The Dream - Part 3

Chapter 3

Perception and Reality

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 500m 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 infront 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 as I was about to enter the office I heard, “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 hand and dragged him out.

“What! Mrs. Wilson’s son has filed this case against her.” Andrew exclaimed. “Not only this, he and his wife threw her out after getting the property.” I said. “So what are you planning to do?” Andrew asked. “Well, Mrs Wilson doesn’t want the property so I am just going to make him agree for compromise and pay for Mrs Wilson’s expenses.” I replied. “Just stay with me and do what I said.” I continued.

The trial was at 10 AM. It was 8:45 AM by the time we reached Mrs Wilson’s house. Mrs Wilson’s son came out shouting as we knocked the door, “I told already that this time I won’t make a settlement and take back the charges, let her rot in jail, why the hell you are disturbing me, get lost.” He said and was about to shut the door on our face. I gave a signal to Andrew and he caught the door and I slipped in and by the time Mrs Wilson’s son turned to stop me Andrew came in too. “So what did you say you would let her rot in jail?” I raised my voice and said. “Do you think you would do as you wish and we would watch? Listen Mr, I know you tricked your mom and took over the entire property. You made her sign the documents just after her operation two year back when she was not in full consciousness. I have witnesses too who can prove it and turn those documents null and void. You would turn penniless in a day.” I continued. “Well, you are still supplying wine without license isn’t it? Andrew how many years for illegal toxicant supply?” I asked looking at Andrew. “5 years with a huge fine, sometimes it can be extended” Andrew coolly replied.

“Are you threatening me right now?” asked Mrs Wilson’s son. I turned to him and replied with a smile “No not at all, this is called settlement, mutual settlement.”

We rushed back towards the court. It was 9:50 AM. “It’s almost time.” Andrew said. “I know, Racheal would manage it.” I said. Trial started and Racheal requested for 15 minutes delay in trial. I asked her to take over till the time I reach as I was stuck in traffic. She started the defence. She started the case by reiterating all the facts presented by the prosecutor but making some or other mistakes. Prosecutor kept on correcting her but she didn’t pay any heed. Finally he raised his voice and said “Can’t you hear me?” “You are annoyed because I didn’t listen to you for last 10 minutes, just imagine my client was not heard for more than two years” She calmly said. Everyone was looking at her. She continued “A lady who has always helped the needy, comforted all who were deserted was living like a beggar from past 2 years. She not only lost her wealth but also her voice. Nobody would hear her mourning in that silence. No one to care, to feed, to understand. She asked for help to everyone but faced disappointment only. When hunger was out of control she stole a loaf of bread, when she was all drenched in rain water, she stole a car cover to hide herself as no one let her in and this time on such extreme cold night she found a shawl at the doorstep of a house took it to cover her. Don’t you think we as citizens missed somewhere that has led her do all this? Should she really be punished?”

“Well, we all sympathise with her, but law and order cannot be established based on sentiments. If we go on like this then every criminal will come with a sentimental story behind his act. That’s why I request my lord this case should be considered purely on law and not on sentiments.” Appealed prosecutor. “Well after listening to both the parties…”judge was about to declare the judgement. I rushed in and shouted “Wait a minute.” I shouted. I was almost out of breath. Everybody turned towards me. “My lord before you declare the judgement please have a look at this.” I moved towards Racheal handed her the case settlement papers. She looked at it and forwarded it to the judge. After looking at the letter judge said, “Mr James the victim has agreed for out of court settlement and wishes to withdraw the legal actions against her. So this case is dismissed.”

Mrs Wilson walked to me and cried in my arms. I felt glad. I and Steve went to drop Mrs Wilson at an Old age home. “You were great today!!” exclaimed Steve while we were returning. “I wished I would have realised before.” I said with a sigh. “Atleast, you did realise and saved her, that’s what is more important.” Steve said in a comforting tone. “Well I wish I could be like you, calm and full of warmth.” I said and looked at him. Our eyes were locked for a few seconds. Ahh!! I felt a little awkward. “Except your looks.” I said to make the atmosphere light. Well I also meant that he should change his style. “Is it that bad?” He asked. “Hmm, you look like a grandpa next door.” I replied and started to tease him.

I was so tired that I slept off as soon as I finished my dinner. I thought I can sleep well. But again I was tormented with my dream. This time it was day I walked down the alley but there was no one around. I reached the square. Somebody hit hard on my head from back and I fell unconscious. I woke up and found myself in a different place like the last time. It seemed like a hotel. There was a couple who were checking in. I went close to them. “Finally we are together after one year. It was such a pain.” said the lady. “Pain is all gone, it’s a new start. Forget everything.” The man said and kissed the lady’s forehead. I was right behind them so I couldn’t see their faces. They turned around and the women bumped into me. She turned to me saying sorry and I woke up.

What was that? That didn’t even make a sense. Was it a new clue?