The Brother by N V Peacock

Author:N V Peacock
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hera Books
Published: 2023-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

Halfway home, I remember I’m supposed to meet Joel, so turn around and drive to the Crown Court’s car park.

Once inside, I’m checked by the guards then asked for my ID. All the while I feel weird, suspicious almost, as if when my bag is scanned they’ll discover a bloody knife nestled between my book and lipstick. Everything about this place has me on edge. High ceilings that make you feel small, statues whose eyes follow you through the halls. It’s overwhelming and I’m glad I took this dry run before my testimony. At least now I’ll know what to expect.

Waiting on a lumpy seat in the lobby, I watch people walk through the security gates. It’s easy to spot the barristers; today is like any other to them. The victims and accused are obvious too, and strangely look the same: concerned and uncomfortable. When Joel comes in, however, he doesn’t sport the determined mask the other barristers wear. Instead, when he sees me, worry passes across his face.

‘Court starts in half an hour.’ He pauses, then adds, ‘You remember you can’t come in?’

‘Hello to you too,’ I snap, getting to my feet. I then say, ‘Sorry.’ My residual anger has no place with Joel. Lindsay’s murder isn’t his fault.

‘That’s okay. Tense times all round.’

‘I need to tell you something.’

‘What’s wrong?’ Joel asks.

I’m about to blurt out the news of Lindsay’s death when Paul approaches us, making me hesitate.

‘Tell you later,’ I say.

Paul looks from me to his colleague. ‘Have I missed something?’

‘Nothing,’ Joel tells him. Looking at me, he says, ‘I’ll see you in a few hours at the coffee place down the road.’

‘Of course. I brought a book. I…’ I trail off when someone catches my eye. It’s Tyler Baker, flanked by police. For a moment, my mind fogs. I’m breathing the same air as him – again. Shaking off this thought, I then notice how different he now looks, hair cut neat and clean shaven. He looks normal, not a would-be serial killer. Horror washes over me. This new Tyler can’t be who the jury see – it’s not right.

‘Fallon?’ Paul asks.

Tyler hasn’t seen me. He’s too busy grimacing at everyone who walks by. Acting the innocent man accused.

‘Fallon?’

If things had gone differently, could I have killed him that night? Murder is in my DNA. If I had ended his life, would it be me in handcuffs today?

‘Fallon!’ Paul is staring at me.

‘Sorry,’ I say. ‘What?’

‘You should go.’ Joel gently grips my elbow and turns me towards the exit.

‘Sure,’ I mutter, but as I turn back to see the new and improved Tyler again, I find he’s gone.

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