Pride

Part 35

They'd found a small cafe down a quiet side street. The cafe owner small, plump, flame haired and motherly. Seeing them suited and in solemn mood she'd convinced herself they were grieving for a loved one and were both in need of some fussing over. And they'd let Rosie continue to think that, neither having the energy it would take to convince her otherwise.

Arms wrapped around their waists she'd steered them to a quiet corner. Then set large mugs of strong tea before them both, followed by a heavily laden plate of freshly made sandwiches.

They hadn't had much of an appetie when they'd sat down, but the woman's concern and kindness had served as a reminder that there were good and decent people in the world. That Chris Davies and people like him were in the minority. Their empty, growling stomachs were soon silenced as they found themselves leaving only crumbs. They'd then had to find room for an overly generous sized slice of cheesecake. They obviously looked in need of fattening up too.

They'd talked in between Rosie's frequent trips to their table, discussing Lee and trying to reason out his actions, hoping against feeble hope that Paul would somehow talk him round. Trying to remain positive but all the time knowing that without Lee's testimony there was a lot less chance of Chris being convicted, not with the case the defence had now built up against them.

All too soon they were having to leave the cafes nurturing warmth and head back to the cold and inhospitable courtroom.

The usher had greeted them telling them there was a short delay and requesting that they wait it out in the witness room.

They'd trekked wearily over to the room they'd been in earlier, news of the delay draining still more of their energy, they were both just wanting the day over with now.

It was hard to think positive surrounded by colourless walls and stale cheerless air. Aaron found himself wondering if a prison cell was just as depressing. It had to be, you weren't there to party! It was beginning to look like he rather than Chris would be experiencing a stay at the big house fairly soon!

"What you thinking about?" Aaron was miles away and the dejected air surrounding him now worried Jackson.

Aaron shook his head, "You don't want to know."

"Aaron?"

"That Chris is going to walk free, will be free to do it all again."

Jackson heard the despair in Aaron's voice, "We haven't lost yet!"

"It's just a matter of time and you know it is."

"No."

"Jackson we both know what's going to happen. Chris will get on that stand and lie through his teeth. He'll charm the jury and they'll let him off."

"David Smith's gunning for him; you know he is. He's determined to show him for what he is."

That was true but could he? Smith was a good man, Aaron wasn't sure he had it in him to be as ruthless as Philip Morgan.

Grabbing hold of Aaron hand forcing him to look at him Jackson demanded, "Are you listening to me?"

"Yeah, and now I want you to listen to me."

Jackson nodded slowly, disturbed by the seriousness of Aaron's tone.

He had long avoided talking about it but suddenly Aaron was desperate to speak about it with Jackson. If Chris was found not guilty his own case would be reviewed, and it was very likely he'd be given a custodial sentence, "If I go to prison..."

Jackson interrupted immediately, "No! It's not going to happen."

"It could happen and if it does..."

"No."

Aaron leapt to his feet, shaking his head at the older man, "You're always wanting me to talk to you, to open up..." gesturing to his head Aaron continued, "...to tell you what's going on in here. I'm trying to now but you won't listen. I know it's not what you want to hear but it's something I need to say so please..."

Reaching out for Aaron's hand Jackson pulled him back to his chair, "Alright. I'm listening."

"I want you to keep an eye on Paddy for me..."

"Aaron..." It was already too hard to think about, him and Paddy sat at Smithy cottage's kitchen table worrying over a wrongly imprisoned Aaron.

"You said you'd listen."

Jackson nodded; he was going to have to, as hard as it was.

"I don't want him coming to visit me..."

Jackson opened his mouth to protest but swallowed the words when Aaron gave him an exasperated look.

"I don't want 'anyone' coming to visit me."

It took a little while for the words to sink in; he wasn't included in that generalization was he? The pleading look in Aaron's eyes gave him the answer, "No, that's not fair; you can't ask me to keep away..."

"I can and I am."

"No. Look this is ridiculous! You're talking like you've already been sentenced..."

"Jackson..."

"No. I'd do anything for you Aaron, anything, but not that, please don't ask me to do that."

The door opening put a stop to any further discussion, the court usher informing them they could now take their places in the courtroom.

Once seated Aaron looked towards the dock, Chris was already there and looking back at him. He had to look away, the very sight of him now made him feel sick, the thought he was laughing at him sicker still.

He looked over at David Smith, he was reading a note the court clerk had just given to him. Whatever the message contained on it, it made him smile. Maybe it was a joke!

Just seconds later they were being asked to stand, the Judge now returning to his seat.

Any minute now Paddy would be taking the stand, it should have been Lee but that wasn't happening anymore.

The court door was opening again, the call going out for Lee Dunne. Aaron thought there had been a mistake, but as Lee stepped into the room he looked at Jackson, the two of them now smiling, just like David Smith had been.

TBC