled the other man. He immediately cooperated, stumbling his apologies. George grinned warmly up at John who immediately felt a million times better in himself. That intervention got him through that invisible barrier that had held him back. It reminded himself what he and George still had in common. George knew beyond doubt that John would be back to his paradoxically endearing interfering self. John wouldn’t be John without that quality. Standing in the witness box, Karen felt that she had suddenly come back from the dead as that glowing feeling of warmth coursed round her veins. She was hugely amused in seeing her bitter enemy pulled up short and this sharp exchange acted like a tonic in reviving her spirits. She felt that this good-looking man had some human sympathy about him and that he would give her a chance. “Mr. Cantwell, perhaps you care to examine your witness,” John said in languid tones of voice to the barrister whose wits had, very exceptionally deserted him. He flushed with embarrassment but snapped back into gear. “DI Sullivan, can you explain your duties and how you came to be involved with the investigation?” “Well, your worship, after the hit and run accident we traced the owner through our link with Swansea DVLA. By sheer chance, I took a phone call from the car’s owner, Karen Betts who had the cool cheek to report the car stolen. Unfortunately, I was busy finishing my report on another case so DS Reivers was the original investigating officer. He took DC Greer with him. They drove over to Larkhall Prison and immediately identified Karen Betts from the descriptions offered. Grasping the opportunity offered, DS Reivers promptly arrested her. By the time their police car returned to the station, I was freed up to interview the accused.” “DI Sullivan, the proper term to describe Miss Betts is defendant. You may recall that a person is innocent until proved guilty,” came the stern voice from above him and Brian Cantwell glared at this cocksure man whose manner was starting to visibly rub up the jury the wrong way. “So, DI Sullivan, what caused your investigation to charge Miss Betts for the offence?” “We had three good independent descriptions of the driver who had very distinctive features and long blond hair. This fitted the description of the defendant exactly. When questioned, she had absolutely no alibi to back up her claim that she stayed in all night when she could so easily have slipped out in her car. She claimed she knew nothing about the hit and run incident. We didn’t need to look any further.” “What made you reject Miss Betts’s explanations of her innocence?” “She had no alibi. It was her car that was involved in the accident. Her manner was hostile and argumentative.” “Did you find any physical evidence to directly connect Miss Betts with the accident?” “A blue coat was left behind in the car and a bottle of whisky in the passenger’s seat. They had the defendant’s fingerprints all over them.” “How did you locate the witnesses who identified Miss Betts?” “When we called at the scene of the crime, everyone was coming out of the woodwork. We got names and addresses and took statements over the next few days. It boiled down to the three witnesses who had seen the most but others went out of their way to tell us what they’d seen.” “Are you planning to introduce them as evidence, Mr Cantwell? You know the rules on late evidence,” warned John. “No My Lord. DI Sullivan, can you explain for the benefit of the court why the additional witnesses weren’t produced,” Brian Cantwell rapidly responded to both judge and witness. “They didn’t add anything to the witness evidence given already. We were happy with the three witnesses we had who were closest to the scene of the crime. It all seemed pretty conclusive.” George was amused to see how the man’s natural cockiness had been knocked out of him by John’s steely determination and his subsequent flat and understated manner of speaking. She got to her feet and the manner in which she moved away from her bench was feline and threatening. It radiated a sense of danger to the policeman, knowing that his evidence would be raked over. George wasted no time in launching her attack. “Mr. Sullivan, why on earth would a woman who had been involved in a hit and run accident report the theft of her own car to the police?” “I can think of a number of reasons,” blustered DI Sullivan, instantly on the defensive. “An attempt to throw us off the scent for a start. In our line of work, we come across strange exhibitions of human nature.” “Or there is the alternative possibility is that my client is perfectly innocent. Did you ever consider that possibility?” “Not when she left her coat and a bottle of whisky behind.” “Did you ask her why she would accidentally leave her coat behind and very conveniently leave the bottle of whisky?” George pursued sharply, with neatly placed emphasis.” It makes no sense in the normal course of events but it would if my client has been set up by the real culprit.” “The objects had her fingerprints all over them so there was no need to ask questions on this point,” DI Sullivan retorted with an attempt to rebuff this deadly woman who was pressing him so hard. “As they would do since they were her possessions,” answered George, sliding in the knife with deadly precision. With perfect timing, she let a moment of silence elapse to let the full implications sink in after the rapid swordplay of words. There was a slight smile on her lips as she readied herself to ask the next question. The deliberate pause unnerved the policeman. “DI Sullivan, have you come across the defendant before, personally or professionally?” The man turned bright red with mingled embarrassment and anger, which made any reply superfluous. “Can you recount for the benefit of the jury your previous experience with my client?” insisted George, shifting the emphasis. “I must protest, my lord,” Brian Cantwell intervened, jumping to his feet. Inwardly, he was fuming with John Wade for neglecting this point. “Whatever previous encounter my witness may or may or not have had with the defendant is hardly relevant as a policeman is expected to be as professional and impartial…..as yourself.” “Flattering though your description is of me,” John said in amused, relaxed tones of voice.“ This has aroused my curiosity, my desire for the truth. Moreover, it has a bearing on the conduct of the investigation as it is possible that investigators found what they wanted to find. Doubtless, this can be further tested when the defendant herself is also asked to give evidence.” For the first time since the trial started, Karen permitted herself a slight smile, which was not lost on many observant eyes. “I investigated a suspicious death of a prisoner at Larkhall Prison when the defendant was wing governor. It turned out that the prisoner died because she was allergic to nuts. It seemed to me that until the postmortem results came in to say otherwise, that a fellow inmate had obviously poisoned the prisoner, who had many enemies on the wing,” DI Sullivan responded curtly. “Highly interesting I’m sure, but where does my client fit into the picture? What interaction did you have with her and what was its nature?” George asked with an exaggerated note of puzzlement in her voice. Instinct told her to keep digging. “She provided me with facilities to carry out the investigation and we liaised on matters of mutual interest,” DI Robinson answered in guarded tones, his eyes swivelling sideways at Karen’s unsettling gaze in his direction. “So did you approach the investigation with any hostile feelings towards my client when you remembered her, being someone with a better than average memory for faces and names as befits your job?” George persisted in steely tones. Brian Cantwell noted ruefully the skill with which George was already tying the man up in knots. “I try not to let my personal feelings interfere with the performance of my duties.” George smiled broadly and turned to the jury at the duality of this obvious non-reply. She had to admit to feeling a certain mean amusement at the way these proceedings were going. “Did you check on the CCTV evidence and if not, why not?” “I had all the evidence I needed with three independent witnesses and the evidence found in the car,” D I Sullivan said, repeating the key word to bolster his case. “Care to comment on the man possibly running away from the car and that my client wasn’t on the tape doing the same? I refer to the bundle of evidence labelled JF1 who has been positively identified as James Fenner, Principal Officer on G Wing, Larkhall Prison where my client used to work as his boss.” “Sheer coincidence. He could have been out for a jog for all we know,” came the lame answer, which drew a ripple of amusement round the court. “Did you investigate the possibility that someone else broke into the flat and if not, why not?” “It was such a cock and bull yarn. We hear that sort of story every day.” “In your professional, unbiased judgment that is,” cut in George, acid dripping from the tone of her voice. “No more questions.” “Do you have any further questions for the witness, Mr. Cantwell?” John Deed asked in languid tones, knowing knew very well what he would do in the barrister’s shoes, “None.” “Court is adjourned until tomorrow.” There was a collective exhalation of breath from the court as the day’s trial ended on that dramatic note. Brian Cantwell turned round to John Wade who was sitting, shocked and surprised. “John, you’d better talk to this James Fenner tomorrow morning, very first thing, and remind him to be on the ball, no slipups. He’s our last witness and our last high card to play,” Brian Cantwell commanded John Wade tersely, speaking behind his hand at the other man. Inwardly, he was aghast at being offered such poor material to work with. “Of course, of course, Brian,” he replied in obsequious tones. At the back of the court, Sir Ian held his head in his hands with the sickening feeling that, once again, a major trial was starting to go seriously off track. The only thing they all agreed with was that there promised to be a tense hard fought battle in the morning. |
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| BETTELA | Nov 30 2008, 12:04 PM Post #230 |
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Just amazing how you have done this story now I sure wished this was a real John Deed and Bad Girls episode on TV, it would make for some great viewing. Lets see Fenner being brought down on the stand. Thanks again for a great story, looking forward to the next chapter hope it is read soon. |
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| Axiegirl21 | Nov 30 2008, 12:24 PM Post #231 |
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Out of Dorm
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George 2 Pompous assholes 0What a great scene Richard, it really captured the courtroom drama in the Judge Deed series, only with George getting the winning strikes and not being on the receiving end. Having Helen and Nikki there to be with Karen is something I could see them doing in the BG series had it gone to trial there, I'm sure Karen would have contacted Helen for help and Nikki would've been right next to her in Karen's cheering section. Gonna be interesting what John Wade will have to say to Fenner though and exactly how the slime ball will try to weasle himself out of it though, and will Sylvia drop him in it like before. I'd forgotten about the Renee nut incident at Larkhall but I remember Yvonne eating nuts at the end though (lets hope that doesn't come up :rolleyes: ) Looking forward to Nikki and Helen giving their evidence, Cantwell won't know what's hit him will he :lol: As for Sir Ian he needs to get to being in that position cos I got a feeling he's going to be adopting it quite frequently in this trial. especially once Fenner takes the stand you just know he won't be able to keep his composure
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The past is history. The future a mystery. And now is a gift thats why we call the present. Larkhall Lovelies Rule | |
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| JAM | Nov 30 2008, 01:31 PM Post #232 |
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Out of Dorm
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Hiya Richard, I managed to get myself logged back on!! I can be a little thick at times and overlook the obvious! Anyway...great scene! I loved that H&N came to support Karen at lunch. Also, it's always fun to shread the ever cocky Detective Sullivan. Looks like John is hitting his stride with confidence. Can't wait for more.
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| emtsue | Dec 1 2008, 06:45 PM Post #233 |
G3 Curtain and Duvet!
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Hiya Richard,heres the reply to chapter 31(Finally!) Richard I love the way you have fine tuned George's sense of being perceptive and protective.Walking into the courtroom,she has immediately picked up on everyones vibe.From John Deed's obvious tenseness(atleast to herself)at having her before him, to the anger she feels when she sees Karen is all alone in the dock without any support from her prison service colleagues.There was a time when none of this would have phased her.Brian Cantwell also has her strategy wheels turning.George doesn't miss a beat. Having Sir Ian alone in the visitors gallery ,I thought showed how isolated he is ,in his mind and thinking.He almost comes across as being vulnerable.I say almost ,because there is no way on earth that he would think himself as such. ".....her car was spirited away past a modern security system to a flat complex, as if a prisoner could simply walk out of the prison that she used to be in charge of." Why not...Nikki Wade did it! Brilliant,Richard! "Her final plea to the jury to listen with open ears is heartfelt.Their capacity for understanding would be central for her case." This is just another example of how far removed George has become from Sir Ian & Co.She is putting her trustand faith in the jury /public, where as, Sir Ian does not even consider them intellegent enough to make an informed decision without being prodded in what he considers the "right" direction. Brian Cantwell did quite a number on Karen's psychological state with Mrs. Welles' testimony.But ,leave it to George Channing to turn that around by totally embarassing the woman.Somehow she found her achilles heel.Not only that ,but she was able to make John Deed finally let go of what little denial he was still hanging on to where George was concerned.A one-two punch, one being for her client,the other ,her ex husband...not bad. Well, thats it for me on this one Richard,incredible job. |
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| TheProf | Dec 2 2008, 12:35 AM Post #234 |
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G3 Curtain and Duvet!
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Excellent and thought-provoking response, EMT. |
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“Inside us there is something that has no name, that something is what we are.” -Jose Saramago | |
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| Andliv2laf | Dec 3 2008, 06:20 AM Post #235 |
G2 landing
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Ok Richard....you are always leaving me smiling! I read Emtsue's short little reply...and I agree with what she said....and I can see that surprised look on your face!! Ok...so my unsual take....ummm, well...for starters...great to see John and George coming to the rescue....I said before that I think this new alliance that Nikki and Helen are the center of...can do no wrong...well, even if they do...somoeone in the group is there to pick up the pieces! What a diverse and capable little group they are! I am so glad to see that Fenner is not going to be left out for long...I want to see him sweat a little...ok...a lot! So, George is ready for anything...and John is there to coax it along...so Brian and brother John...well, they have a long road ahead of them...looks like brother John and Fenner may be a right pair! I can't wait to see what happens next...and I took a break from my RL just for you Richard...I told you I would try my best to make time to keep up...and I always keep my promises....but I will warn you that the third week of the month is going to be trying...but I will keep my promise! Thank you for your dedication to the story and to us...as a reader, you make me feel most importatnt...and I appreciate it! Oh...and one day...I hope I can leave those detailed posts like Emtsue...but when she always beats me to the punch...what's a girl to do! But, if I gotta follow someone...it might as well be her...can't think of anyone better! Have a great week Richard!
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| richard | Dec 3 2008, 07:59 PM Post #236 |
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This is truly wonderful feedback that I am running out of superlatives to describe my feelings. The fantastic thing is that somehow there is a space available for anyone to contribute. To you, Bettela, I've recently rewatched BG and JJD DVDs and I'm more convinced that each is missing the other half and I'm so thrilled that you see it the same way. To Axirgirl21, this line is totally priceless and made me smile 'George 2 Pompous assholes 0'. Your comments are spot on, specially in relation to Sir Ian and I especially love the way you see my fic both in relation to what could have been filmed in Bad Girls and how you see that I’ve captured the feel of judge John Deed. To you, Emtsue, you have conjured up this marvellously crystal clear picture of how incredibly centred George is, both as a woman and as a barrister and I love the way you pinpoint her faith in human nature which is at the heart of the fic (surely a real turnabout for George). Your vivid picture of Sir Ian has sparked another idea which I've listed for a possible fifth fic in this series as I depicted his isolation almost without thinking (the fourth is already written). I equally love your positive take on George's masterstroke in her cross examination of Mrs Welles. TheProf has paid rightful tribute to it. To you, JAM, you have a surfooted feel for the scene which is very rewarding to see. To you, Andlif2laf, your very sweet post is very heartwarming as is your dedication(with the surprise at Emtsue's 'short post -'scratches head in wonderment') and your very interesting observation that without any preplanning, the growing band around Nikki and Helen work for each other. I've been thinking that the last two scenes are the first of a series of intense trial drama scenes and you will definitely not be shortchanged. Bcause of this and the run up to Christmas, I would hate to see any reader be pressed for time in posting the response that you would like to make. For this reason, I was going to post every 7 days rather than 5 days and making the next post next Sunday if that will help. If any of you wish to post any response or PM me. I would b only too grateful to hear. This fic will see a full blown trial, the whole works, rather than an appeal which is a shorter process. I've added to this feedback having unnaccountably omitted Axiegirl21's valuable feedback. The next scene will feature Fenner's contribution to the trial drama. |
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| richard | Dec 7 2008, 10:09 AM Post #237 |
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At last the Fenner scene which you have all been waiting for. I have quite considerably rewritten and expanded on the preliminary ‘scene setting’ scene following your helpful feedback and the central pre-trial image of Fenner came irresistibly to my mind. Hopefully, this has everything psychological happening- between Fenner, John, Karen in particular and shows, for once, the ‘many faces of Fnner’ finally being exposed in the one locality for everyone to see. It shows that Brian Cantwell isn’t stupid while George has the instinct to regroup her forces and finally a George Fenner battle royal. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did in writing this. Needless to say, I’ve been dying to post this for ages and I can’t wait to see your reactions. I also want to thank Hopelessromantic for her hard work as she has kindly betaed the last batch of scenes which I’ve done alterations on past scenes. Enjoy. .................................................................................................................... Scene Thirty-Three During the run up to the trial, interlocking circumstances had walled Fenner into a sense of physical and emotional isolation, the first day’s proceedings included. He had, after all, been instructed by that stuck up solicitor type to turn up on the day, give evidence as they’d agreed and would have no access to what was said before he gave evidence. He accepted what he was told as he had no mental purchase on the rarefied world of court procedure to dare think differently. Demeaning experiences in his sporadic courtroom experiences over the years reminded him that he was only a glorified squaddie after all. He therefore carried on with his job as if nothing else was happening so the way he spent the Monday night before his court appearance was typical of the man. He continued his isolation out of choice, taking the form of watching football on TV and slowly emptying successive cans of beer. The flickering screen, the alcohol, the distanced shouts of the crowd, the confident commentary of the hoped for victory all soothed his nerves better than Di whose conversation he answered in curt monosyllables. When he finally set off for court from Larkhall Prison after a brief appearance at the PO’s meeting, he was at his most snappish and irritable. He asked Bodybag to cover for him with a mumbled explanation room about ‘private business’ and quickly and discreetly made his exit. He knew that the issue was simple- either Betts goes down or he does. He’d have to work very hard to get what he wanted but if he did, and word gets around, no one will dare to stand in his way. Even Di Barker must realize that she might wear the suit but he would have the real power. As he slid out of the front gates, he vowed to himself that all he needed was a bit of luck, and he’d be protected against anyone trying to bring him down. In the meantime, John lay back in his chambers, worrying about how he could do justice to this evil man who had threatened to blackmail his friends. That told him all he knew about the man. He had the nasty feeling that Fenner might run amok during the trial and he would need to be as sharp witted and in control as never before. Composing himself as best as he could, he let Coope adjust his robes and he walked out towards his allotted place. Fenner looked furtively and suspiciously around him when he entered the courtroom. His face had been receptive to the last minute nagging from his toffee-nosed brief. He’d mouthed the right phrases in response, but he’d secretly vowed to himself to reserve independence of action if need be. After all, he’d done what he’d been asked for, hadn’t he? It was in this frame of mind that he finally went into the witness box and tonelessly repeated the oath. The words slurred out ‘nothing but the truth’ filled Karen with disgust. It was only as he took a sideways glance up at the judge that he had the shock of his life. His smoothly composed face contorted in rage as he immediately recognized the man in regal robes as the man who had beaten him up and, worst of all, damaged his self-esteem. “This can’t be real. I insist on a different judge. He picked a fight with me once. I mean how can he do a fair job? He’s bound to be biased,” Fenner protested loudly, arms outstretched and playing to the gallery. John silenced the man with a glare and held forth in frosty tones to make sure of his authority. His natural combativeness took charge. “For the benefit of the court, I am placing it on record that, yes, I did have a fight with the witness before you. Until then, I’d never seen him before in my life. Judges are not locked up hermetically in ivory towers away from the rough and tumble of life. There are situations where a judge is obliged to withdraw from presiding over a trial but this situation isn’t one of them. Mr. Cantwell,”John added, turning towards the barrister,” you really ought to explain to your witness that he can’t try and pick his brand of judge as if he were shopping at Tesco’s. You know very well that if it can be shown that I have in any way misdirected the trial or shown personal bias, that can become grounds for an appeal. I have ruled on this point, make no mistake about it.” As John Deed forcibly exerted his power and his wisdom, Fenner immediately realized his mistake. His outburst was in severe danger of ruining his best ploy. He retracted immediately with an appearance of contrition. “I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t know that the law was as liberal on matters like this. I’ve always prided myself on doing things by the book. It’s being in the prison service for so many years and the army before that.” John was sickened by this man’s ‘butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth’ manner and immediately saw how the land lay. He had no option but to be gracious. “Thanks, Mr. Fenner, your apology is accepted and likewise your concern for good form. Perhaps you care to carry on, Mr. Cantwell.” What a sickening smoothie, Karen muttered to herself. By contrast, she admired the neat way that the judge extricated himself from this awkward situation and countered Fenner’s ploy. She stood rigidly, staring in front of her, not trusting herself to look in his direction. The sound of his smooth lying voice was quite bad enough. Brian Cantwell eyed the man carefully as he was relying on him to provide background material on the defendant. He knew that John Wade was sold on him but a niggling doubt was at the back of his mind. “First of all, Mr. Fenner, can you say a few words about your personal and work background.” “As I said before, I served Queen and Country as a humble private, nothing special, didn’t earn any medals. Along the line, I wanted to put roots down so I joined the prison service like a lot of ex squaddies do. I learned by jail-craft on the job so I gradually worked my way up as Principal Officer, one grade short of managing a wing. I got married, settled down with two kids. Trouble is, the job means working funny shifts and it broke up my marriage. So here I am.” “Did you have a relationship with the defendant and, if so, can you describe it?” “Well,” Fenner heaved a remarkable facsimile of a regretful sight,” Me and Karen, well, we were thrown together a lot and it’s natural that we’d get involved. We lived together for a while, even thought of getting married but let’s say it, she got too involved in the prisoner’s problems. All the pressure of responsibility got to her. That’s why we broke up a few months ago. I think that added to the stress she was under, caused her to drink a lot to try and unwind from the day’s work.” “So why did she resign from the prison service?” “She made a bad judgment on one of our more troublesome prisoners. Instead of being kept on segregation for her own safety, she was let out on the wing on her recommendation. As soon as a prison officer’s back was turned, she got out a home made noose, put it round her neck and hanged herself, in full view of the prisoners. It was a hell of a shock to everyone, I can tell you, me included.” “So what did you notice about the defendant’s general behaviour and general state of mind prior to the murder of Gerald Baker, Mr. Fenner?” “I object, my lord,” George protested, having restrained herself with great difficulty as this sanctimonious rubbish was being spewed out. This was the final straw. “How can this man’s observations, talented as a jailer though he might be, have any possible validity in appraising my client’s state of mind?” Brian Cantwell was ready for this one and immediately repaid George in her own coin. “In the absence of any other evidence to the opposite, I submit that the court should hear Mr. Fenner’s description of what the defendant said and did in the run up to the crime in question so long as he avoids amateur psychologising. My learned council has had ample opportunity to have called on a practicing psychiatrist to give evidence in support of the defendant.” George shut up. She knew that Brian Cantwell was perfectly correct. The only reason why she hadn’t done so was that she believed that Karen Betts, under pressure though she might be, was basically down to earth and levelheaded. She was furious with herself for making this mistake. “I will allow the witness to testify what the defendant said and did but not to stray too far in his own interpretation of events,” John pronounced. Behind Fenner’s smooth of façade, he did a mental jump for joy. He had sneaked his way through to the situation he wanted to get to. “Well, it’s difficult to say. She cut herself off from the prison officers. She started to get all sorts of paranoid ideas that I’d been carrying on with one of the prisoners. Of course, that’s totally against rules and regulations but she insisted and told me she’d be sending a file to Area management, bypassing the governing governor. She was way out of line. I went to see her to have it out with her, and had a row over it. I didn’t get very far, needless to say.” Karen clenched her fists at the way Fenner sounded so smooth and persuasive and, on the face of it, his last criticism would have been just if there hadn’t been a self-interested manipulating snake running Larkhall. Brian Cantwell felt satisfied with himself while John Wade felt good inside that that the man he had interviewed was so convincing. “I must ask you the obvious question, did you go out that evening and if so, where?” “I felt really ill from the row so I headed off home and crashed out. When I came to, I wanted some fresh air so I had a wander round on my own to clear my head. Couldn’t say where I went. After a bit, I went home and got some sleep.” ******* George wasted no time in launching into the attack. A definite charge of hostile electricity ran round the room, as it seemed fitting that this misogynist man and dominant aristocratic woman were destined to be sworn enemies. Curious glances were directed at the overhead projector that George had set up. What magic bag of tricks would she unfold? “Mr. Fenner, is this a picture of the car in question? I refer you to item KB1 in the bundle of evidence. For the benefit of the jury, it is a very distinctive green soft-top MG sports car. “I think so.” “You don’t sound very positive. You lived with my client for a while. The car was parked outside Larkhall Prison for several years, yes?” “It is her car,” Fenner muttered. “So did you notice the car parked on an obscure back lane and wonder what my client was doing?” “I had a lot on my mind. You don’t notice everything.” “You mean as a long serving prison officer, you switch off your faculties of observation outside work? Are you really saying that you didn’t notice that very distinctive car?” “Don’t think I did.” “For the benefit of the court, can you tell us where your home address is?” For the first time, Fenner couldn’t stop himself glaring round the court like a cornered wild animal as he gave the answer. George, of course, had checked this for herself before the hearing ever started. To Karen’s intense relief, George’s persistent questions, chipping away at his credibility were starting to bear fruit. It was extraordinary to her how the smooth talking man was starting to change before her very eyes. George produced her masterstroke in switching on the slide projector and a street map was projected on the sidewall of the court. She pointed to the screen and indicated where the car was dumped which was well off the beaten track, near to a canal. It was clear that a number of miles separated the two locations, a confession which George wrung from the increasingly exasperated Fenner. “The CCTV camera footage places you very close to where and when the car was parked. It is interesting that you never mentioned in your testimony Karen getting out of the car. I put it to you that you were the driver of the car and you ran down Gerald Baker in cold blood. It is a much simpler explanation for a jury to accept than this cock and bull yarn that you have given to the court.” “No way would I do that. I’m a responsible prison officer. I’ve never stepped over the line, not once,” Fenner spat back with narrowed eyes. “What would you say if you were seen parked up and putting on a blond wig and that a witness will testify to that effect?” George asked, keeping perfectly calm at this barefaced effrontery. She knew that this man would try and ridicule the suggestion and her, by extension. “Objection, my lord,” challenged Brian Cantwell, livid with anger as Fenner predictably switched tack and started laughing with every expression on his face except his eyes.”I do not see this in the bundle of evidence.” “Unless direct evidence of this is submitted in the proper time and way, the witness need not answer this question,” John dryly observed while secretly, his curiosity was roused. However, Fenner had got the bit between his teeth and he charged into the fray, anxious to impose his version of the truth on the court. He had hoped that others would join in with his laughter, but the jury was silent, hanging on every word that was said. “Me put a blond wig on. That’s laughable. The next thing you’ll say is that I put lipstick on. I’m totally one hundred per cent straight.” “And her blue coat as well, Mr. Fenner,” George said, with perfect poise, attracting a glare from John not to push her luck. “This is a complete joke. I shouldn’t have to answer these ridiculous accusations. I’ve got plenty to do back on the job instead of wasting valuable court time.” “Didn’t you have an almighty row with my client the morning of the murder in question as she threatened to send a file exposing you of sexually harassing an inmate?” George counterattacked, shifting onto safer ground, much to John’s relief. “You get me proof of that,” Fenner shouted, wagging a menacing finger in his direction.” There’s not a shred of evidence You’re making it all up. You’re trying to bring me down, like every scheming woman I’ve ever known.” Fenner suddenly raged. George was utterly astonished at how quickly the man suddenly switched in his manner. He made the fatal mistake of personalizing all his deepest antagonisms on George. Karen stood open mouthed as she saw the many faces of Fenner. This was surely the way he’d behaved to every strong-minded woman who disagreed with him, Nikki, Yvonne, Helen, herself and finally George. With immaculate timing, she let his verbal aggression reverberate round the courtroom. John looked on with fascination as he had had a similar run in, along with all these women. While Claire looked on with professional admiration, John Wade was angered by this dominating woman with a slippery tongue. “So you did have the row? Isn’t it possible that you tried to frame Karen for this killing? All the evidence fits in and it does serve your interest rather neatly?” “My lord, I must protest. My learned council is trying to browbeat the witness with no evidence to back it up,” objected Brian Cantwell. With lightning rapidity, George had the final word, as was her wont. “We’ll let the jury decide this. No further questions.” When John looked at the clock, he was astonished how time had moved on. The rapid cut and thrust of debate had carried them on till lunchtime. “Mr. Cantwell, do you wish to reexamine the witness?” John said in a matter of fact tone of voice, fully aware of Fenner’s lowering presence and hostile glare. “No, my lord,” Brian Cantwell said quickly. He wanted the man out of the court and to stop him tearing further huge rents in the fabric of his case. He was livid with John Wade for being so gullible. A little voice inside him told him that George was on the right tack but, like the hired gun that he was, was going to carry on the fight. His combative nature didn’t let him give up easily. “Court is adjourned,” John intoned, staring round at the court. A tense silence hung in the room like a storm cloud. This was real brinkmanship in silently challenging Fenner to sound off about the fight and slag off Helen and Nikki in open court. He was thankful that he had verbally outfaced him in the terms that he set when he had that set to in their flat. Hopefully, it would persuade him that he had no power of blackmail over his two friends. Fortunately, Fenner thought better of it, shook off the offered help of the usher and stomped out of the courtroom like an angry bear. This was like a scene out of one of his favourite black and white Westerns, the shootout on Main Street, John thought whimsically to himself. A huge breath of collective relief followed the man’s precipitate exit. |
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| BETTELA | Dec 7 2008, 11:08 AM Post #238 |
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BETTE
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WOW, that was some chapter Richard,I felt that I was in the courtroom, and god watching Fenner squirm, such a brilliant story, shame we cant get this to the TV as I have said, imagine all the follwing for this crossover. Really am looking forward to your next. :
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| emtsue | Dec 7 2008, 12:03 PM Post #239 |
G3 Curtain and Duvet!
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Hiya Richard, here's my reply to chapter 32(I'm trying really hard to catch up!) Ahhh,leave it to Helen and Nikki to show up at just the right time to get their friend through those anxious moments,even if it's only for a short while.How can you not love these two?!! Our John Deed is back with a vengence!! I do believe he and George have now come full circle, and a new(and different) relationship will be forged.Stronger....personally and professionally.Neither ,are no longer defined by the other...they are free. John Deeds "Knocking down" of DI Sullivan ,has certainly put his "expert" testimony into the "lame' category at best. Even Brian Cantwell,with all his cocksuredness, could not rescue his witness,for he was also taken down a peg or two with John's keen sense of courtroom propiety. Georges questioning of DI Sullivan,although made to look like a barracuda coming in for the kill,I found almost subtle in nature, due to the fact that it was all very logical,and every point hit, made absolute sense.Bringing into question Karen and DI Sullivans prior relationship,was in my opinion, the undoing of this particular witness.The extra added bonus of what could have easily been termed inconsequential(if you weren't paying attention,of course),was now quite a revelation by Judge John Deed voicing without compunction ,that the investigators found only what they wanted to find and that Karens testimony would most likely prove this.Although he didn't say that outright.Must say, George and John make a hell of a team! Interesting to find John Wade in the role of "lackey".His own investigations have not put him in good stead.I dare say,he has been taken down a peg or two as well. And last but not least,Sir Ian............feeling ill is he?...What more can I say. Richard ,I so appreciate the small,yet seemingly large details ,that you are so expertly including. |
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| richard | Dec 12 2008, 06:15 PM Post #240 |
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Enhanced
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Hi Emtsue- lovely piece of writing. As usual, I couldn’t wish for better. You’ve captured Helen and Nikki surely in your penpicture and have grasped the paradox of how free George and John and how close they are to each other. I love the way you see how John has ‘found himself’ in court in every respect. You’ve picked up the vast professional difference between the Claire / George relationship is to Cantwell/ John Wade and have followed George’s cross examination, as with everything else as if you were in the visitor’s gallery yourself. I would say, more, more but that would be immodest . |
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George 2 Pompous assholes 0

8:47 AM Jul 11