She would have her work cut out. And Fox knew very well, from his reading of the disclosure documents, that some of the evidence against Gready was extremely damning. Therein lay the big difference between having a jury trial and not. Judges wanted facts; juries wanted to listen to stories. Winning or losing a case was in large part a question of who told the jury the best story, the prosecution counsel or the defence. They could not take the risk of this trial ending up in front of a judge, solo. Absolute care was needed. And he had found generally throughout his career that if you wanted someone silent, the next best thing to killing them was to frighten them – frighten them like they’d never known fear before.

When they had finished identifying the potential problem jurors, Nick Fox next looked at the witnesses who would be presenting evidence for the prosecution. Several would be a problem. There were a number of ‘expert witnesses’ – people with the credentials to be an acknowledged authority in their field. He had read all of their statements. And the facts supporting them.

And the witness they were about to hear was going to be Meg Magellan’s first big challenge.

49

Tuesday 14 May

The judge entered and everyone remained standing until he was seated. Then Stephen Cork stood, his collar and bands looking freshly laundered and crisply white against the black of his gown. He was a picture of elegance. The jury entered the court and took their seats.

‘Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, yesterday I outlined the Crown case to you in broad terms. I will remind you of one key fact, which is that the defendant, Terence Gready, has strenuously denied knowing – or indeed ever in his life meeting – a gentleman by the name of Michael Starr. I will remind you also that Michael Starr was the driver of the vehicle and trailer transporting the fake Ferrari car in which was found six million pounds’ worth of the Class-A drug, cocaine. Please do remember this very important thing. Terence Gready has denied ever meeting Mr Starr.’

Cork engaged friendly eye contact with members of the jury, before continuing. ‘It is now my task to bring out the evidence for you to consider. Can we please call my first witness, Ray Parker.’

An usher brought in a man in his sixties, holding a thick folder.

Meg watched him with interest, thinking he looked uncomfortable in his suit and white shirt. His tie was too short, as were his trousers. He looked like a man who had dressed up for the occasion because he felt he ought to but would have been happier in jeans and a T-shirt.

‘Please say your name,’ asked the clerk.

He said loudly, but falteringly, ‘Raymond Parker.’

‘Will you take the oath or an affirmation?’