Love don't live here anymore

The Final Chapter:

'Take your seats ladies and gentleman this hearing is  now in progress.'

The judge addressed the prosecutor, 'Counselor, you wish this case of illegal diamond trading to be tried in South Africa?'

'Yes, Your Honour, and the State wishes to call Ms. Samantha St. Claire.'

'State your name and full title for the record,' the Clerk of the Court instructed.

'Samantha St. Claire. Senior Superintendent. National Prosecutions Service.'

The Prosecutor addressed Samantha.  'Senior Superintendent, the criminal organization in question are operating offices in South Africa, why are you refusing to open a case against them?'

Her eyes narrowed. Silently, she reminded herself, she was on the witness stand. 'The crime was not committed by that company in our country,' she glanced briefly at Blake, who was in a seat two rows behind where she had sat.

'You conclusively investigate a company who deals in illegal diamonds, who has ties in our country, and you claim not to have grounds to try them!'

Samantha inhaled heavily before she glared at the Prosecutor for his stupid question.

'I am sure you are fully aware,' she hissed, 'that that organization's domicillium citande et is registered with a London address. And I am also sure you are aware that the crime took place in London.'

Samantha could have sworn a smile had appeared on Blake face, before it quickly disappeared.

I am glad you have something to smile about.

'Senior Superintendent is there a conflict of interest you wish to declare before this court in failing your duty to your country?'

Conflict of Interest! Here we go again.

Samantha was seething when she yelled at the Prosecutor, "failing to do my duty?" 'May I remind you counselor, I was the investigator, who traveled to London, infiltrated the criminal organization and arrested the criminals! Perhaps you want to submit your exhibit before this court to back up your misguided insinuations,' she challenged.

'Ms. St. Claire MAY I REMIND YOU, this is my court room!' the judge declared.

Then do your bloody job!

Samantha lowered her head, silently counting to ten.

'Counselor, Ms. St. Claire is a state witness why are you badgering her as if she is on trial?'

THANK YOU.

The Prosecutor had the grace to squirm. Somebody had put a bee in his bonnet.

'Ms St. Claire what is your advice to this court?' the judge inquired.

'Your Honour, the criminals operate out of London. The crime was committed in London. The illegal diamonds in question did not originate from South Africa. We have no jurisdiction,' she glared at the Prosecutor.

'Ms. St. Claire, do we need to hear one Mr. Blake Tresscott, who has been subpoenaed?' the judge inquired.

Samantha dragged her eyes to Blake. 'No. Not unless he is able to dispute my claim of the origin of the diamonds in question,' Samantha stated, her eyes locked with Blake's, but his face gave nothing away.

'Will Mr. Blake Tresscott stand,' the judge looked around the room.

Blake stood up, acknowledging the judge.

'You wish to dispute any of the evidence, or make any statements?' the judge inquired.

'No Your Honour,' Blake spoke firmly.