The courtroom was silent. No one dared breathe. Even Judge Bowden for once was attentive. What had she seen?
“And what was it you saw, Mrs Deverett?”
Harvey Wilson knew what was coming as did Rachel Black but the jurors and Judge Bowden leaned forward, not wishing to miss a word.
“One wall was lined with mannequins, and against the far wall, a small table stood underneath a mirror. The mirror had small lights round the edging. You know? Like the ones you see in theatres. It was a makeup table.”
“And the mannequins?”
“Clothed in dresses. Ball gowns mostly. And on shelves behind them a lot of wigs. All lined up.”
“Your husband was a member of the local theatre Mrs Deverett.”
“No. He was a cross dresser. He was a transvestite. But I would like to add, a classy transvestite. The clothes were of the finest quality. It seemed that even in the most perverse of states, Robert was unwavering in taste and quality. He had always worn Italian suits and Italian shoes. Always an immaculate dresser so it was reasonable that when he dressed as a woman he would dress in the finest.”
Ruth shrugged.
“I was disappointed of course. Not because he was a transvestite but because I recognized the clothes. They were gowns I had selected when Robert had taken me shopping. I, myself, had never had such finery. Robert told me I had a good eye but lacked the ability to fully appreciate such quality workmanship. To buy these gowns for me would be wasting money.”
Wilson picked up a paper from his table. Gave it a quick scan.
“What happened next, Mrs Deveret?”He asked without looking up.
“I heard noises. At first I ignored them, but the strangeness of them piqued my curiosity.”
“What kind of noises?”
“It was like a bird had got trapped in the house and was trying to escape. That kind of noise.”
“Where were the noises coming from?”
I followed them back to the lounge.”
“With the poker in your hand?” Wilson asked.
“No. I had no use for it anymore.”
“And what did you see when you got to the lounge?”
“Robert was involved in hanging himself. He had put the long power cable from the television over a beam. The television didn’t work anymore, so there was no need for the cable. Anyway he had stood on a chair, put the noose around his neck and kicked the chair away. His legs were kicking wildly. Jerking I suppose you’d say. And he made terrible gurgling sounds.”
“Did you make any attempt to cut him down? Did you call the police or a neighbor?”
“Oh no. I couldn’t have done that. Robert didn’t like it when I interfered with his activities but I did get a mop. Robert was urinating over the carpet and I had to keep the house clean. Robert would be upset if I hadn’t.”
Judge Bowden shook his head. He had heard enough. This bitch had driven her husband to commit suicide. If she had left the relationship, this tragedy would never have happened. The woman’s husband was a member of parliament for goodness sakes. She would have known this would ruin him. There is no excuse. She is in the wrong and he is going to see to it she pays the price society demands.
“Your Honour.” Rachel Black was on her feet. “This trial has gone on too long and the Prosecutor has produced no evidence other than Mrs Deverett was in a diminished capacity in all matters pertaining to her husband. She is obviously not responsible for her actions. The available evidence establishes only one incontestable fact. From deepest shame Robert Deverett took his own life. I ask that all charges against Ruth Deverett be dismissed. Mrs Deverett needs counseling not a courtroom.”
Bowden looked at Harvey Wilson. He was not objecting to the request. He had his head down. Fiddling with papers. Wilson had always been weak. Bowdon had never liked him. He looked at his watch. He had a party to get to and he couldn’t be late. He would delay the ruling and try to talk sense into Wilson in the morning.
“Court is adjourned until tomorrow.”
“Your honour.”
“Tomorrow, Ms. Black.”
* * *
Judge Bowden stood, and the rest of the courtroom stayed on their feet until he had left. Harvey Wilson looked across to Rachel Black and nodded. The unsaid message was clear. He would not object to the case being thrown out.