The Dream

Part V

Well I was more bothered about the case assigned to me. After such a great victory how can I fight for such a low profile case. “Why can’t I defend the murder case? You praised my review as well.” I argued. “Well I think you would do better in this case. And we are here for helping needy not for gaining fame aren’t we?” said Attorney Shin, not even giving a look at me. It’s driving me crazy. I sulkily moved back to my desk. “Attorney Kathy, do you need some water.” Asked Andrew, in a joking manner. I gave him a frown look and turned back to my desk. Racheal was not in today. She took an off. Well anyways from next Wednesday she won’t be here.

Nothing in the case to work upon. A 60 year old lady stole some clothes from the neighbourhood where she begs. She was accused for similar cases in last couple of years. It’s simply a case of addicted theft. If the plaintiff negotiates she would be free else this time she has to go to jail. Defendant Maria came in by 3:30 PM. While I was going to the meeting room to talk to her, Andrew handed me a bottle of water. After 15mins of conversation I realised why. She was partially disabled in hearing and was dumb. After half an hour of struggle I figured out a way to talk to her. I would shout out my questions and she would reply in writing. I looked like a zombie when I stepped out of the room after 3 hours. All three men in the office looked at me pitifully. No hope in the case, she is not ready to accept her wrong doing. Stubborn old lady.

The next day Steve has his first trial for the murder case. A 37 year old man killed a lady. All the evidences show that this lady was his wife. But the man denies the fact that this lady is his wife and he killed her. As per him somebody has kidnapped his wife and kept a dead body beside him. When he woke up in morning he saw that this lady was lying on his bed and he was holding a gun. The house was all upside-down as if there was a big fight that happened last night. God why him why I am not assigned this case? Why? Why? Why?

At the trial, nothing much happened. Both lawyers just presented their view of case and defendant asked for time to prove his innocence. Next trial was scheduled in 3 days. Steve already had done some investigation, but the lady described by Mr Liberman (the defendant) he couldn’t find any trace of her. They stayed in such a lonely place with no house in 50m radii. No one have seen both of them together as well. And it was just 13 months they got married. And people have seen Mr Liberman and the victim together. Quite complicated case, a man commits a murder of his wife, and he not only denies the fact that he has committed the crime but also states that the victim is actually not his wife. He has seen the victim quite a few times but didn’t knew her.

“Have you got the sketch of the lady he claims to be his wife?” I asked. “Yes, checked with the people nearby and the police records of citizens couldn’t find her.” Steve replied in a stressed manner. “Well go the other way round check the victims details, might be a possibility these two ladies know each other.” I said. “Hmm, Can be, would do it right away.” He said. “And check the bank transactions of Mr Liberman it might give some clue.” I said showing over excitement. “You really seem like an investigator.” Steve said with a complimenting tone. “I would be happy if you do some investigation on your case as well.” Growled Attorney Shin. “There is nothing to do in that case anyways, she is so stubborn. Not ready to acknowledge her fault. She will spend the remaining days of her life in jail. Good for her at least she won’t beg and steal.” I commented carelessly.

“Mind you tongue. Being a Public Defender how can you say such things? If you cannot understand her and feel responsible for her. You should not be a public defender. I thought you are like your father who would understand the untold, not only have an eye for truth but heart for needy. Who, sees beyond the evidences put forth. You have disgraced him today.” He shouted and left the office. I felt a slap on my face, so hard that I can’t even utter a word. “Don’t mind his words, he is concerned about that lady. A woman nowhere to go, nobody to look after took a shawl lying on the doorstep of a house at a windy night to cover herself. Should she be punished for that? Think about it.” Said Steve and walked out. I never thought it this way. I acted like a fool.

That evening I left a little early. I headed towards the lane where the lady Mrs Wilson begs. While I reached the lane I saw her standing in front of a small stall. She was staring at the price and the pennies left she had. 

How could I even think of ending her up in the jail? Idiot, super idiot. I walked to her. I hold her hand and took her to my place. I had few packed food stuffed in my fridge, I took them out and heated them. And offered her dinner. She hugged me and cried for about an hour. I didn’t had to struggle speaking to her that day. We chatted for 3 long hours. I gathered some very useful information from her. I felt little eased when I saw her sleeping peacefully. I knew now that what I have to do. I rewrote the entire case and also planned my next move.

Next morning, “Racheal I want you to take over Mrs Wilson case.” Said Attorney Shin. “No you can’t” I declared loud while opening the door with a bang. “You can’t take my case away unless my defendant ask to.” I said assertively looking in eyes of Attorney Shin. Everybody was surprised and were staring me. “Racheal can you do me a favour please? I might be little late for the trial. Can you put this request on my behalf?” I asked forwarding her the huge file for the case. She nodded in yes.

“My dear Andrew, I need your help.” I grabbed his neck and dragged him out.

...to be continued