Indefensible by James Woolf

Author:James Woolf [Woolf, James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 3014097586
Published: 2024-01-04T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Forty-Two

THURSDAY 27 APRIL 1995

“Interesting fact about the Viaduct Tavern,” Thomas said, as they sat down with their pints. “Many people believe this place was built on the site of Newgate Prison. In fact, look over there.” He pointed diagonally across the road. “You see the trees? Just beyond, there’s a small fountain.”

“I see it,” Nikos said.

“Okay. So that’s the exact spot where the prison would hold its executions.”

“For murderers, like Rod Bannister.”

“Not just murderers. And don’t forget, he’s not been found guilty. Not yet, anyway.”

“True, but I think he will be,” Nikos said.

“Perhaps.” Thomas smiled.

In the weeks leading up to the trial, Nikos had been nervous about giving evidence. But now he’d played his part and faithfully reported what happened the night he’d met Liddell. After leaving the court, he’d lit a cigarette, standing for a moment with his back to the historic building as he inhaled deeply. At that moment, he was approached by this man with a beard, his hair tied up in a way that showed his neck and ears. The man had kind eyes, dreamy even.

The man told him he’d been in the spectators’ gallery. He’d taken a day off work as he thought he’d drop in to see how the big trial was going. There had been quite a queue to get in that morning. It was popular, Nikos agreed. The stranger introduced himself as Thomas and told Nikos he’d done well in the witness stand. They’d decided to go for a drink.

“You know in days gone by, the courtrooms were the real entertainment in London,” Thomas said, sipping his pint. “Where the scandal happened, and the gossip started. These days it’s rare for cases to get this much attention.”

Nikos nodded. “It’s been in all the newspapers.”

“I’m a little disappointed I didn’t get to eyeball the defendant though. Do you know why he wasn’t in court?”

“Yes, the usher said he is not well today,” Nikos said.

“Oh well, that aside it was great.”

Nikos told Thomas that when he was having the conversation which formed the basis of his evidence, he was sure he’d only be in England for a year. But his tutor on his business studies course had recommended him for a job in a company providing specialist holidays to Greece. Nikos’ knowledge of the country and islands along with his business skills made him the ideal candidate.

“So even though I’m Greek, I feel like a proper Londoner now. I have no plans to leave.”

“Me neither. I’m an American in London and I love it.”

There was a pause for a moment. Thomas looked at the small group sitting on the next table to theirs, as if he was trying to tune into their conversation.

“So you think I was okay giving evidence?” Nikos asked. “I was very nervous.”

Thomas looked back at him and smiled. “I thought you did very well. Calm under pressure. Not ruffled by the questions.”

“Thank you. What other witnesses did you see today?”

“A woman who used to go walking with the defendant in Derbyshire.

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