Page 71 of Traitors Gate

‘You can be fairly sure BW will have anticipated most of your questions,’ said Clare, trying to keep them both on track. ‘So don’t be surprised if Mrs Dawson already has all her answers off-pat.’

‘Has no one ever told BW it’s against the law to rehearse your client until they’re word-perfect?’ said Sir Julian, unable to hide his anger.

‘Losing your temper won’t help,’ said Grace.

‘Is this my junior speaking, or my daughter?’

‘Both,’ said Grace firmly.

‘Have you noticed,’ said Clare, ‘that former Superintendent Lamont is seated at the back of the court making notes?’

‘Which only confirms who’s paying Booth Watson’s exorbitant fees,’ said Grace.

‘Why am I not surprised,’ said Sir Julian as the judge re-entered the court and everyone fell silent, rose and bowed.

She returned the compliment. ‘Are you ready to begin your cross-examination of this witness, Sir Julian?’

‘I most certainly am, m’Lady,’ said defence counsel as he waited for Mrs Dawson to return to the witness box.

Sir Julian adjusted his wig, tugged at the lapels of his gown and stared across at the witness before asking his first question. ‘Mrs Dawson, you told the court you met Inspector Hogan while you were a member of the jury at a trial where he was giving evidence.’

‘That is correct,’ said Mrs Dawson confidently.

‘But that trial only lasted for three days,’ said Sir Julian, checking Grace’s notes.

‘Three days in court, but that doesn’t include the weekend– Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday, before we reached our verdict on the Monday morning.’

‘I would suggest you met for the first and last time on the day Inspector Hogan gave evidence.’

‘I’m sure you would, Sir Julian. But how could you possibly know when you weren’t there?’ This produced the odd snigger from an attentive audience.

Grace placed an X against the first question she had prepared for her leader the night before.

‘You also told the court,’ continued Sir Julian, trying to recover, ‘that my client only discussed the case with you on one occasion.’

‘That is also correct.’

‘I would suggest that discussion was instigated by you, and didn’t take place until the trial was over, and lasted for less than a minute.’

‘You can suggest what you like, Sir Julian. But when Ross delivered the sentence I’m not allowed to repeat, I can assure you it was the night before the jury retired to consider their verdict. What you might call “pillow talk”, but he knew exactly what he was saying and how vulnerable I was at the time.’

Grace took one look at the jury and placed another X against that question.

‘Where did this liaison take place?’ asked Sir Julian.

‘At his flat,’ came back her immediate reply.

‘Which is where, exactly?’

‘St Catherine’s Mews, SW3 2PX.’

‘You even know the postcode?’ said Sir Julian, not attempting to hide the sarcasm.

‘You did say “exactly”, Sir Julian,’ the witness reminded him.

While others laughed, Booth Watson allowed himself a smirk.

Sir Julian changed tack. ‘Would it be fair to describe you as a woman scorned,’ he paused, ‘who is now seeking revenge?’