Chapter 8 The Seeds of Doubt

"After receiving the alarm, the Sheriff of the Greater London Police Department's Greenwich District Substation, Wilcox, immediately led a patrol team to search the roads near the election speech venue.

Ultimately, at 5:03 p.m., the patrol team found the suspect, Adam Evans, with the stolen goods, preparing to flee in an alley not far from the venue.

He confessed to the crime he committed without any denial and voluntarily surrendered to the patrol team's arrest.

Taking into account Adam Evans' behavior at the time of the incident and his method of committing the crime, the Greater London Police Department eventually decided to prosecute Adam Evans for theft.

Moreover, since the suspect had several previous theft convictions, his crimes were considered especially serious, and the short interval between his last release from prison and this offense indicated that he had no intention of repenting.

Therefore, after an internal comprehensive discussion, the Greater London Police Department suggested to the court that it should impose a severe punishment in order to deter the criminals in Greater London and uphold social morality."

Arthur let out a gentle breath as he read this part.

Although he too wanted to tamper with the indictment, he learned of the case too late; the indictment had already been submitted to the court.

If he were to change the content of the indictment now, it would inevitably raise the Magistrates' Court judge's suspicions.

Once the judge got the impression that the police had been bought off by the criminal, not only was there no chance of having young Adam acquitted, but the judge might indeed impose a severe punishment.

Everyone knew that the Magistrates' Court judges were eager to make an example of the recently established Scotland Yard.

Quite a few conservative, long-serving judges believed that the creation of Scotland Yard was a direct usurpation of their power.

In the past, they had the authority to command their Sheriffs to arrest criminals, but the emergence of a professional police force led to the demise of the local Sheriff teams and turned them into judges in a complete sense.

Sure enough, after listening to Arthur's presentation of the case, the judge first carefully compared it with the indictment in front of him, ensuring there were no discrepancies before nodding slightly.

"Present the evidence."

The pre-prepared umbrella was placed tremblingly by a sweaty Tom, wearing white gloves, on the evidence stand at the center of the courtroom.

The judge asked, "What's the matter with you?"

Afraid the judge would see through his nervousness, Tom covered his stomach and said, "I apologize, Your Honour, I am feeling a bit unwell. I might have caught a cold from sweating too much while patrolling a couple of days ago."

Making light of the situation, the judge jokingly asked, "Was it on the 25th of March?"

"No, no," Tom quickly gestured with his hands, "It has nothing to do with the case, it's just my poor health."

He was terrified that the judge would blame it on young Adam.

The judge did not dwell on it further and said, "After the case is heard, you can go have some tea in the back, but for now, please bear with us a little longer. The case is very clear, and it will be over soon."

When Tom heard this, his face went pale, and he turned his head towards Arthur, casting a pleading look.

Arthur took over the conversation, "According to the victim, this umbrella is an expensive, custom-made item, valued at seven Shillings and six Pennies. Moreover, this type of umbrella was produced in a single batch, making it distinctly commemorative.

Therefore, she hopes the Magistrates' Court will make a comprehensive assessment of the umbrella, considering both its utility and its value as a collectible."

The judge asked, "Is the victim present in court today?"

Arthur replied, "Due to the victim's busy work schedule and numerous affairs, she has applied to be excused from attending this trial, and the court has already formally approved her request beforehand."

The judge scratched his head awkwardly, then pretended to rub his temple, "I am really getting old, how could I have forgotten this?"

He picked up the gavel and gave it a light tap, "Then, let's proceed to summon the defendant, Adam Evans."

As the iron door opened, a handcuffed Adam, wearing thin clothes, was brought to the dock by the court officer with heavy steps.

But because of his short stature, standing behind the defendant's dock, only half of his head could be seen.

Therefore, the judge had to grant him permission to stand outside the dock so that the judge and jury members could observe his facial expressions and behavior during the trial.

Little Adam nervously surveyed his surroundings; the colossal dock was empty, leaving him standing there, utterly alone.

Although he had been here many times before, today was the first time he felt how terrifying it was to have so many eyes converged on himself.

His gaze swept across everyone present and eventually settled on Arthur, who stood tall and as straight as a drawn sword.

He drew courage from Arthur's composed and confident expression.

Though still frightened, he mustered his strength and greeted everyone present with a slightly trembling voice.

"Judge, police officer, and all the gentlemen and ladies who have come from far to see me, you've all worked hard. Good morning to you."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a burst of light and pleasant laughter erupted from the jury box.

Even the usually stern magistrate couldn't help but chuckle, "Adam, they are not here to watch you perform, but to determine whether you are guilty."

Suddenly, Adam remembered the words Arthur had drilled into him and quickly confessed, "I am guilty."

The judge, suppressing laughter, asked, "Why do you plead guilty so promptly?"

"Because I indeed stole the item. I was loitering on Central Street, hoping I might get lucky and find a few coins in the cracks of the pavement.

But then I noticed a large crowd had gathered ahead, so I joined in, and that's when I saw a beautiful lady with a beautiful umbrella.

At that moment, I thought, 'My goodness, she must have been muddled by the sun, to carry an umbrella in such fine weather.' So I followed her..."

Adam had just reached this point when he heard the sound of knuckles rapping on a tabletop.

It was the cue Arthur had agreed upon with him, signaling that he should not continue any further.

Consequently, little Adam naturally stopped speaking.

The judge had not noticed what had transpired and naturally continued, "And then you stole her umbrella?"

Arthur spoke up, "At least that's what our charge sheet says."

The Magistrate was displeased with Arthur's sudden interruption and frowned, "Officer Arthur, please remain silent when I am questioning the defendant. You will have your opportunity to speak later. Now then, Adam, you may continue. So, did you steal Miss Nancy's umbrella?"

Little Adam, having received Arthur's signal, naturally knew how to answer next.

He echoed Arthur's previous statement verbatim, "At least that's what the police officer's charge sheet says. I am guilty, I'm sorry, I am guilty."

"At least that's what the charge sheet says?"

The Magistrate glanced at little Adam with his head hung down and tearful eyes, then back at Arthur with an expressionless face, contemplating their statements, his brows furrowed more deeply.

Suddenly, as if he had realized something, his face darkened instantly.

"Adam, I am now issuing a formal inquiry to you. During your arrest and interrogation, did the police employ any kind of improper methods?"

Agares, seeing all this, couldn't help laughing heartily, holding his stomach.

He placed a hand on Arthur's shoulder, leaning in and saying, "Arthur, you truly live up to my expectations as a scoundrel— a natural-born Devil! Once the seed of doubt is planted, it can never be uprooted. Now let's see how you guide this befuddled old judge."