Beyond the Sinister (COMPLETE)

XXVI. controlling the truth

Today's the trial.

Due to Zachary's fame in Avebury, almost everyone, especially the elites attended the trial, all flaunting their own extravaganza.

Zachary sat on the front row together with his appointed lawyer and Seraphina.

All throughout the trial, all while Zachary was questioned in front, Seraphina's heartbeat so fast, her palms sweaty, beads of sweat rolling down on her temple.

Seraphina looked behind her, there she saw Aunt Veronica, dressed in a cream gown, giving her and her godson an encouraging smile but Seraphina knew her aunt was nervous.

Who wouldn't be? Almost everyone here knows Zachary is guilty. With all the malicious deaths near his manor and now this? No doubt he is guilty.

In fact, they're only here to simply witness the so-called-golden-boy's downfall. Not that they loathe the poor man, they are merely curious and excited for some drama or two.

However, of course, they pity the painter. First, he lost his father in a tragic accident on the ship. Next, his mother and his brother died of the same illness.

Despite her plan, Seraphina is still nervous. At the back of her mind, she repeatedly recited her prayer, begging God that everything will go well according to her plan.

Seraphina's fingers are intertwined with Zachary's fingers, their hands both cold. When the judge, a man in his seventies, ordered Zachary to stand up and take a seat in the front, Seraphina's heart began to race, never letting his hand go.

It got to the point where all the people inside the court including the judge judgingly stared at her.

With that, she forced herself to let his hand go, all before Zachary squeezed her hand, mouthing the words, "Everything will be okay,"

All Seraphina could ever do is nod as she watched him go to the front, as the authorities questioned him.

Throughout the questioning, Zachary dared not to say a word. Not even a single syllable. He simply sat there, staring back at those who questioned him.

There were endless murmurs around the crowd. Everyone began to worry, including her. What is he doing?

When she looked back at her aunt, Aunt Veronica was already sobbing, a yellow handkerchief in her hand. The rest of the crowd were shaking their heads.

After a few more unanswered questions, they gave up and ordered Zachary to go back to his seat beside her and his frustrated lawyer.

As soon as he sat down beside her, Seraphina badly wanted to shake his shoulders, scream at him, and ask him why'd he do that. Why can't he simply tell the truth? That he is innocent. Sure, he beat the crap out of the guy but he didn't kill him.

Seraphina was on the verge of expressing her anger towards Zachary when the questioning began once again.

When her emerald eyes went in front of her, that's when she realized she needed to pay attention to one of the witnesses, the one in the pub, the one whom she paid.

The owner of the pub, now dressed in a suit, compared to a tattered shirt the other night, began narrating what happened that night.

Her heart beating faster, her hand squeezing Zachary's hand, she listened to every word the man uttered, "Tell you the truth, it was all a mistake. Flemming, the one who died, is one hell of a loyal customer of mine, that fella never missed a day, tell you, and so, when I ascertained he died, and the authorities questioned us, I decided to pinpoint Mr. Canning here,"

Seraphina sensed Zachary was stunned at what the pub owner was saying, still, he remained quiet.

He stopped momentarily. Gulped down before continuing, "Why? Well, let's just say I hold grudges for Mr. Canning here. You see, he visited the pub right before the accident and I tried persuading him to take a woman or two upstairs, if you, fellas know what I mean, but man, Mr. Canning here is one hell of a hard guy to pursue, refusing my offer,"