Part Fifty Three
On the Friday morning when they reconvened in the public gallery, Karen privately thought she'd seen enough of this place to last her a lifetime, and wondered how the Judge could stand it day in day out. They had adopted a way of sitting, with Lauren on the far left of the front row, and Roisin next to her. They would be followed usually by Cassie, Barbara, Yvonne and then Karen, with only the occasional alteration. It was an accepted arrangement that Karen and Lauren sat as far from each other as possible. A cease fire still hadn't been reached between Yvonne and Lauren on the subject of Karen, and Yvonne was all too aware that hostilities would resume with a vengeance after the trial was over. Karen took note that the two spineless-looking individuals that had been present yesterday had once again taken their places a couple of rows behind. When they all rose at the Judge's entrance, Karen thought that if this charade went on much longer, the whole cast of this farcical play might just take root.
"Ladies and gentlemen," John began as he looked at the jury. "In the words of Mr. Justice Roskill,in the Crown versus List 1996, it is my duty to ensure a fair trial. I consider that I have fulfilled this duty to the best of my ability. You have heard from two excellent opposing councils, both of which have presented to you a range of witnesses, whose testimonies you can either believe or disbelieve. Your task will not be an easy one. Both defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit arson, and you must decide whether either, both or neither of them is guilty of this crime. By extension of conspiracy to commit arson, and as a result of Sharon Wiley's death, Tracy Pilkinton, also referred to throughout this trial as Snowball Merriman, is charged with manslaughter. If your feeling is that she is not guilty of conspiracy to commit arson, then she must therefore by extension, not be guilty of the manslaughter of Sharon Wiley. Tracy Pilkinton is further charged with grievous bodily harm. In making your decision as to her guilt or innocence on this charge, you must decide whether her clear refusal to release the gun from her possession makes her guilty of this crime, or, if, because she did not intend to shoot her co-defendant, she is innocent. As well as being charged with conspiracy to commit arson, Ritchie Atkins is also charged with assisting an offender and with the unlawful possession of a firearm. You may consider that these charges are somewhat minor compared to those of his co-defendant, but I urge you to give them just as much time and examination. The unlawful possession of a firearm and that of assisting an offender, are extremely serious, but perhaps more so in this case. You may feel that the way in which Mr. Atkins assisted his offender led to the untimely and unnecessary death of Sharon Wiley. However, you may also decide otherwise. There are many judges who do not encourage their juries to give some thought to the possible sentence they might recommend should any defendant be found guilty. I am not one of those judges. If you have a sensible suggestion to make with regards to any outcome of your verdict, then I will give it due consideration. Last of all, as this case is a somewhat complex one, the verdict you give must be as a result of a unanimous vote. I will only consider allowing a verdict by majority vote if a protracted delay in deciding is encountered. Court is adjourned until such time as a verdict can be reached. Good luck."
As the weather was still sunny, though as heavy as a fur coat, they all made their way outside. As Yvonne had done on the first morning while she waited to give evidence, Cassie went off and returned with an armful of newspapers and magazines which she dropped on the bench between Roisin and Barbara. Yvonne lit a cigarette and watched the birds that seemed to inhabit the eaves of the old court building. Lauren moved over and sat next to her mother.
"Are you okay?" She asked. This being the most civil thing her daughter had said to her since Monday, Yvonne didn't waste it.
"I've got a really bad feeling about today," Said Yvonne quietly.
"That's just because you've got time on your hands to do nothing but stress," Replied Lauren.
"No, it's not," Said Yvonne, not able to take the worried expression off her face. "I don't know what it is. Something's just not right, that's all."
"Yes, your son's about to be sent to prison for a very long time, that's what's not right about today," Said Lauren, thinking her mother was finally going mad.
"It's a mum thing, Lauren," Said Karen, putting down the paper she'd been reading.
"Sounds like a mad thing to me," Replied Lauren, loathing any hint of communication she had to have with this woman who had insinuated her way in to Yvonne's life.
"I need to see him," Said Yvonne, finally voicing what she knew she somehow had to do.
"You'll be lucky," Said Lauren in disgust. "Mum, he's a defendant and you're a prosecution witness, they won't let you within shouting distance of him."
"Lauren," Yvonne insisted, "I've got to tell him I'm sorry."
"Mum, you've got nothing to be sorry for. Anything that's happened to Ritchie, he's brought on himself, not me, not you. Sure, he might have had some encouragement along the way from that tart Merriman plus others I could mention, but neither you nor I have done anything to push him in to this." When Lauren said the words, others I could mention, Karen jerked as if she'd been slapped. Cassie, who was sitting next to Karen, made as if to leap to her defence.
"Leave it," Karen said quietly, wanting to remain as much out of this argument as possible.
"Why not ask Jo Mills if you can see him," Suggested Barbara. "Anything's worth a try." Seeing that Jo had just emerged through the front doors, Yvonne went to meet her.
"Jo, have you got a minute?"
"All you want until the jury come back," Said Jo, looking for her cigarettes.
"I need to see Ritchie." Jo had retrieved her lighter and packet of Silk Cut and held them poised as she contemplated Yvonne's request. "I know it sounds ridiculous," continued Yvonne, "but I have a really bad feeling about all this, and there's things I need to say to Ritchie before it's too late." Jo returned her addiction to her pocket and said,
"I've got two sons of my own, so no, it doesn't sound ridiculous. I'm fairly sure the answer will be no, but I'll see what I can do." As Yvonne and Jo went inside, they encountered George on her way out.
"George," Said Jo, "This is Yvonne Atkins. Would it be possible for her to speak to her son?"
"Jo, you know the rules as well as I do. A defendant and a prosecution witness cannot interact under any circumstances."
"I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important," Said Yvonne. George gave Yvonne her full attention, seeing something in her face that told her this was important.
"There's the Deed," Said George, gesturing to John who was walking down the stairs. "Let's ask him." As the three women walked towards him, John smiled.
"Three beautiful women simultaneously wanting my attention," He said, "It must be my lucky day."
"John," Began George, "Yvonne Atkins wishes to see her son." John's expression became serious.
"Is there a good reason why I should allow this?" He asked. Jo was about to speak but John held up a hand. "I'm sure Mrs. Atkins can speak for herself."
"There's things Ritchie needs to hear from me, things I should have said a long time ago, and I think this might be my last chance to put things right."
"From what I've heard over the last fortnight," Said John, "You aren't the one who needs to make amends."
"Forgive me, Judge," Said Yvonne, looking him straight in the eye with no hint of apology, "When it comes to me and Ritchie, you don't know enough about the situation to make such an assumption." Jo and George simultaneously prepared for the thunder bolt they were sure was about to descend on Yvonne. No-one, especially not a witness, ever told John that he didn't know what he was talking about, however politely, and got away with it. But John surprised them both.
"Quite," He said. "Ms Channing, will you be so good as to ask Mr. Atkins if he will see his mother?" Then looking back at Yvonne he said, "I cannot grant your wish if Mr. Atkins refuses." Looking somewhat astounded, George walked off towards the area of the court where the cells were situated.
Five minutes later when she returned, George looked like she was the holder of words she didn't even want to know, let alone remember.
"He said no," She said to Yvonne. "I'm sorry." This was possibly the first time either John or Jo had heard George utter those two words and they both stared at her.
"What else did he say?" Asked Yvonne, somehow knowing there was more. George looked pained.
"I don't think you really want to hear it," She said, not wanting to be the one to tell Yvonne what her son had so cruelly said.
"Please."
"He said, tell her she ain't my mother, not since she chose to stand against one of her own." John winced and an expression of fury and sadness came over Jo's face.
"Thank you," Said Yvonne quietly, looking as if her world had ended.
Yvonne turned and swiftly retreated outside.
"What a total bastard!" Said George, her anger making her rich, clipped drawl more pronounced than usual.
"My thoughts exactly," Replied Jo. "I'd better go and see if she's all right."
As Yvonne moved rapidly towards the others, they could all see that something was very wrong.
"The car keys," She said to Lauren. "Can I have them?"
"What happened?" Asked Barbara.
"Lauren, please," Yvonne insisted.
"Mum, you're not having any car keys in this mood. Whatever he said, it's not worth getting yourself either pulled for speeding or killed."
"I just want to be on my own for a bit," Replied Yvonne, tears finally breaking the surface. "Is that too much to ask." Karen walked over to Yvonne and handed over her own car keys.
"Just be careful," Said Karen gently. Then, putting a hint of the stern parent voice in to her tone, she said, "I don't want to see a scratch on you or the car when you get back." Her lips quirking in to the briefest of smiles, Yvonne took the keys and moved towards Karen's green sports car. When Jo came outside to look for Yvonne, she saw her roaring out of the carpark in Karen's car. Karen walked over to her.
"What on Earth did Ritchie say to her?" She asked without preamble.
"I knew that was a bad idea," Said Jo. "I should have told her from the beginning that the answer was no." Jo gestured for Karen to follow her and they walked round to a side of the building where there was a stretch of lawn, also dotted with benches.
"What happened?" Asked Karen when they'd both sat down.
"Because of the usual rule about the irrevocable divide between prosecution and defence witnesses, we had to ask John's permission. He told George to see if Ritchie would speak to Yvonne. Let's just say he wasn't exactly enthusiastic about the idea."
"So, what made Yvonne drive off in my car on what is possibly the last journey of its life?" When JO told Karen exactly what Ritchie had said, angry tears rose to Karen's eyes.
"How could he?" She said.
"I don't know," Replied Jo.
"Prison seems to have done nothing but given him a cruel streak he certainly didn't have before. Do you know something, Yvonne once mentioned that Ritchie was turning in to the spitting image of his father and I didn't believe her. But I'm beginning to think she was right."
"You amaze me," Said Jo, looking at Karen in total astonishment. "You say that Ritchie Atkins has acquired his so-called cruel streak whilst on remand, but you seem to forget everything he did to you and his mother leading up to the fire."
"That was different," Replied Karen. Then, at Jo's disbelieving expression, she said, "I had an interesting chat with George yesterday. She said that Ritchie would never have done all that he did if it hadn't been for the constant insistence from Snowball, and I think she's right."
"She is his barrister don't forget," Said Jo a little scornfully.
"And she also told me something I needed to hear, so much as I know it's against everything you know to cut her any slack, she isn't all bad." Jo grinned sheepishly.
"It's hard to give George credit for being even remotely human," She said.
"So I gathered," Replied Karen. "Being opposite her in court must be difficult at times."
"It usually means more objections and a far more acrimonious cross-examination."
"Are you two talking about George?" Said John, walking across the grass. He was carrying a sandwich and a coffee and followed by the whippet Mimi.
"How did you guess?" Asked Jo with a smile.
"The words more objections and acrimonious cross-examination do tend to signify George." He sat down on the end of the bench next to Jo and balanced his coffee on his knee.
"whose is the dog?" Asked Karen.
"My daughter has a habit," Replied John, opening his sandwich. "Of unlawfully rescuing thoroughly untrained dogs from pharmaceutical laboratories and duping me in to looking after them."
"What he won't tell you," Put in Jo. "Is that they manage to totally wrap him round their little fingers so that when a home is found, he doesn't want to let go." Karen smiled. After first rolling in a pile of leaves and shaking herself, Mimi scampered over to John and sat looking up at him as he bit in to a roast beef sandwich.
"I ought to go and see if Yvonne's come back, and if my car's still in one piece," Said Karen, getting to her feet. As she walked away, John gave Jo a questioning glance.
"I think Yvonne just wanted a bit of space," Replied Jo.
As Karen walked round towards the carpark, she saw Yvonne driving back in, looking somewhat calmer than she had done earlier. As Yvonne got out of the car, she gave Karen a shaky smile.
"See," She said, handing her the keys. "Not a scratch on either of us."
"I'm glad to hear it," Replied Karen gently. "Jo told me what Ritchie said."
"If I'm honest," Said Yvonne, "It wasn't anything I didn't expect. It was just a shock to hear it, that's all." They moved in to each other's arms with an ease gradually being born of familiarity.
"You will get through this," Said Karen softly. "We both will."
At around three that afternoon, Jo was sitting with Karen and Yvonne and the rest. The tension was slowly rising, Yvonne and Lauren barely able to exchange a civil word. Jo didn't think any of them could handle having to wait over the entire weekend if the jury didn't come back today. When George appeared on the top step of the court, Jo could tell by the look on her face that the time had come.
"Jo," Called George. "The jury are back with a verdict." As they'd all heard George's announcement, they all moved as one towards the court. Once inside, Jo detached herself from the little group and moved towards the door by which the barristers entered. Just before they were about to go in to court, Jo and George seemed to reach for the door at the same time.
"Good luck," Jo said quietly.
"You too," Replied George. As they took their accustomed places at the prosecution and defense benches, neither Jo nor George could stay still. They simply stood, facing the Judge's bench ready for his return. When John sat down, the clerk of the court moved to stand in front of the jury box.
"Will the foreman please stand?" He asked. "On the charge of conspiracy to commit arson, do you find the defendant, Ritchie Atkins, guilty or not guilty?"
"Guilty."
"On the charge of assisting an offender, do you find Ritchie Atkins, guilty or not guilty?"
"Guilty."
"On the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm, do you find Ritchie Atkins, guilty or not guilty?"
"Guilty."
"On the charge of conspiracy to commit arson, do you find the defendant, Tracy Pilkinton, guilty or not guilty?"
"Guilty."
"On the charge of man slaughter, do you find the defendant Tracy Pilkinton, guilty or not guilty?"
"Guilty."
"On the charge of grievous bodily harm, do you find Tracy Pilkinton, guilty or not guilty?"
"Guilty." Throughout this, Yvonne had been gripping Karen's hand, suddenly needing to feel that someone else was physically there with her, seeing her son's fate mapped out before her eyes. Every member of the public gallery was utterly silent. As the clerk of the court retreated, John addressed the foreman of the jury.
"Do you have any recommendations you would wish me to hear?"
"Only one, My Lord," replied the foreman. "On the subject of Ritchie Atkins and the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm, we would advise a certain amount of leniency. Ritchie Atkins is currently paralysed from the waist down, with no hope of a recovery. The jury considers that to suffer this for the rest of his life, is perhaps a far harsher punishment than any custodial sentence that your worship may choose to impose."
"I note your recommendation and will give it due consideration. Thank you." Then John fixed his gaze on Ritchie.
"Mr. Atkins. Over the course of this trial, I have heard nothing but arrogance and insolence from you. You have shown a clear lack of respect both to your mother, and with regards to your relationship with Karen Betts. I have observed that when discussing the finer points of your relationship with Karen Betts, that you have achieved some sense of enjoyment in your continual degrading of her both as a woman and as a professional. I will be taking your attitude in to account when I pass sentence. You have been found guilty of three very serious crimes. The jury has made a recommendation for leniency where the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm is concerned, and I have listened to their reason for this. However, I also believe that justice must and will be served. For your part in conspiring to commit arson, I sentence you to four years. For the continual assistance of Ms Pilkinton, I sentence you to a further four years. Along with the jury's recommendation of your third and final conviction, I have one to add of my own. During the accounts given to this court by various witnesses, it has been established that you saved Karen Betts' life. This is perhaps the one and only noble act of your life, and it is one to be thankful for. On the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm, I therefore sentence you to two years. However, you may be thinking that with good behaviour you could be out in seven years. As a result of your attitude towards various prosecution witnesses together with a clear display of contempt for this court, you will serve the full ten years, before any hint of parole is discussed." Yvonne sat, with silent tears coursing down her face. Karen and Cassie, who were sat on either side of Yvonne, simultaneously put an arm round her. John adjusted his gaze to take in Snowball.
"Ms Pilkinton. Never, have I met such a scheming, conniving woman as you. Throughout this trial you have acted the parts of innocent northern girl and American porn movie star to fit whichever questions were placed before you. I suspect you have done that for much of your life. Well, your charade is to be no more. For your part in conspiring to commit arson, you will serve four years. For the needless, senseless man slaughter of Sharon Wiley, you will serve ten years. For the charge of grievous bodily harm, you will serve eight years. At the end of your twenty two year sentence, I shall personally ensure that you are returned to the United States in order to serve your punishment, whether that be a custodial sentence or death by the electric chair, for the crimes you committed over there. Take them down." Snowball was completely silent as she was led away, but Ritchie had one more parting comment.
"You can't do that," He shouted.
"I just did," Replied John. As the clerk called out, "All rise", John was briefly aware of the scowling faces of Sir Ian Rochester and Lawrence James in the public gallery. Yvonne dug in her handbag for a tissue and scrubbed her face. The six of them moved as one down the stairs, knowing that finally it was all over.
The only two left in the fast emptying court room, were Jo and George, each gathering together their papers. As a file slipped from George's hand, the contents flowing far and wide, George cursed, bringing Jo's attention on her.
"Are you okay?" Asked Jo, coming over to help George pick up the scattered papers. George looked up, and Jo was shocked to see that her face was completely devoid of colour. George simply said,
"I've got to tell Neil I failed."
On the Friday morning when they reconvened in the public gallery, Karen privately thought she'd seen enough of this place to last her a lifetime, and wondered how the Judge could stand it day in day out. They had adopted a way of sitting, with Lauren on the far left of the front row, and Roisin next to her. They would be followed usually by Cassie, Barbara, Yvonne and then Karen, with only the occasional alteration. It was an accepted arrangement that Karen and Lauren sat as far from each other as possible. A cease fire still hadn't been reached between Yvonne and Lauren on the subject of Karen, and Yvonne was all too aware that hostilities would resume with a vengeance after the trial was over. Karen took note that the two spineless-looking individuals that had been present yesterday had once again taken their places a couple of rows behind. When they all rose at the Judge's entrance, Karen thought that if this charade went on much longer, the whole cast of this farcical play might just take root.
"Ladies and gentlemen," John began as he looked at the jury. "In the words of Mr. Justice Roskill,in the Crown versus List 1996, it is my duty to ensure a fair trial. I consider that I have fulfilled this duty to the best of my ability. You have heard from two excellent opposing councils, both of which have presented to you a range of witnesses, whose testimonies you can either believe or disbelieve. Your task will not be an easy one. Both defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit arson, and you must decide whether either, both or neither of them is guilty of this crime. By extension of conspiracy to commit arson, and as a result of Sharon Wiley's death, Tracy Pilkinton, also referred to throughout this trial as Snowball Merriman, is charged with manslaughter. If your feeling is that she is not guilty of conspiracy to commit arson, then she must therefore by extension, not be guilty of the manslaughter of Sharon Wiley. Tracy Pilkinton is further charged with grievous bodily harm. In making your decision as to her guilt or innocence on this charge, you must decide whether her clear refusal to release the gun from her possession makes her guilty of this crime, or, if, because she did not intend to shoot her co-defendant, she is innocent. As well as being charged with conspiracy to commit arson, Ritchie Atkins is also charged with assisting an offender and with the unlawful possession of a firearm. You may consider that these charges are somewhat minor compared to those of his co-defendant, but I urge you to give them just as much time and examination. The unlawful possession of a firearm and that of assisting an offender, are extremely serious, but perhaps more so in this case. You may feel that the way in which Mr. Atkins assisted his offender led to the untimely and unnecessary death of Sharon Wiley. However, you may also decide otherwise. There are many judges who do not encourage their juries to give some thought to the possible sentence they might recommend should any defendant be found guilty. I am not one of those judges. If you have a sensible suggestion to make with regards to any outcome of your verdict, then I will give it due consideration. Last of all, as this case is a somewhat complex one, the verdict you give must be as a result of a unanimous vote. I will only consider allowing a verdict by majority vote if a protracted delay in deciding is encountered. Court is adjourned until such time as a verdict can be reached. Good luck."
As the weather was still sunny, though as heavy as a fur coat, they all made their way outside. As Yvonne had done on the first morning while she waited to give evidence, Cassie went off and returned with an armful of newspapers and magazines which she dropped on the bench between Roisin and Barbara. Yvonne lit a cigarette and watched the birds that seemed to inhabit the eaves of the old court building. Lauren moved over and sat next to her mother.
"Are you okay?" She asked. This being the most civil thing her daughter had said to her since Monday, Yvonne didn't waste it.
"I've got a really bad feeling about today," Said Yvonne quietly.
"That's just because you've got time on your hands to do nothing but stress," Replied Lauren.
"No, it's not," Said Yvonne, not able to take the worried expression off her face. "I don't know what it is. Something's just not right, that's all."
"Yes, your son's about to be sent to prison for a very long time, that's what's not right about today," Said Lauren, thinking her mother was finally going mad.
"It's a mum thing, Lauren," Said Karen, putting down the paper she'd been reading.
"Sounds like a mad thing to me," Replied Lauren, loathing any hint of communication she had to have with this woman who had insinuated her way in to Yvonne's life.
"I need to see him," Said Yvonne, finally voicing what she knew she somehow had to do.
"You'll be lucky," Said Lauren in disgust. "Mum, he's a defendant and you're a prosecution witness, they won't let you within shouting distance of him."
"Lauren," Yvonne insisted, "I've got to tell him I'm sorry."
"Mum, you've got nothing to be sorry for. Anything that's happened to Ritchie, he's brought on himself, not me, not you. Sure, he might have had some encouragement along the way from that tart Merriman plus others I could mention, but neither you nor I have done anything to push him in to this." When Lauren said the words, others I could mention, Karen jerked as if she'd been slapped. Cassie, who was sitting next to Karen, made as if to leap to her defence.
"Leave it," Karen said quietly, wanting to remain as much out of this argument as possible.
"Why not ask Jo Mills if you can see him," Suggested Barbara. "Anything's worth a try." Seeing that Jo had just emerged through the front doors, Yvonne went to meet her.
"Jo, have you got a minute?"
"All you want until the jury come back," Said Jo, looking for her cigarettes.
"I need to see Ritchie." Jo had retrieved her lighter and packet of Silk Cut and held them poised as she contemplated Yvonne's request. "I know it sounds ridiculous," continued Yvonne, "but I have a really bad feeling about all this, and there's things I need to say to Ritchie before it's too late." Jo returned her addiction to her pocket and said,
"I've got two sons of my own, so no, it doesn't sound ridiculous. I'm fairly sure the answer will be no, but I'll see what I can do." As Yvonne and Jo went inside, they encountered George on her way out.
"George," Said Jo, "This is Yvonne Atkins. Would it be possible for her to speak to her son?"
"Jo, you know the rules as well as I do. A defendant and a prosecution witness cannot interact under any circumstances."
"I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important," Said Yvonne. George gave Yvonne her full attention, seeing something in her face that told her this was important.
"There's the Deed," Said George, gesturing to John who was walking down the stairs. "Let's ask him." As the three women walked towards him, John smiled.
"Three beautiful women simultaneously wanting my attention," He said, "It must be my lucky day."
"John," Began George, "Yvonne Atkins wishes to see her son." John's expression became serious.
"Is there a good reason why I should allow this?" He asked. Jo was about to speak but John held up a hand. "I'm sure Mrs. Atkins can speak for herself."
"There's things Ritchie needs to hear from me, things I should have said a long time ago, and I think this might be my last chance to put things right."
"From what I've heard over the last fortnight," Said John, "You aren't the one who needs to make amends."
"Forgive me, Judge," Said Yvonne, looking him straight in the eye with no hint of apology, "When it comes to me and Ritchie, you don't know enough about the situation to make such an assumption." Jo and George simultaneously prepared for the thunder bolt they were sure was about to descend on Yvonne. No-one, especially not a witness, ever told John that he didn't know what he was talking about, however politely, and got away with it. But John surprised them both.
"Quite," He said. "Ms Channing, will you be so good as to ask Mr. Atkins if he will see his mother?" Then looking back at Yvonne he said, "I cannot grant your wish if Mr. Atkins refuses." Looking somewhat astounded, George walked off towards the area of the court where the cells were situated.
Five minutes later when she returned, George looked like she was the holder of words she didn't even want to know, let alone remember.
"He said no," She said to Yvonne. "I'm sorry." This was possibly the first time either John or Jo had heard George utter those two words and they both stared at her.
"What else did he say?" Asked Yvonne, somehow knowing there was more. George looked pained.
"I don't think you really want to hear it," She said, not wanting to be the one to tell Yvonne what her son had so cruelly said.
"Please."
"He said, tell her she ain't my mother, not since she chose to stand against one of her own." John winced and an expression of fury and sadness came over Jo's face.
"Thank you," Said Yvonne quietly, looking as if her world had ended.
Yvonne turned and swiftly retreated outside.
"What a total bastard!" Said George, her anger making her rich, clipped drawl more pronounced than usual.
"My thoughts exactly," Replied Jo. "I'd better go and see if she's all right."
As Yvonne moved rapidly towards the others, they could all see that something was very wrong.
"The car keys," She said to Lauren. "Can I have them?"
"What happened?" Asked Barbara.
"Lauren, please," Yvonne insisted.
"Mum, you're not having any car keys in this mood. Whatever he said, it's not worth getting yourself either pulled for speeding or killed."
"I just want to be on my own for a bit," Replied Yvonne, tears finally breaking the surface. "Is that too much to ask." Karen walked over to Yvonne and handed over her own car keys.
"Just be careful," Said Karen gently. Then, putting a hint of the stern parent voice in to her tone, she said, "I don't want to see a scratch on you or the car when you get back." Her lips quirking in to the briefest of smiles, Yvonne took the keys and moved towards Karen's green sports car. When Jo came outside to look for Yvonne, she saw her roaring out of the carpark in Karen's car. Karen walked over to her.
"What on Earth did Ritchie say to her?" She asked without preamble.
"I knew that was a bad idea," Said Jo. "I should have told her from the beginning that the answer was no." Jo gestured for Karen to follow her and they walked round to a side of the building where there was a stretch of lawn, also dotted with benches.
"What happened?" Asked Karen when they'd both sat down.
"Because of the usual rule about the irrevocable divide between prosecution and defence witnesses, we had to ask John's permission. He told George to see if Ritchie would speak to Yvonne. Let's just say he wasn't exactly enthusiastic about the idea."
"So, what made Yvonne drive off in my car on what is possibly the last journey of its life?" When JO told Karen exactly what Ritchie had said, angry tears rose to Karen's eyes.
"How could he?" She said.
"I don't know," Replied Jo.
"Prison seems to have done nothing but given him a cruel streak he certainly didn't have before. Do you know something, Yvonne once mentioned that Ritchie was turning in to the spitting image of his father and I didn't believe her. But I'm beginning to think she was right."
"You amaze me," Said Jo, looking at Karen in total astonishment. "You say that Ritchie Atkins has acquired his so-called cruel streak whilst on remand, but you seem to forget everything he did to you and his mother leading up to the fire."
"That was different," Replied Karen. Then, at Jo's disbelieving expression, she said, "I had an interesting chat with George yesterday. She said that Ritchie would never have done all that he did if it hadn't been for the constant insistence from Snowball, and I think she's right."
"She is his barrister don't forget," Said Jo a little scornfully.
"And she also told me something I needed to hear, so much as I know it's against everything you know to cut her any slack, she isn't all bad." Jo grinned sheepishly.
"It's hard to give George credit for being even remotely human," She said.
"So I gathered," Replied Karen. "Being opposite her in court must be difficult at times."
"It usually means more objections and a far more acrimonious cross-examination."
"Are you two talking about George?" Said John, walking across the grass. He was carrying a sandwich and a coffee and followed by the whippet Mimi.
"How did you guess?" Asked Jo with a smile.
"The words more objections and acrimonious cross-examination do tend to signify George." He sat down on the end of the bench next to Jo and balanced his coffee on his knee.
"whose is the dog?" Asked Karen.
"My daughter has a habit," Replied John, opening his sandwich. "Of unlawfully rescuing thoroughly untrained dogs from pharmaceutical laboratories and duping me in to looking after them."
"What he won't tell you," Put in Jo. "Is that they manage to totally wrap him round their little fingers so that when a home is found, he doesn't want to let go." Karen smiled. After first rolling in a pile of leaves and shaking herself, Mimi scampered over to John and sat looking up at him as he bit in to a roast beef sandwich.
"I ought to go and see if Yvonne's come back, and if my car's still in one piece," Said Karen, getting to her feet. As she walked away, John gave Jo a questioning glance.
"I think Yvonne just wanted a bit of space," Replied Jo.
As Karen walked round towards the carpark, she saw Yvonne driving back in, looking somewhat calmer than she had done earlier. As Yvonne got out of the car, she gave Karen a shaky smile.
"See," She said, handing her the keys. "Not a scratch on either of us."
"I'm glad to hear it," Replied Karen gently. "Jo told me what Ritchie said."
"If I'm honest," Said Yvonne, "It wasn't anything I didn't expect. It was just a shock to hear it, that's all." They moved in to each other's arms with an ease gradually being born of familiarity.
"You will get through this," Said Karen softly. "We both will."
At around three that afternoon, Jo was sitting with Karen and Yvonne and the rest. The tension was slowly rising, Yvonne and Lauren barely able to exchange a civil word. Jo didn't think any of them could handle having to wait over the entire weekend if the jury didn't come back today. When George appeared on the top step of the court, Jo could tell by the look on her face that the time had come.
"Jo," Called George. "The jury are back with a verdict." As they'd all heard George's announcement, they all moved as one towards the court. Once inside, Jo detached herself from the little group and moved towards the door by which the barristers entered. Just before they were about to go in to court, Jo and George seemed to reach for the door at the same time.
"Good luck," Jo said quietly.
"You too," Replied George. As they took their accustomed places at the prosecution and defense benches, neither Jo nor George could stay still. They simply stood, facing the Judge's bench ready for his return. When John sat down, the clerk of the court moved to stand in front of the jury box.
"Will the foreman please stand?" He asked. "On the charge of conspiracy to commit arson, do you find the defendant, Ritchie Atkins, guilty or not guilty?"
"Guilty."
"On the charge of assisting an offender, do you find Ritchie Atkins, guilty or not guilty?"
"Guilty."
"On the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm, do you find Ritchie Atkins, guilty or not guilty?"
"Guilty."
"On the charge of conspiracy to commit arson, do you find the defendant, Tracy Pilkinton, guilty or not guilty?"
"Guilty."
"On the charge of man slaughter, do you find the defendant Tracy Pilkinton, guilty or not guilty?"
"Guilty."
"On the charge of grievous bodily harm, do you find Tracy Pilkinton, guilty or not guilty?"
"Guilty." Throughout this, Yvonne had been gripping Karen's hand, suddenly needing to feel that someone else was physically there with her, seeing her son's fate mapped out before her eyes. Every member of the public gallery was utterly silent. As the clerk of the court retreated, John addressed the foreman of the jury.
"Do you have any recommendations you would wish me to hear?"
"Only one, My Lord," replied the foreman. "On the subject of Ritchie Atkins and the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm, we would advise a certain amount of leniency. Ritchie Atkins is currently paralysed from the waist down, with no hope of a recovery. The jury considers that to suffer this for the rest of his life, is perhaps a far harsher punishment than any custodial sentence that your worship may choose to impose."
"I note your recommendation and will give it due consideration. Thank you." Then John fixed his gaze on Ritchie.
"Mr. Atkins. Over the course of this trial, I have heard nothing but arrogance and insolence from you. You have shown a clear lack of respect both to your mother, and with regards to your relationship with Karen Betts. I have observed that when discussing the finer points of your relationship with Karen Betts, that you have achieved some sense of enjoyment in your continual degrading of her both as a woman and as a professional. I will be taking your attitude in to account when I pass sentence. You have been found guilty of three very serious crimes. The jury has made a recommendation for leniency where the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm is concerned, and I have listened to their reason for this. However, I also believe that justice must and will be served. For your part in conspiring to commit arson, I sentence you to four years. For the continual assistance of Ms Pilkinton, I sentence you to a further four years. Along with the jury's recommendation of your third and final conviction, I have one to add of my own. During the accounts given to this court by various witnesses, it has been established that you saved Karen Betts' life. This is perhaps the one and only noble act of your life, and it is one to be thankful for. On the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm, I therefore sentence you to two years. However, you may be thinking that with good behaviour you could be out in seven years. As a result of your attitude towards various prosecution witnesses together with a clear display of contempt for this court, you will serve the full ten years, before any hint of parole is discussed." Yvonne sat, with silent tears coursing down her face. Karen and Cassie, who were sat on either side of Yvonne, simultaneously put an arm round her. John adjusted his gaze to take in Snowball.
"Ms Pilkinton. Never, have I met such a scheming, conniving woman as you. Throughout this trial you have acted the parts of innocent northern girl and American porn movie star to fit whichever questions were placed before you. I suspect you have done that for much of your life. Well, your charade is to be no more. For your part in conspiring to commit arson, you will serve four years. For the needless, senseless man slaughter of Sharon Wiley, you will serve ten years. For the charge of grievous bodily harm, you will serve eight years. At the end of your twenty two year sentence, I shall personally ensure that you are returned to the United States in order to serve your punishment, whether that be a custodial sentence or death by the electric chair, for the crimes you committed over there. Take them down." Snowball was completely silent as she was led away, but Ritchie had one more parting comment.
"You can't do that," He shouted.
"I just did," Replied John. As the clerk called out, "All rise", John was briefly aware of the scowling faces of Sir Ian Rochester and Lawrence James in the public gallery. Yvonne dug in her handbag for a tissue and scrubbed her face. The six of them moved as one down the stairs, knowing that finally it was all over.
The only two left in the fast emptying court room, were Jo and George, each gathering together their papers. As a file slipped from George's hand, the contents flowing far and wide, George cursed, bringing Jo's attention on her.
"Are you okay?" Asked Jo, coming over to help George pick up the scattered papers. George looked up, and Jo was shocked to see that her face was completely devoid of colour. George simply said,
"I've got to tell Neil I failed."