Chapter 25
"But how do you know that he loves you, Alice dear, after all he is a convicted murderer, lying to you wouldn't be such a hardship." Mrs Bedwin was trying her best to get to the bottom of this situation.
Alice stood up, the housekeeper's opinions and judgements were frustrating her greatly.
"Jack is not a murderer. I have known him the longer then anybody I know. I grew up with him. I have lived with him every day since I was six. I know what he's like. He barely had the guts to commit house robbery and you think he could commit murder? He couldn't even keep the house robbery a secret from me."
"Then how do you account for him being arrested for the crime?"
"It has to be a mistake; he must have been mistook for someone else. Or…well…he could have been framed. There are always villains who would go to extraordinary lengths to get what they want." Alice's mind had wandered to how Bill had used herself and her brother and didn't put it passed any other pure evil villain to try a similar act with Jack.
"Yes, Alice, but this is law and order we're talking about. You can't just claim he never committed the crime and not have hard evidence for it, besides poverty can drive people to do extravagant things." Mrs Bedwin attempted to bring Alice back to what she thought was reality.
"Why murder someone when all you're tryin' to do is live? Jack did not commit murder I'm sure of it. He's not a murderer- a criminal yes but I don't care about that. The only thing that matters is I love him and he loves me! Who cares what his past is? He's about to be condemned for something he hasn't done. How is that law and order?" Alice cried her voice travelling through to the corridor where Mr Brownlow was still lingering eavesdropping in to the conversation. He had paid particular attention to Alice's reactions and, having observed how quickly and little thought she had needed to put in to her answers he was suddenly aware of what he must do.
He boldly strode into the room unbeknown to the present occupants. He sharply took in Alice's stance, read her body language before he drew breath.
"Alice, would you say you truly loved this boy and would do anything to clear his name?"
Both Alice and Mrs Bedwin jumped at the sound of Mr Brownlow's voice. They had assumed he was long out of the corridor and had occupied himself somewhere else in the house.
"Yes, I would." Alice replied nodding her head vigorously as she did so.
"And you would, in your honest and truthful opinion, say that he could not and would not ever kill anyone."
"He didn't and he wouldn't." Alice said her voice now at a strong but calmer tone.
"Then for God's sake we must try our best to put justice to rights. The innocent should never be punished for what they have not done." Mr Brownlow concluded.
Alice's eyes widen and a small smile framed her face. She was utterly grateful for her uncle's sudden change of heart. She had no idea what exactly had caused it but didn't want to pry in case it led to him rethinking his decision.
"The second trial is coming up, I will endeavour to put my word in and see that this injustice is sorted out." Mr Brownlow promised.
"Thank-you Uncle." Alice replied meaning it with her heart. It was reassuring to have to trust and support of someone with authority and the ability to be able to actually do something to aid her.
Another short chapter I'm afraid but don't worry it's about to get very interesting! Please review!