LAW SHADOWS

CHAPTER 12

Edward's POV

Recess had ended, and finally, the doctor with the autopsy results had arrived. This case was already confusing enough, and now it seemed I'd have to start looking in two directions. Mom, looked uneasy, but she insisted she could finish the case. I could see the strain, but I knew her well enough to trust she wouldn't back down.

"I'd like to call Dr. Fred to the stand to present the autopsy results," Mom announced, her voice steady despite everything.

Dr. Fred approached the stand, submitted the report, swore in, and took a seat.

"Doctor Fred, please explain the findings in the report," she asked, the tension in the room palpable.

"Mr. Williams was indeed murdered," the doctor began. "He was drugged with a rare and potent poison known as Succimer"

My breath caught in my throat. For a moment, I couldn't speak. It felt like a heavy weight had dropped onto my chest, squeezing the air from my lungs. I glanced at Mom—and saw her eyes glistening with unshed tears. But, ever composed, she wiped them away swiftly and continued.

"What else?" she asked, her voice stronger than I expected.

"This drug is extremely rare and very expensive," Dr. Fred explained. "Only someone with strong connections could have acquired it."

"So," she continued, "does the drug take effect immediately, or is there a delay?"

"No, it acts after about four to five minutes."

"So," she mused, "he was given the drug and likely couldn't escape because he was already weakened. That makes sense now."

"Yes," Dr. Fred confirmed.

I felt myself gaining composure and asked, "Was there anything else found?"

"No," the doctor replied. "There was no sign of a struggle. He was killed by the drug and the fire."

"Thank you. That's all." The judge-Mom concluded.

I sank into my seat, feeling weak. Every fiber of my being was exhausted, like I'd been physically beaten. Before the judge could dismiss us, a police officer raised his hand.

"I have a confession," the officer said, his voice breaking the tense silence. The courtroom filled with whispers as everyone reacted, stunned. What now?

"You may approach the stand," the judge allowed.

The officer walked to the front, swore in, and began, "I'm the officer who was in charge of the investigation into the servant girl who committed suicide—the one who worked for Mr. Anderson."

The judge nodded. "Go on."

"When we were searching Mr. Anderson's house, we found a drug... similar to the one Dr. Fred mentioned was found in Mr. Williams' system."

Whispers erupted again. My mind raced. Was this case turning back toward Mr. Anderson?

The judge raised her hand, silencing the murmurs. Her expression was firm as she addressed the court. "Given the new testimony, we will adjourn for today. The court will reconvene tomorrow, where a final decision will be made. Until then, all parties are excused."

With the judge's words, the tension in the courtroom only seemed to rise, but for now, there was nothing more we could do but wait for tomorrow.

I could see how frustrated Amelia was, she gathered her things and left with Dan.

"I'll wait for your mom; you should go, dear." Dad's voice cut through my thoughts as I gathered my things. I was still shaken, trying to piece everything together and make the right decision. I nodded and walked toward my car, needing space to think.