The Corruption of Innocence

Chapter 23

Watching the smoke from his cigarette fading away into the air, James Tyrell felt very tense as he stood alone in the courtyard of Salisbury Crown Court. He watched as people, lawyers, policemen and other officials walked by, and tried to smile as Charles Lancaster approached him.

"You alright?" he said, shaking the barrister's hand, and the older man nodded.

"Glad it's over, really."

"I think everyone is."

There was a pause, and then Tyrell turned to him. "How is your client Jonathan?"

"Not well," Lancaster sighed. "He kept passing out on the walk back to the cells. He's not in a good way, he was sweating like a pig and shaking madly. I fear for his physical health as well as his mental."

There was another pause, in which time Tyrell took a long inhale from his cigarette. Next to him, Lancaster too started smoking, and they watched as clouds of vapour filled the air.

"I've never seen anything like this in my time," Lancaster admitted gravely. "I've seen kids kill, but not without a reason. It's always provoked, a fight over something, but this was... different. There was just no motive, it seems."

"The boy never truly gave a reason?" asked Tyrell, and the barrister shook his head.

"He only said he was mad at the child when he did it. He never said why. I don't think he knows himself, in all honesty. He is sorry, I know that much. I am glad his remorse at least saved him from being labelled mentally insane."

"I believe it is the judge's recommendation that until the hanging, his co – defendant is to be held up at Devises' Hospital," Tyrell said unobtrusively, and Lancaster shrugged.

"He showed no emotion, so he should be."

Tyrell frowned into the distance thoughtfully, tapping his foot against the cold, hard floor. "Truthfully, I was surprised with the judges' decision to hang them. I mean, that John Dean was hung over 200 years ago. I honestly thought the government would review the execution of minors."

"I did think he would send them off to reform schools," added Lancaster, and Tyrell grunted in agreement. "And their anonymity, what of that? That was a bad decision, if you don't mind me saying. I know you are Nexton's right – hand man."

"No," nodded Tyrell, "I agree. They are in grave danger, I know that, and Justice Nexton does, too. That's why he thinks it best they are hanged as soon as possible."

"Have we a date yet?"

"You and the boy will find out as soon as one is decided, Mr Lancaster."

Mr Pomeroy smiled weakly and led Jack's barrister through the hallway to his cell.

Inside, Jack sat curled up on his bed, his back against the wall. Eyes red, they startled Lancaster as he met their angry stare.