Page 74 of Traitors Gate

‘Yes, it was,’ said the witness defiantly.

‘Can you explain to the court, Mrs Dawson, how that request wasn’t part of the recording?’

‘I only switched on the tape recorder after Ross had agreed to my request.’

The murmurs that followed rather suggested Mrs Dawson had scored another point.

Grace turned the page and wondered if, even with the help of Booth Watson, the witness would have an equally convincing response to her next question.

She paused for a moment as she first looked at the judge, then the jury, before finally returning to the witness. ‘Mrs Dawson, do you really expect the court to believe that a police officer with twenty years’ experience, having been warned he was being recorded, would then have delivered a statement that could later be played back in court and would undoubtedly condemn him to a lengthy prison sentence?’

For the first time, Mrs Dawson didn’t have a prepared reply; she simply stared at her counsel.

Sir Julian felt the looks on the jurors’ faces rather suggested that doubt was entering their minds for the first time, butalthough Grace knew she had scored a point, she wasn’t convinced it was enough to win the battle. However, the questions she had prepared so meticulously for her father had come to an end, and she was about to say, ‘No more questions, m’Lady’ and sit down, when Clare came rushing back into the court, clearly anxious to share her latest news.

‘I wonder, m’Lady, if I might be allowed a moment to consult my instructing solicitor?’

‘Of course,’ said the judge, before Booth Watson could object.

Both Sir Julian and Grace listened carefully to what Clare had to say before leading counsel offered his opinion.

‘I repeat, it’s one hell of a risk,’ whispered Sir Julian, ‘and if it were to backfire it will give our opponents an advantage from which we may not recover.’

‘The sort of risk Booth Watson would be willing to take?’ suggested Grace.

‘Yes, but I wouldn’t,’ said Sir Julian, looking at the jury, ‘not while I’m ahead on points.’

‘I think I can knock her out,’ said Grace as she got back on her feet and, facing the judge, said, ‘I’m ready to continue my cross-examination of this witness, m’Lady.’

‘Are you also ready, Mrs Dawson?’ enquired the judge.

‘Yes,’ she said, not sounding quite as confident.

‘Can I ask you, Mrs Dawson, how much a senior sales assistant at M and S earns? A rough figure will suffice.’

‘Around eighteen thousand pounds a year.’

‘A decent enough wage, but I think you’d agree, Mrs Dawson, one that would keep you on a fairly tight budget, unless—’

‘Is this leading anywhere that’s vaguely associated with this case, Ms Warwick?’ asked the judge.

Patience, m’Lady, Grace wanted to say, but satisfied herself with ‘I am rather hoping so, m’Lady.’

‘Sooner rather than later, I would suggest.’

Grace took one more look at Clare’s notes before she turned her attention back to the witness. ‘Mrs Dawson, what time is it?’

If anyone was more surprised by the question than the judge, it was Sir Julian.

‘Eleven forty-three,’ said Mrs Dawson, glancing at her watch.

‘What is the make of the watch you are wearing?’

The witness looked unsure and the judge puzzled, while Booth Watson’s Buddha-like expression evaporated.

‘It’s a Cartier Tank watch,’ said Mrs Dawson.

Grace hesitated for a moment while she had second thoughts about taking the risk. Booth Watson would have … but not her father. She checked Clare’s notes once again.