“In that case, we will begin with the opening statement of the people of St. Marks, who are represented by Sir Winston Sutherland. Sir Winston?”

Sir Winston rose, smoothed his robes, adjusted his wig, shot his cuffs, cleared his throat, and began to speak.

Chapter
50

Sir Winston bowed to the bench, and his voice boomed over the courtroom, stentorian and didactic. He might have been instructing the jury without waiting for the judge to do so. “Gentlemen of the jury,” he began, though he was looking at the packed gallery rather than at the jurors, “we come here this day to avenge the death of a human being. Paul Manning was a gentleman in the prime of life who had made for himself a successful career, becoming famous and rich. He owned a large house; he owned an expensive yacht; he owned a life insurance policy with a death benefit of twelve million dollars. It was for this wealth that he was murdered by his wife.” He gestured dramatically at Allison in the dock.

“You might not think that she looks the part of the murderess, being demure in appearance, but we will show today how she took the life of her husband, how she cruelly and heartlessly consigned him to the depths of the ocean and watched him die as his yacht sailed away from him. You will hear Paul Manning speak from the grave,” he intoned, and the apprentice shoemaker’s eyes became large and round. “His words recorded in his own handwriting.” He held up the leather-bound diary, and the juror looked relieved.

“You will hear how she plotted his death over many months, biding her time until the moment came when he was helpless, and then she took his life.” He paused and looked witheringly at Allison, as though his eyes were sufficient to punish her. Allison returned his gaze and shook her head slowly.

Good girl, Stone thought.

“When you have heard the evidence against Allison Manning,” Sutherland continued, “you will reach the only verdict that the evidence will permit: you will find her guilty of willful and deliberate murder.” Sir Winston bowed to the bench and sat down.

The judge turned toward the defense table. “Sir Leslie Hewitt will make the opening statement for the defense,” he said.

Stone turned and looked at Hewitt. The little man appeared to be dozing. “Leslie!” Stone whispered sharply.

Hewitt’s eyes popped open. “Eh?”

“Do you want me to give the opening statement?”