Sarah Collins Testifies

The video continued to play. Theodore drove Oscar home, where Hannah met him downstairs. The video showed the couple together, ascending to the second floor. The remainder of the night was self-explanatory; Oscar remained at home.

The video ended.

Josh addressed the judge: "Your Honor, the video clearly shows my client's contact with Mary that night, but he did not harm her. He remained with his wife and did not leave the house."

Hannah pursed her lips, slightly embarrassed.

"In other words," Josh stated decisively, "the allegations of Mary Cooper's rape and murder are completely unrelated to my client."

The video's explicit content dispelled any doubt about Oscar's innocence. The rape and fraud accusations were baseless.

Hannah felt a surge of excitement, though she tried to conceal it. She glanced at Charles, whose confident demeanor had vanished, replaced by a darkening expression. His carefully laid plan had crumbled. She imagined his devastation, but knew this was only the beginning. Returning her attention to the court, Hannah watched as the judge, faced with irrefutable evidence, acquitted Oscar. He adjourned the trial for half an hour, then left with the jury.

In the gallery, murmurs of surprise rippled through the crowd. Loretta's face contorted with fury. She hissed in her son's ear, "What now?"

Charles looked dreadful. He turned, attempting to catch Martina's eye over Theodore's shoulder, hoping to discuss the situation and ensure the success of his remaining plans. However, Theodore met his gaze, offering an exaggeratedly wide smile. Charles clenched his teeth, unable to contain his agitation.

Half an hour later, the judge and jury returned.

Josh said, "Your Honor, before you pronounce judgment, I wish to address the prosecution."

The judge, having received news of Oscar's inevitable acquittal and needing to swiftly conclude the proceedings to avoid further complications, looked grim. Before he could refuse, Melvin interjected, "Defense, what is it?"

Josh addressed Melvin: "The prosecution insisted we provide evidence demonstrating who wronged my client. However..."

"I concur that this is the responsibility of the Investigation Department. We need not pursue this matter further." The implication was a clear warning against pushing the issue. The perception that the prosecutor and Melvin were aligned, with Melvin supporting the Collins family, was widespread.

Josh nodded. "Merely speculation for your consideration."

"Proceed."

"If my client is innocent, why did numerous City Hall officials, across various departments, unanimously declare his guilt? What influence was wielded to compel these individuals to make false statements? Is that not peculiar?"

Josh's words caused a commotion in the gallery. The audience, previously unaware, now felt a growing unease. Who was the mastermind behind this plot? How had they manipulated events?

Josh's statement was intended to draw further attention to the underlying conspiracy. Melvin remained silent.

Josh continued, "My client was drugged while dining with City Hall colleagues at a nightclub. This points to an insider. We lack specific identification, but we can infer the culprit possesses considerable influence, not just in River Town but Kensbury City as well. Identifying them shouldn't be difficult; only a few individuals in Northfield wield such power."

Melvin offered an ambiguous response: "We've noted your speculations and will consider them."

Josh smiled. "We believe Charles Sawyer is the prime suspect." The naming of Charles was deliberate, signaling Josh's intention to implicate him.

Melvin responded seriously, "Please refrain from slander without proof."

Josh showed great respect. "I merely wish to remind you that, absent concrete evidence, anyone could be a suspect."

"That's unnecessary," Melvin stated, his inherent dignity commanding respect.

Josh nodded. "No further questions, Your Honor."

The judge's expression softened. As he rose to deliver the verdict, a loud female voice rang out:

"I have proof!"

The judge, deeply offended by the interruption, looked aghast. As he prepared to order the bailiffs to remove her, the woman stated, "Your Honor, I am Sarah Collins, and I possess evidence supporting Charles Sawyer's guilt. I request permission to testify."

The gallery erupted in a cacophony of surprise. Sarah Collins, the Collins family's heiress and Charles's new wife, had unexpectedly appeared to testify against him. The irony was palpable.

The scene was more dramatic than any television show, everyone agreed. All eyes turned to Sarah, while Charles's composure finally shattered, his fury unconcealed. It had to be Hannah's doing, he thought. How could he have failed?