The Reunion

Chapter 6

THE TRIAL

The first day of the trial was a media circus and the judge, Judge Chilsom, had to warn everyone that he was prepared to adjourn the trial or hold it behind closed doors.

Chris was escorted from the prison van at the back entrance to the court. I made my way through the journalist scrum at the front. Cameras were thrust in my face, microphones shoved under my nose and questions came from every direction. But I totally ignored every single one. Most of these people didn't have a clue who I was and I was not prepared to inform them. In reality, I was an insignificant cog in the preceding. I was not a defence or a prosecution witness. I was taking notes for the group. Graham Longmuir was the only member who was being called to give evidence.

The first day was predictably dull and boring. The jury was selected and sworn in, the two sides gave their opening addresses and that was basically it. I went round to Graham's home straight after.

231

They all wanted an update even though there was not much to give them. They were recording a song for their new album.

'What did Chris look like?' Samantha asked. 'Did he look guilty?'

'I can't say he looked guilty,' I smiled. 'He looked nervous. But that's not really a surprise. He never looked towards the public gallery. He kept his face straight on his defence team. He, occasionally, appeared to gaze over at the jury once or twice. But, other than nerves, he showed no emotion at all. When are you being called to the court, Graham?'

'Thursday, at the moment,' Graham replied. 'They are calling the eyewitness first and then a forensic expert. They seem to think that will fill up two days. What is his defence councillor like?'

'Formidable,' I replied. 'She's not going to let anything lie. If she finds a little crack in the evidence, then she is going to delve deeper until that crack becomes a canyon.'

'Wow! That's made me feel a damn sight better,' replied Graham. And that was basically the court update for day one. They went back to recording their song. I quite enjoyed it. I listened as Graham and Gillian sang their vocals.

(Graham)

It's time for me

To leave

I've been here too long

232

And that's why it's

Going wrong

(Gillian)

We're drifting apart

We both tried

Hand on heart

But let's face it

It's over

(Both)

It's over

We didn't stay the distance

It's over

Don't stay in a trance

Let's not make a fuss

That's just not us

I think we realise

It's over

Graham took off his headphones. 'How's it sounding, Tony?' he asked. Tony was in the producer's studio. He shrugged his shoulders.