Part Thirty Nine
When the court reconvened at two that afternoon, Jo just managed to beat Neumann Mason-Alan in rising to her feet. "My Lord," She said, addressing the bench. "There is a matter that requires your attention, and that should not be discussed in the hearing of the jury." "What is the basis of this matter, Mrs. Mills?" "My Lord, I wish to recall a witness." "Very well, Mrs. Mills, and as I am well aware of the extreme probability that this will turn in to nothing more than a verbal brawl, I think this discussion should take place in my chambers, behind closed doors. If everyone connected with this case would have the courtesy to remain within the vicinity of the court whilst this matter is being settled, I would be much obliged." As Jo and Neumann exited side by side, and made their way up to John's chambers, they stonily avoided each other's gaze, clearly ready to resume hostilities at the earliest possible moment.
In the gallery, Cassie said, "Oh, well, that's us let off the leash for a while." They all made their way downstairs, not entirely sure where to go next, the pub being out of bounds as it wasn't in the vicinity of the court. But before Karen could offer up any suggestion, she was approached by Marilyn. "Have you got a minute?" She asked, looking quite nervous. "I think we could do with a chat." "Yes, of course," Karen replied, knowing that this had to happen sooner or later. There was a cafeteria at the back of the court building on the ground floor, and they all made their way there, Karen and Marilyn splitting off to find a quiet corner. "Would you like a coffee or something?" Karen offered, trying to put off the inevitable for as long as possible. "No thanks," Marilyn replied, sounding as nervous as Karen felt. Sitting down, Karen reached for her cigarettes, and then remembered the policy excluding all addicts. "I've learnt more about Jim over the last ten days, than I ever did when I lived with him," Marilyn said, finally breaking the silence. Inwardly cursing her lack of nicotine, Karen said, "He was a very complicated man, one way and another." "The night he was stabbed, I knew it was Dockley," Marilyn continued. "I remember saying that to you when you phoned me, but I don't think you were in a fit state for taking it in." "Probably not," Karen agreed. "But how did you know who had stabbed him?" "Do you remember the time he got suspended because Dockley claimed he'd beaten her up?" "Yes, that wasn't long after I'd arrived at Larkhall." "He beat her up, because he found out she'd been writing anonymous letters and making phone calls to me. She had a mobile phone in her cell, and one day she phoned me, and left it on while her and Jim were..." Marilyn didn't seem to be able to find an adequate description for what Fenner and Dockley had been doing. "I think it was her way of proving her point." "Jesus Christ," Karen said in sympathy. "He somehow managed to get her to drop that allegation. I've got no idea how, but I know he did, possibly with the help of one of my other officers." "Sylvia Hollamby," Marilyn filled in. "She came to see Jim, and he asked her to smuggle in a letter for him." Karen's face grew suddenly angry. "It was a very long time ago," Marilyn said, trying to calm her down. "Besides, that wasn't the worst thing he ever did, was it." "No," Karen said quietly. It was only now hitting her that Marilyn would have heard every word of the evidence that had been cajoled out of various people, Lauren and Yvonne included. "I had absolutely no idea he'd done that to you," Marilyn said gently. "There's no reason why you would," Karen replied matter-of-factly. "He always did manage to cover his tracks a little too successfully." "I think his only redeeming feature was that he loved his children." "Yes," Karen said with a small smile. "He did." "I know that talking to me is probably the last thing you wanted to do," Marilyn said finally. "But I just needed to clear the air. I think I needed to finally put everything to do with Jim to rest, if that isn't the wrong word to use." "I wish it were that easy," Karen said, thinking that she would probably never be able to do this. "I know," Marilyn replied, feeling an intense wave of sympathy for Karen. "And there are some things about him that you probably won't ever forget. But after this trial, I need to move on, for the kids' sake more than anything else. I've tried to keep Tom away from what's happened, but he's twelve now, and I can't keep stopping him from reading the newspapers or seeing the news on the telly. I don't want my kids to grow up knowing their dad did all those terrible things. I can't ever condone what Lauren Atkins did, but having heard what I have during this trial, I know that if he hadn't been killed, he'd one day have done something bad enough to put him behind bars. If that had happened, my kids would have known just what an evil man their dad was, and I wouldn't have wanted that." Karen could all too easily see where Marilyn was coming from. She had her two young children to protect, and that was her primary concern. Karen just wondered how Marilyn would feel should Lauren be found not guilty.
When Jo and Neumann entered John's chambers, he was sitting behind his desk, mentally preparing for the battle, which would commence as soon as Coope left them to it. "So," Neumann asked when he and Jo had taken seats opposite each other. "Just which one of my witnesses do you want to recall, and why?" "Diane Barker," Jo replied without a pause. "Because I have since learnt an awful lot about her that I didn't know prior to questioning her." "I'm listening," Neumann prompted, knowing Jo of old, having worked in the same chambers as her for many years, and knowing that she would have a cast iron reason for doing this. "Diane Barker," Jo said slowly. "Very likely owed James Fenner a favour, which is why I think she might have made him out to be far more of a model officer than he ever was." She said these last few words with such loathing that Neumann blinked. Could everything that had been said about James Fenner, everything concerning Karen Betts, possibly be true? "How much actual proof do you have of this, Jo?" John asked, wondering just how Jo had come across these new facts. "Let me get her back into the witness box, and I'll give you all the proof you like," Jo said with total certainty. "Ah, but we need some proof in order to get that far," Neumann said smugly. "Oh, it wouldn't be the first time you've built a case on the flimsiest of evidence, now would it?" Jo said tartly, her professional hackles rising. "Let's try and keep this amicable, shall we," John said reasonably. "So, come on then, Jo," Neumann goaded. "Spill." "In Diane Barker's personnel file," Jo said, removing it from her briefcase. "There is logged a written warning, together with a transcript of the conversation that preceded this warning." Jo handed it over to John. After he'd perused it, he said, "First of all, where did you get this?" "Is that entirely relevant, My Lord," Jo asked, giving him his correct title because she knew she was treading on thin ice. "Surely the existence of such evidence is really the point, not how I managed to lay my hands on it. Shortly after this written warning was issued, Miss Barker's mother suffered a bad, fall, at home, one which James Fenner apparently helped her to deal with." Jo allowed the resulting silence to make her point for her. "If you're wrong," Neumann said quietly. "My witness will have you in court quicker than the police did your client." "Oh, I realise I'm taking a frightful risk," Jo said icily, giving him the same amount of contempt as he was giving her. "But I am prepared to take that risk in order to see justice done." "I will allow you to recall Diane Barker," John said slowly, feeling that he wasn't really part of this conversation. "But just be careful Jo." "So, what is it you want in return?" Jo asked Neumann smugly. "For Karen Betts to be called?" "How did you guess?" Neumann drawled, trying to cover up his surprise. "Oh, a little bird led me to believe that you wanted her on the stand, whatever it would take. Am I right?" Neumann couldn't prevent the clear evidence of shock appearing on his face, confirming George's suspicion of a few days ago. "I'd be very interested to know which little bird, gave you such sensitive information." "Oh, I'm sure you would," Jo said with complete satisfaction. "What evidence do you have for calling Karen Betts at this late stage?" John asked Neumann. "I'm surprised you need to ask, My Lord," Neumann said slightly scornfully. "So much has been said about her during this case, that her presence is absolutely vital if a complete picture of events is to be gained." Jo looked pensive. "Is calling Karen Betts absolutely necessary?" "Say no to my calling Karen Betts, and I will retract my permission for your calling Di Barker," Neumann said silkily. "Just what have you got up your sleeve?" She asked contemplatively. "Perhaps you should ask Karen Betts that," He replied defiantly. "Oh, I will, because I'm not going into this one as blind as I was with Di Barker." "That'll do," John said mildly, and then sat quiet for a moment, mulling over everything that had been said. Having read both Helen's transcript of the conversation she'd had with Di Barker, plus the report a social worker had written when it had been decided that Miss Barker's mother should spend the rest of her days in a nursing home, he really thought that Jo might just have something. As for what Neumann clearly had on Karen, he didn't like to contemplate. "I can't argue with you," He finally said. "But I would urge you also to be careful. I will not have witnesses intimidated in any way in my court, and from what I've seen out of you during this trial, I would be obliged if you would bear that in mind. So, Diane Barker and Karen Betts are to be called. Mr. Mason-Alan, I trust that you will contact Miss Barker, and Jo, will you do the same with Karen Betts, and inform her that she will not be permitted in the gallery until she has given evidence." As Neumann Mason-Alan left John's chambers, he reflected that it was astounding that he had received a fair hearing from this judge. John Deed was renowned for having an on-going relationship with Jo Mills, and maybe there really was some truth in that.
When Neumann had left and they were quite alone, John walked over to her. "You're going to have a battle on your hands," He said quietly, drawing her up out of the chair so he could kiss her. "Don't you think I've got that already?" Jo asked, leaning her cheek on his. "Make sure you find out from Karen exactly what Neumann might have on her. With her past it could be anything." Jo stood slightly back from him, looking cross. "Don't you think that's a little of the pot calling the kettle black?" "Okay, okay, but you know what I mean. Forewarned is forearmed, and that's what you need to be." "I'd better go and tell her what's happened." She moved back in to his arms, never able to get quite enough of kissing this man she'd known longer than she cared to remember. As of one mind they moved over to the sofa, sitting down with their arms around each other, mouths and hands taking up the familiar pursuit of passion. When John's hand came in to contact with Jo's breast, she said, "John, we shouldn't be doing this here." "Why not?" He said between kisses. "That argument took far less time than I thought it would." His hand moved to the buttons of her blouse, and when she felt his fingers against her skin, all thought of protest was gone. She hadn't been like this with John for a fortnight, and he wasn't the only one who could feel the need for fulfillment. He was caressing her through her bra, the silky material making his touch agonising though at the same time incredible, when there came a brief knock on the door, followed by the appearance of Coope. "Judge, the court officer wants to know..." She stopped when she saw the position John and Jo were in. "I'll come back in a while," She said, retreating and closing the door. "I said we shouldn't be doing this here," Jo insisted, moving out of his arms and doing her blouse back up. "I won't be able to look her in the face again." "You won't be the first," John said with a broad grin. "I don't doubt it," Jo replied curtly, still sitting next to him and straightening her clothes. "Help me think of something truly awful," John said, looking a little uncomfortable. "Why?" Jo asked, though thinking she could guess. Taking her hand, John placed it over the bulge in his trousers. Grinning broadly, Jo removed her hand and searched for a thought to help John out of his predicament. "How about Legover in a sarong?" "Yes, that'll do nicely," John said with a grimace. Jo leaned over to give him one last kiss. "Come over at about eight?" "I'll be there," He said, kissing her back.
When Jo had gone and Coope had returned, John said, "I'm sorry about that, Coope." "Oh, it's nothing I haven't seen before, Judge, but you were lucky it was only me." "Yes, I suppose we were. Please could you let the court officer know that we won't be resuming this afternoon?" "Of course, Judge."
When Jo left John's chambers, she walked down the stairs and towards the cafeteria, thinking that this was where everyone would be. Before she got there, she caught sight of the red haired officer who had been accompanying Lauren today. "Excuse me," She said, "Selena, isn't it?" "Yes," Selena replied. "Court won't be resuming this afternoon, so Lauren can be taken back to prison." "Okay. Thank you for telling me." Then Jo saw Karen and the others walking towards them. "Is everything all right?" Karen asked. "Court won't be resuming till the morning," Jo said. "And we need to talk." "That sounds ominous," Yvonne said, coming up to them. "You're being called as a witness," Jo said bluntly, her usual abundence of tact having temporarily left her. "Why?" Karen asked, feeling a sense of dread creeping over her. "Because I'm recalling Di Barker, and Neumann Mason-Alan used you as a bargaining tool, and this is not the place to discuss it." As they moved away from the others, Karen said, "If you're recalling Di Barker, would you like to get some background on her first?" "What would that involve?" "Come back to Larkhall with me, and I'll introduce you to Gina and Dominic. They can tell you far more about Di Barker than I can." "Then, yes, that would be useful. However, you are my most pressing concern. Neumann was far too smug about calling you as a witness. I think he's been itching to get you on the stand from the beginning. Is there anything, anything at all that I don't know about you that he might be able to use on you tomorrow?" Karen looked wary. "At first glance, no," She said matter-of-factly. "But then my past is almost as checkered as John's." When Jo faintly blushed, Karen asked, "Is that what John said as well?" "Something to that effect, yes." "Oh, don't worry, it's nothing I haven't heard before. I'll give your question some thought on the way to Larkhall."
When the court reconvened at two that afternoon, Jo just managed to beat Neumann Mason-Alan in rising to her feet. "My Lord," She said, addressing the bench. "There is a matter that requires your attention, and that should not be discussed in the hearing of the jury." "What is the basis of this matter, Mrs. Mills?" "My Lord, I wish to recall a witness." "Very well, Mrs. Mills, and as I am well aware of the extreme probability that this will turn in to nothing more than a verbal brawl, I think this discussion should take place in my chambers, behind closed doors. If everyone connected with this case would have the courtesy to remain within the vicinity of the court whilst this matter is being settled, I would be much obliged." As Jo and Neumann exited side by side, and made their way up to John's chambers, they stonily avoided each other's gaze, clearly ready to resume hostilities at the earliest possible moment.
In the gallery, Cassie said, "Oh, well, that's us let off the leash for a while." They all made their way downstairs, not entirely sure where to go next, the pub being out of bounds as it wasn't in the vicinity of the court. But before Karen could offer up any suggestion, she was approached by Marilyn. "Have you got a minute?" She asked, looking quite nervous. "I think we could do with a chat." "Yes, of course," Karen replied, knowing that this had to happen sooner or later. There was a cafeteria at the back of the court building on the ground floor, and they all made their way there, Karen and Marilyn splitting off to find a quiet corner. "Would you like a coffee or something?" Karen offered, trying to put off the inevitable for as long as possible. "No thanks," Marilyn replied, sounding as nervous as Karen felt. Sitting down, Karen reached for her cigarettes, and then remembered the policy excluding all addicts. "I've learnt more about Jim over the last ten days, than I ever did when I lived with him," Marilyn said, finally breaking the silence. Inwardly cursing her lack of nicotine, Karen said, "He was a very complicated man, one way and another." "The night he was stabbed, I knew it was Dockley," Marilyn continued. "I remember saying that to you when you phoned me, but I don't think you were in a fit state for taking it in." "Probably not," Karen agreed. "But how did you know who had stabbed him?" "Do you remember the time he got suspended because Dockley claimed he'd beaten her up?" "Yes, that wasn't long after I'd arrived at Larkhall." "He beat her up, because he found out she'd been writing anonymous letters and making phone calls to me. She had a mobile phone in her cell, and one day she phoned me, and left it on while her and Jim were..." Marilyn didn't seem to be able to find an adequate description for what Fenner and Dockley had been doing. "I think it was her way of proving her point." "Jesus Christ," Karen said in sympathy. "He somehow managed to get her to drop that allegation. I've got no idea how, but I know he did, possibly with the help of one of my other officers." "Sylvia Hollamby," Marilyn filled in. "She came to see Jim, and he asked her to smuggle in a letter for him." Karen's face grew suddenly angry. "It was a very long time ago," Marilyn said, trying to calm her down. "Besides, that wasn't the worst thing he ever did, was it." "No," Karen said quietly. It was only now hitting her that Marilyn would have heard every word of the evidence that had been cajoled out of various people, Lauren and Yvonne included. "I had absolutely no idea he'd done that to you," Marilyn said gently. "There's no reason why you would," Karen replied matter-of-factly. "He always did manage to cover his tracks a little too successfully." "I think his only redeeming feature was that he loved his children." "Yes," Karen said with a small smile. "He did." "I know that talking to me is probably the last thing you wanted to do," Marilyn said finally. "But I just needed to clear the air. I think I needed to finally put everything to do with Jim to rest, if that isn't the wrong word to use." "I wish it were that easy," Karen said, thinking that she would probably never be able to do this. "I know," Marilyn replied, feeling an intense wave of sympathy for Karen. "And there are some things about him that you probably won't ever forget. But after this trial, I need to move on, for the kids' sake more than anything else. I've tried to keep Tom away from what's happened, but he's twelve now, and I can't keep stopping him from reading the newspapers or seeing the news on the telly. I don't want my kids to grow up knowing their dad did all those terrible things. I can't ever condone what Lauren Atkins did, but having heard what I have during this trial, I know that if he hadn't been killed, he'd one day have done something bad enough to put him behind bars. If that had happened, my kids would have known just what an evil man their dad was, and I wouldn't have wanted that." Karen could all too easily see where Marilyn was coming from. She had her two young children to protect, and that was her primary concern. Karen just wondered how Marilyn would feel should Lauren be found not guilty.
When Jo and Neumann entered John's chambers, he was sitting behind his desk, mentally preparing for the battle, which would commence as soon as Coope left them to it. "So," Neumann asked when he and Jo had taken seats opposite each other. "Just which one of my witnesses do you want to recall, and why?" "Diane Barker," Jo replied without a pause. "Because I have since learnt an awful lot about her that I didn't know prior to questioning her." "I'm listening," Neumann prompted, knowing Jo of old, having worked in the same chambers as her for many years, and knowing that she would have a cast iron reason for doing this. "Diane Barker," Jo said slowly. "Very likely owed James Fenner a favour, which is why I think she might have made him out to be far more of a model officer than he ever was." She said these last few words with such loathing that Neumann blinked. Could everything that had been said about James Fenner, everything concerning Karen Betts, possibly be true? "How much actual proof do you have of this, Jo?" John asked, wondering just how Jo had come across these new facts. "Let me get her back into the witness box, and I'll give you all the proof you like," Jo said with total certainty. "Ah, but we need some proof in order to get that far," Neumann said smugly. "Oh, it wouldn't be the first time you've built a case on the flimsiest of evidence, now would it?" Jo said tartly, her professional hackles rising. "Let's try and keep this amicable, shall we," John said reasonably. "So, come on then, Jo," Neumann goaded. "Spill." "In Diane Barker's personnel file," Jo said, removing it from her briefcase. "There is logged a written warning, together with a transcript of the conversation that preceded this warning." Jo handed it over to John. After he'd perused it, he said, "First of all, where did you get this?" "Is that entirely relevant, My Lord," Jo asked, giving him his correct title because she knew she was treading on thin ice. "Surely the existence of such evidence is really the point, not how I managed to lay my hands on it. Shortly after this written warning was issued, Miss Barker's mother suffered a bad, fall, at home, one which James Fenner apparently helped her to deal with." Jo allowed the resulting silence to make her point for her. "If you're wrong," Neumann said quietly. "My witness will have you in court quicker than the police did your client." "Oh, I realise I'm taking a frightful risk," Jo said icily, giving him the same amount of contempt as he was giving her. "But I am prepared to take that risk in order to see justice done." "I will allow you to recall Diane Barker," John said slowly, feeling that he wasn't really part of this conversation. "But just be careful Jo." "So, what is it you want in return?" Jo asked Neumann smugly. "For Karen Betts to be called?" "How did you guess?" Neumann drawled, trying to cover up his surprise. "Oh, a little bird led me to believe that you wanted her on the stand, whatever it would take. Am I right?" Neumann couldn't prevent the clear evidence of shock appearing on his face, confirming George's suspicion of a few days ago. "I'd be very interested to know which little bird, gave you such sensitive information." "Oh, I'm sure you would," Jo said with complete satisfaction. "What evidence do you have for calling Karen Betts at this late stage?" John asked Neumann. "I'm surprised you need to ask, My Lord," Neumann said slightly scornfully. "So much has been said about her during this case, that her presence is absolutely vital if a complete picture of events is to be gained." Jo looked pensive. "Is calling Karen Betts absolutely necessary?" "Say no to my calling Karen Betts, and I will retract my permission for your calling Di Barker," Neumann said silkily. "Just what have you got up your sleeve?" She asked contemplatively. "Perhaps you should ask Karen Betts that," He replied defiantly. "Oh, I will, because I'm not going into this one as blind as I was with Di Barker." "That'll do," John said mildly, and then sat quiet for a moment, mulling over everything that had been said. Having read both Helen's transcript of the conversation she'd had with Di Barker, plus the report a social worker had written when it had been decided that Miss Barker's mother should spend the rest of her days in a nursing home, he really thought that Jo might just have something. As for what Neumann clearly had on Karen, he didn't like to contemplate. "I can't argue with you," He finally said. "But I would urge you also to be careful. I will not have witnesses intimidated in any way in my court, and from what I've seen out of you during this trial, I would be obliged if you would bear that in mind. So, Diane Barker and Karen Betts are to be called. Mr. Mason-Alan, I trust that you will contact Miss Barker, and Jo, will you do the same with Karen Betts, and inform her that she will not be permitted in the gallery until she has given evidence." As Neumann Mason-Alan left John's chambers, he reflected that it was astounding that he had received a fair hearing from this judge. John Deed was renowned for having an on-going relationship with Jo Mills, and maybe there really was some truth in that.
When Neumann had left and they were quite alone, John walked over to her. "You're going to have a battle on your hands," He said quietly, drawing her up out of the chair so he could kiss her. "Don't you think I've got that already?" Jo asked, leaning her cheek on his. "Make sure you find out from Karen exactly what Neumann might have on her. With her past it could be anything." Jo stood slightly back from him, looking cross. "Don't you think that's a little of the pot calling the kettle black?" "Okay, okay, but you know what I mean. Forewarned is forearmed, and that's what you need to be." "I'd better go and tell her what's happened." She moved back in to his arms, never able to get quite enough of kissing this man she'd known longer than she cared to remember. As of one mind they moved over to the sofa, sitting down with their arms around each other, mouths and hands taking up the familiar pursuit of passion. When John's hand came in to contact with Jo's breast, she said, "John, we shouldn't be doing this here." "Why not?" He said between kisses. "That argument took far less time than I thought it would." His hand moved to the buttons of her blouse, and when she felt his fingers against her skin, all thought of protest was gone. She hadn't been like this with John for a fortnight, and he wasn't the only one who could feel the need for fulfillment. He was caressing her through her bra, the silky material making his touch agonising though at the same time incredible, when there came a brief knock on the door, followed by the appearance of Coope. "Judge, the court officer wants to know..." She stopped when she saw the position John and Jo were in. "I'll come back in a while," She said, retreating and closing the door. "I said we shouldn't be doing this here," Jo insisted, moving out of his arms and doing her blouse back up. "I won't be able to look her in the face again." "You won't be the first," John said with a broad grin. "I don't doubt it," Jo replied curtly, still sitting next to him and straightening her clothes. "Help me think of something truly awful," John said, looking a little uncomfortable. "Why?" Jo asked, though thinking she could guess. Taking her hand, John placed it over the bulge in his trousers. Grinning broadly, Jo removed her hand and searched for a thought to help John out of his predicament. "How about Legover in a sarong?" "Yes, that'll do nicely," John said with a grimace. Jo leaned over to give him one last kiss. "Come over at about eight?" "I'll be there," He said, kissing her back.
When Jo had gone and Coope had returned, John said, "I'm sorry about that, Coope." "Oh, it's nothing I haven't seen before, Judge, but you were lucky it was only me." "Yes, I suppose we were. Please could you let the court officer know that we won't be resuming this afternoon?" "Of course, Judge."
When Jo left John's chambers, she walked down the stairs and towards the cafeteria, thinking that this was where everyone would be. Before she got there, she caught sight of the red haired officer who had been accompanying Lauren today. "Excuse me," She said, "Selena, isn't it?" "Yes," Selena replied. "Court won't be resuming this afternoon, so Lauren can be taken back to prison." "Okay. Thank you for telling me." Then Jo saw Karen and the others walking towards them. "Is everything all right?" Karen asked. "Court won't be resuming till the morning," Jo said. "And we need to talk." "That sounds ominous," Yvonne said, coming up to them. "You're being called as a witness," Jo said bluntly, her usual abundence of tact having temporarily left her. "Why?" Karen asked, feeling a sense of dread creeping over her. "Because I'm recalling Di Barker, and Neumann Mason-Alan used you as a bargaining tool, and this is not the place to discuss it." As they moved away from the others, Karen said, "If you're recalling Di Barker, would you like to get some background on her first?" "What would that involve?" "Come back to Larkhall with me, and I'll introduce you to Gina and Dominic. They can tell you far more about Di Barker than I can." "Then, yes, that would be useful. However, you are my most pressing concern. Neumann was far too smug about calling you as a witness. I think he's been itching to get you on the stand from the beginning. Is there anything, anything at all that I don't know about you that he might be able to use on you tomorrow?" Karen looked wary. "At first glance, no," She said matter-of-factly. "But then my past is almost as checkered as John's." When Jo faintly blushed, Karen asked, "Is that what John said as well?" "Something to that effect, yes." "Oh, don't worry, it's nothing I haven't heard before. I'll give your question some thought on the way to Larkhall."