Page 69 of Traitors Gate

‘Was the trial still in progress?’

‘Yes, it was. It had been going for a couple of days, and although it was drawing to a close he still didn’t raise the subject that night.’

Sir Julian wrote down the words ‘DATES/TIME/PLACE’ on a yellow sticky note which he passed back to Clare, who immediately began tapping away on her laptop.

‘I’m sorry to have to ask you this, Mrs Dawson, but during this time did you sleep with the defendant?’

Every eye in the court was now fixed on Mrs Dawson.

The witness hesitated for the first time and, in what looked to Sir Julian like a well-rehearsed gesture, bowed her head and said quietly, ‘Yes, I did.’ She paused again. ‘At the time I was going through a rough patch in my marriage, which I’m pleased to say is now behind us.’

‘I’m happy to hear that,’ said Booth Watson.

‘Tread carefully, Mr Booth Watson,’ said the judge sharply, while Sir Julian was already on his feet.

Booth Watson bowed, but the look on his face didn’t suggest contrition. ‘And did you see the defendant again after spending Friday evening with him?’

‘Yes, I did. I joined him again on Sunday evening.’

‘The night before the verdict was reached?’

‘Yes,’ said Mrs Dawson, bowing her head.

‘And was it then that he tried to influence your decision?’

‘Not directly, but he did tell me something about the defendant that I now realize caused me to change my mind before I reached a final decision the following morning.’

‘And what was that?’

‘He told me that the defendant was a known criminal and had a record as long as his arm.’

Booth Watson waited for the raised whispers to subside before he moved on to his next question. ‘For the record, Mrs Dawson, what was the jury’s verdict?’

Mrs Dawson looked up at the judge and said, ‘Guilty.’

‘She’s remembered her lines well,’ said Julian, loud enough for Booth Watson to hear.

‘Did you say something, Sir Julian?’ enquired the judge.

‘Simply complimenting my learned friend on how well he’s conducting his case,’ said Sir Julian, barely rising from his place.

‘In future, Sir Julian, you will keep your opinions to yourself. Please continue, Mr Booth Watson.’

‘Thank you, m’Lady. Can I ask you, Mrs Dawson, how you would have cast your vote, if you had not been made aware that the defendant had a record as long as his arm?’ said Booth Watson, his eyes never leaving the jury.

‘He’s at it again,’ said Sir Julian, barely able to control himself.

‘Sir Julian, you’re beginning to try my patience.’

Julian half rose again but barely managed a bow.

‘Don’t allow my learned friend to prevent you telling us what happened while the trial was still taking place, Mrs Dawson,’ purred Booth Watson as he turned back to face the witness, giving her another reassuring smile.

‘To tell the truth,’ said Mrs Dawson, ‘up until that moment I hadn’t made up my mind which way I would vote, but I confess I did allow Inspector Hogan’s words to influence me.’

‘Word-perfect,’ whispered Julian under his breath, but the accompanying background noise meant the judge failed to pick up the remark.

‘And after the trial was over,’ said Booth Watson once a semblance of order had been restored, ‘did you continue to have a relationship with the defendant?’

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