“I was told not to look or concern myself with the contents, your Honor.”
“And did you obey?”
“No, your Honor. The package contained a pouch filled with small diamonds.”
Thomas smiled in relief.Thank God for human curiosity,he thought to himself.
Ian continued. “After a while, I was instructed by Mr. Higgs to place the package in Mrs. Stratton's belongings before making myself scarce. He said that his partner Diederick Voss would take care of the rest of the plan and that my services would no longer be needed. ”
“Lies!” Diederick jumped to his feet. “This man is lying!”
“Order, Mr. Voss, order! You will have your turn to address the court in due time. Now kindly return to your seat and control yourself.”
Diederick drew his lips into a nasty sneer and returned to his seat.
The judge turned back to Ian. “And what is it that made you change your mind, Mr. Summers?”
Ian let out a ragged breath. “Mr. Stratton tracked me down a few days ago. He showed me the light and made me see that Rosaline's fate rested in my hands. She's a good woman who doesn't deserve to go to prison for something that she did not do.”
The judge looked thoughtful for a moment. “You have confessed yourself, Mr. Summers, that you are not an honest man. Why should we believe you that Mr. Stratton did not approach you with a greater sum of money than that offered to you by your former employer?”
Diederick looked at Thomas and tilted his head back in a challenge that infuriated him.
Ian looked sheepish for a moment. “Forgive me for the crassness of this statement your Honor, but it is common knowledge that Thomas Stratton does not have more than two pennies to rub together owing to his gambling debts. He's poorer than a church mouse.”
Thomas smiled to himself as a quiet wave of giggles swept through the courtroom. For once his past mistakes seemed to be working in his favor. One of his father's favorite verses came to mind.(Romans 8:28) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.It was possible that God was using even his past mistakes to work things out.
The judge stifled a smile. “Thank you Mr. Summers.” He nodded towards Diederick. “You may now state your concerns, Mr. Voss.”
Diederick stood and straightened the gold cufflinks at the ends of his sleeves. “Thank you, your Honor. I would like to start by saying that whether or not this man's statement is true or not I cannot say. He does not work for me and any illegal activities performed by himself or Mr. Higgs have nothing to do with me or this case. It is entirely their own affair.”
Higgs paled as Diederick turned on him.
“And yet,” the judge commented, you, along with a man impersonating a Federal Marshal, a Mr. Andrew Perkins, abducted Mrs. Rosaline without a trial on the evidence of these stolen gems. Indeed, you and he first assaulted Sheriff Gideon and his wife before absconding with the accused.
“Well, I…” Voss stuttered. “Of course, I was not aware that he was impersonating a Federal Marshall. I was acting in good faith, and the Sheriff was attempting to stand in the way of justice! He attacked us first.”
Everyone gasped as they looked towards the Sherrif.
“That's not true your Honor!” Rosaline protested for the first time, jumping to her feet. “Gideons were just trying to protect me!”
The judge angrily banged his gavel. “One more outburst from anyone in this courtroom and I'll have everyone thrown in prison for contempt!”
Rosaline sat back down as tears spilled over her cheeks.
“Your Honor, if I may?” Ian spoke up when the courtroom settled back down.
“For heaven's sake you already had your turn Mr. Summers,” the judge said sternly.
“I do beg your pardon your Honor, but what I have to say is relevant to Mr. Voss’ relationship with the Marshall.”
The judge rolled his eyes. “Very well Mr. Summers, please continue.”
“I would have to see a picture of the man to be certain, but I am acquainted with an Andrew Perkins who was formerly employed by Mr. Diederick Voss. I only met the man once a few months ago when Mr. Voss came to call on Mr. Higgs. I spoke to him while the gentlemen were conducting their business. Andrew Perkins was nothing more than a hired criminal who worked for Mr. Voss.”
All of the heads in the courtroom turned to stare at Mr. Voss, who was currently squirming under the pressure. His face was turning a scarlet red.
“What do you have to say about these allegations Mr. Voss?” the judge asked.
