The Married Couple: An utterly compelling and twist-filled domestic psychological thriller by Maria Frankland

Author:Maria Frankland [Frankland, Maria]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bookouture
Published: 2024-08-06T00:00:00+00:00

TWENTY-NINE

The judge looks at Simon. ‘Does the defence barrister require the opportunity to cross-examine Mr Falen?’

‘I have one or two questions,’ replies Simon with an air of authority, as he stands. ‘Mr Falen. We have established you and your staff received and worked on Michelle Jackson prior to pronouncing her dead four days later. Is that correct?’

‘Yes.’

‘And you will have had the opportunity to study the results of the post-mortem examination and the coroner’s report?’

‘Yes.’

‘How are you able to state conclusively that she would not have caused the injury to herself?’

‘I said it was unlikely.’

‘But not impossible?’

‘Of course not.’

‘That will be all. Thank you. Before we go on with the next witness,’ Simon continues, ‘I would like to draw attention to the coroner’s report, exhibit 9b, which forms part of the bundle of evidence.’ There’s a rustle of paper around the room as Simon pauses. ‘You will see from it that the cause of death was conclusively stated. Mrs Jackson died as a result of lacerations and a lung puncture injury. There was no need for an inquest to be held.’

As Simon previously suggested, so far all the evidence against him is circumstantial. They need more than this. Again, Paul’s gaze sweeps over the jury as he silently pleads with them to set him free.

‘I would like to call on Mrs Barbara Fawcett,’ says Margaret.

Silly woman from across the road. What the hell will she say? She can’t add any weight to the prosecution’s case. He watches as she holds the Bible aloft.

‘Mrs Fawcett,’ begins Margaret, giving her a smile, ‘how long have you been a neighbour of the Jacksons?’

‘Oh, about a year. They moved into our cul-de-sac over the summer, last year.’

‘How close do you live to them?’

‘My house directly faces theirs.’

‘Can you describe the distance between your homes?’

‘Yes. There’s my house, which has a short drive running up to it, there’s the road, then there’s their drive leading to their house.’ With her hands, she attempts to demonstrate the distances as she explains. ‘I have a clear view of their house.’

‘And how well would you say you know the family?’

‘Michelle, I knew well. She was at home a couple of days each week. She liked to be around to take and collect Emily from school on those days. She was a wonderful mother. I had a lot of respect for her. I don’t know how she managed to juggle it all.’

‘How often did you talk?’

‘Several times a week. I’m retired so I’m at home. Often, I’m out in the garden. Michelle seemed to enjoy our chats. Now and again I invited her in for coffee.’

‘Did she ever talk about her husband?’

‘Oh yes. All the time. It was obvious she adored him. Her world revolved around him, and the little girl, of course.’ Her smile fades as she discusses Paul. ‘He was hardly ever at home. I was sorry for her. Like I said, she was a busy working mum and deserved someone who would be around to help support her.

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