ASMI - CAP. 28 | Serie Koryaks

─ Eva Carson's testimony proves that there was an error in the identification of the suspect. ─ Michael was serious. ─ Understandable as it is a twin, but still a mistake. The alibis presented place my client halfway around the world on the dates of the crimes. I am sure...

─ Of course you are sure Melton. ─ Asher cut in ─ You believe everything your client presents. You don't see how much he is capable of manipulating people, of buying witnesses. How much did this testimony cost? Hundred thousand? Two hundred? A million? Well that's worth it.

─ Withdraw these accusations. ─ Michael got up angrily ─ You have no right...

─ I have every right to doubt anyone who comes here to say that this murderer is innocent. ─ Asher, on the other side of the table also stood up. ─ We have one hundred and twenty-eight samples that prove that he killed eight people. Eight. And there's no testimony that can overturn that!

─ We now know that he has a twin. And the DNA of twins are identical! ─ Michael reacted indignantly. ─ This proves the mistake made by the prosecution.

─ Do you check? How does Melton prove? Can we believe only the testimony of a woman who says she saw him born? Where is the material evidence that such a twin exists? Where's that twin? Where is he? Who knows in front of the TV watching his brother be judged! Where is he Melton? where do you live? Here? In Russia?

─ We haven't had time to find out details yet. Eva Carson came to me and...

─ Oh, was she the one who came to you? You think I didn't recognize Eva Carson? She was a model and still has all the class she learned at the time. Don't you think it's strange that your client's alleged mother was in the same profession as all the young women who were killed? And don't you think it's strange that after everything that's been raised here... after more than a month of trial, she's only just appeared? It's obvious they bought her testimony somehow.

─ You can't be implying that I would agree to something like that!

─ Not you Melton. You are a fool. Too foolish and too inexperienced to notice this kind of maneuver.

─ Don't judge me like that, Asher. Eva Carson explained that she did not appear before because she was not interested in this type of news. And I believe in my client.

─ Is that what you believe in? Or is he moved by the passion he has for his wife?

─ Shut up. You do not know the nature of my relationship with Ruth Lescaut!

─ Enough! - Jacob said tiredly. ─ Sit down. Both.

Both obeyed, facing each other defiantly.

─ I don't want this kind of discussion. And I'm tired of hearing just the two of them. What do you think Mrs Lysen?

─ It is difficult to say, Your Honor. I didn't know about Mrs. Carson. ─ Michael glared at her, but Holly was too honest to lie. ─ Michael, I mean Mr Melton didn't work on Sunday and on Monday he put Lescaut to testify. Didn't explain why, just called him. He wanted him to tell what he knew about his mother and we all listened. His and Eva Carson's testimony was eloquent. I can't believe they lied. Now, one thing I do know is a fact. Lescaut is not involved in the selection of witnesses. Neither he nor his wife. All witnesses were raised by the detective agency that was hired and guided by us. And who coordinates their work is me. He shook his head thoughtfully. ─ Nobody thought to look for Lescaut's mother because he said she was dead. As stated in deposition.

─ Lescaut doesn't know that his father lied when he said that his mother had died. He was just a child and he always believed what he was told. ─ Michel justified.

─ And what do you think, Mr Smith? ─ the judge asked the other assistant.

─ The defense has done an exhaustive job listening to all the witnesses listed. Leigh Lescaut was halfway around the world. There's no way he could have bribed so many people without us knowing or no one letting it slip in some way. Our firm is too serious to get involved in this kind of scheme. I believe Eva Carson's testimony.

─ Mr Brennan?

─ I believe that Mrs Carson's testimony has the potential to overturn this trial! ─ the assistant prosecutor said and Michael leaned back in victory. Asher was going to retort, but Brennan stood firm. ─ If there is material proof of the existence of this twin. There are many unanswered questions. If Lescaut has a twin where is it? Where were you creating? Why did you become an assassin? And if such a twin exists and was raised far from the culture of the people, how does he know every detail of the rites? How did you get access to the weapons used in the crimes? I believe that no one in this room wants to convict an innocent and at the same time no one wants to release the guilty. We must take Ms. Carson's testimony into account, however the defense must present material evidence of this person's existence. Of course, no one expects the twin to be captured, but it is necessary to investigate the truth and prove that such a twin really exists. And if there is, if they are fraternal twins or identical. I say this because there is a point that no one has thought of. Eva Carson may have told the truth. But nothing proves that the twin she saw was born identical to Lescaut. They may even be twins, but are they really identical?

─ Can I see my son? ─ Eva asked as soon as Michael returned.

─ Not yet. The judge agreed with the prosecution that they want to monitor this meeting, see Leigh's reaction. You'll see him tomorrow before the session opens.

─ But isn't the trial over? You said... .

─ I know what Mrs. Carson said, but it doesn't end there. The judge will consider, read and reread your testimony and much of the process in order to make a decision. I believe it shouldn't be later than tomorrow for him to let us know what he decides. ─ Holly and Liam left. ─ Say goodbye to Lescaut for me. Say I had to go, but don't mention that we found his mother. His surprise at the meeting will prove we didn't buy her testimony. – he asked seriously. ─ Come Mrs Carson. We have to try to find out where your son's twin might be.

Leigh got up earlier than usual that morning. He couldn't sleep well and an old nightmare came back to haunt him. Ruth had brought him clothes and some personal effects in an attempt to make the small cell more comfortable. Photos of the two of them at home, photos of the wedding, photos of her at every stage of her pregnancy, graced the wall. The wife's face touched the photo. The whole situation prevented him from following the development of his children.

He prayed to God that this wouldn't stop him from getting along with them in the future.

A guard picked him up almost an hour before the session started. He wasn't handcuffed like he was when he was moving from one place to another. In the hallway, he was surprised that he wasn't being taken to the plenary. Asked the guard who did not respond. When they stopped in front of a carved door, the guard opened it and ushered him in. Leigh came in hesitantly and it didn't take her long to realize they were in the judge's office.

It was a large space, but it felt smaller because it was full. He scanned the people without much interest. The prosecution team was in a corner and the prosecutor glared at him with the anger he was used to. He saw Michael, Holly and Liam. There was one more couple he didn't recognize standing in front of the window.

The judge was at the table and it was to him that Leigh turned.

─ Sit down, Mr Lescaut. We want to hear from you without the hustle and bustle of the courtroom. ─ the judge said pointing to the chair in front of the work table.

Leigh walked to the indicated location. As far as he knew, that kind of private audience wasn't common. He noticed people moving and looked back. He consulted his lawyer with a glance before sitting down.

─ We want you to answer some questions in private, that's why we brought you here to have more privacy ─ Jacob continued.

─ I am here to answer whatever is necessary ─ he said seriously.

He hesitated and looked back again. The eyes roamed the room. The lawyer made a small gesture and he turned to the judge with a muttered apology. He shook his head, ran a hand through his hair in a nervous gesture, and turned around again. This time he faced the woman standing in front of the window. Forgetting where he was, he got up without realizing he was doing so. He squinted his eyes, not believing what he saw. The woman took a step toward him.

─ Alex. ─ Eva called in a voice choked with emotion.

─ Mama? ─ He took a step and stopped. He took a deep breath, visibly shaking ─ Who is this? ─ he asked, startled, pointing to the woman. ─ Why do they bring someone... ...so similar to my mother? She died and cannot be disturbed.

─ I didn't die Alex! ─ Eva said closing the distance between the two ─ Look. It is me! It is me! She raised her hand to touch him. Leigh avoided contact.

─ No! My mother died. He died twelve years ago. You're... ...just someone very much like her. ─ the troubled eyes wandered around the room. ─ Whose idea is this? What do you intend? ─ he turned to Eva. ─ What's that for? My God! What kind of torture are they going to inflict on me now?

─ It's me... Alex - she tried to touch him again. Leigh backed away again.

─ No ─ He breathed deeply, swallowing a sob. ─ My mother died. The Chancellor said she died in a fire. Said I was lucky because I wasn't together otherwise I would have died too. He said she... ...suffered everything she deserved! I said that she burned alive because of me, that she paid for stealing from me and that it was because I was unfaithful and traitor to our people when I agreed to go with her. The only person who loved me died and I lived in hell after that.

─ He lied, Alex. Vladymyr is a liar. He also made me think you were dead. I also lived through hell all these years, but now I'm here, son.

─ No ─ Leigh held out her hand, keeping her at arm's length. ─ I don't understand what game they are playing, but I refuse to participate in it. I want to go back to the cell.

Eva stepped in front of him and held her face in her hands as she used to.

─ Sorry for being so forgetful. You are the joy of my life Alex! I promise you'll never run out of chocolate cereal for breakfast again. Trembling Leigh didn't pull away. ─ These were the last words I said to you the day I left home to go to school.

They looked into the eyes. The same format. The same shade of green.

Leigh groaned. A thick tear ran down her cheek. Finally he gave in and wrapped her in a tight hug.

─ Don't you think they deserve an Oscar for acting so well? ─ Michael joked to Eric who watched the whole scene with narrowed eyes.

Leigh heard the whole story of her birth from her mother's mouth. The mention of the twin made him lean back in his chair pale. Tenso approached the window and Michael saw curiously him repeat the same posture that his mother adopted. He was looking out, sightlessly, with one arm slung by his side and the tips of his fingers on the glass.

─ And do you know where this twin is? ─ he asked with difficulty.

─ No. We thought that maybe you could give us some clues. ─ Michael.

─ Why me? ─ cold. ─ I didn't even know he existed.

─ After you were taken back, you never heard anything about it?

─ I spent a few weeks in one of my father's houses and he was barely there. Then I went to the monastery. I went to Koryakia on vacation, but I always stayed at my grandmother's house. In that time I saw the Chancellor only three or four times. I knew of the conditions of my birth and of the Conanlescaut betrayal, but the twin was never mentioned.

─ They wouldn't. Vladymyr would never admit his wife's betrayal.

─ Did you have any other reason to flee besides the violence you suffered? ─ Jacob asked insightfully.

Eva looked at Leigh, pursed her lips, frowning. The same expression Leigh also wore when she was undecided whether to speak or shut up. Michael realized that her influence in his life was great.

─ Yes. There was a purification ritual among the Koryaks... ...a ritual performed in the mountains. It was very old and families did not practice it because few escaped. One night Vladymyr came and warned that... ─ She looked at her son tensely. ─ ...that as Alex was the legacy of a disgraced family to regain his honor he must undergo that rite.

─ What was it? ─ the judge asked encouraging her to speak.

─ Fulfill the sentence imposed on the traitors of the kingdom. For coveting a woman in another's house, a man was sentenced to a thousand and one lashes. Then he would be abandoned in the mountains. If he managed to return home, he would regain all his family's rights. It was purification by means of the scourge. I couldn't allow it. ─ he looked at his son with love. ─ Alex was only ten years old. He was a strong boy, but the rite was not symbolic. It was real. There was a hearing and Vladymyr was given permission to execute him. He personally instructed a guard to strictly enforce it. The guard went to get Alex the next day. I couldn't escape so I decided to go with him. On the way Reno appeared, killed the guard and put us on a fishing boat that left the same afternoon. I landed in China, and from there we came to the United States. I never saw any other Koryak again.

─ The rite was never carried out. ─ Leigh told tensely. ─ The council vetoed it when I returned. Since Reno was alive, I couldn't be penalized for his mistakes. I regained my right as a pure koryak. But I was taken to the monastery. There I should dedicate myself to crying out to God for forgiveness for the sins committed by my family. and stayed there for years. Just go from there to the ship. And from the ship to here.

─ A sentence a lot lighter than a thousand lashes ─ Asher scoffed.

─ When the council vetoed the rite, it ordered that I be recognized as the Chancellor's son, since he assumed all the gifts and rights of the Conanlescaut. Then I won the title of prince.

─ We need to get in touch with your family and ask about your twin. ─ Michael said seriously. ─ Maybe even go there. Leigh laughed coldly.

─ You can try, but you won't be able to enter Koryakia. No one enters or leaves without the Chancellor's permission. And nobody talks to him if he doesn't want to talk to the person. And I highly doubt he wants to know anything about me.

─ We can call and make an appointment. ─ Liam suggested.

─ I already told you, you can try. But I would prefer not to. This... ...brother was taken from there as a child. It could have been created anywhere in the world.

─ In this Alex is right. Reno was well traveled and liked to live well. They can be anywhere. He had a certain preference for Iceland.

─ One thing I still don't understand. ─ Holly ─ Why did your husband run away with the Chancellor's wife and the boy he believed to be his brother's son?

─ Because, according to beliefs, the boy was the return of Hansalexius.

─ Until then I understood. But why take it away? Wouldn't it be natural for him to be raised there, within the customs, knowing his origins and responsibilities from an early age? Why was this heir remaining under the Chancellor's guard so bad?

─ Because Vladymyr doesn't want to leave power. ─ Leigh told him. ─ The boy in his care could have an accident. As with Hannya, who was destined to be the mother of the expected.

─ Legends, beliefs, ancient customs. None of this proves the existence of this twin. Or not to say that everyone here is lying doesn't prove that this twin was identical to Lescaut. ─ Asher seriously. ─ If, and I reserve the right to say if, this twin was born, there is still a chance that he is not identical to Lescaut, which makes the defendant present here solely responsible for the crimes. ─ He approached Leigh as he had never done before. ─ There is something very strange about you. Something that no one can understand, but I know that you are not entirely innocent as you claim. ─ He walked away and turned to the judge. ─ I do not accept the annulment of the judgment on the basis of Mrs Carson's testimony. The prosecution demands concrete evidence of this whole story. If the defense provides material evidence of the twin's existence, and that he is identical to Lescaut, we drop all charges, offer an apology, and reimburse all expenses incurred for our mistake.

Michael and Eric started another argument. Impatient, the judge ordered them to shut up.

He dismissed everyone by informing them that he needed to reflect on the matter.

Eva was given permission to join her son in the defense room.

The session started only in the early afternoon. When Jacob Carpeaux arrived, he seemed to be carrying the world on his shoulders. Seriously looked around the room. It focused on the defense, the prosecution, the defendant and then his family.

He cleared his throat before starting to speak.

─ The defendant, please stand up. Leigh got up. Michael smiled at Holly confidently. ─ Mr Lescaut, you are on trial for eight murders and you have always claimed innocence. Both the prosecution and the defense work hard to prove that they are right. The last testimony raises doubts about the correct identification of the defendant. ─ There was an intense buzz. The judge ordered the order to continue. ─ However, they are doubts, not proofs. And as there are no doubts in a case as serious as this, this court decides to suspend the work for a maximum of 40 days or for a shorter period for such facts to be clarified.

─ Suspend? Your Honor... ─ Michael got up indignantly.

─ I haven't finished yet, Mr Melton.

─ But, Your Honor.

─ I haven't finished yet. ─ Michael fell silent and sat down again. ─ During this recess period, the defense will have to gather material evidence that proves the testimony of Ms. Eva Carson. To protect this information, I decree that the case from now on is under judicial secrecy. — another wave of hubbub. He looked at Ruth and Eva with clear regret. ─ Therefore, the defendant will have to wait in Santa Fe prison until this court meets again on May 4 for the assessment or not of the evidence raised. ─ slammed the hammer down ─ Session suspended.

─ How are we going to look for someone who can be anywhere in the world? ─ Holly asked walking beside Michael through the halls of the courthouse. ─ How to find someone whose name we don't even know? Posting photos is useless. Lescaut's face has been in the media for months and no one has recognized him.

─ Holly, let me think. ─ Michael asked opening the door to the defense room. The daughter was talking in a corner tensely with Henry Carson. Leigh sat on the couch, his entire body leaning forward and his head in his hands, listening to Eva who was sitting next to him talking quietly. Everyone turned as they entered.

─ Ady, what's the possibility that Leigh will go home while we investigate? ─ Ruth asked anxiously as soon as he entered.

Leigh got up and Eva followed. Ruth was taken in by Michael.

─ I'm not sure. I'll have to file a new bail application or house arrest. But it's hard to say what the decision will be. I've already dumped Liam to do this. Leigh won't be transferred until tomorrow. We will deliver the order early. Now what we have to focus on is finding clues that lead us to the twin.

─ We cannot help with that. ─ Leigh was tense, irritated. ─ Why not continue with the trial and let the jury decide? So it all ends this week.

─ That's not how it works. If there is doubt about the suspect's identification, the procedure is to annul the trial. If you are proven to be on trial for a miscarriage of investigation, the state owes you an apology and compensation for every month wrongfully imprisoned.

─ I don't want excuses, I don't need compensation, I just want to go home. – he said excitedly for the first time. Eva approached and Leigh put her arm around her mother's shoulder. ─ I want to be with my mother, with my wife, with my family. I can't go back to prison. ─ Ruth joined in the hug. ─ My children will be born. You know I need to be with Ruth through the birth and the first few months.

─ We still have almost a month until then. I'll do everything in my power to send you home before then. Now, as for the twin, I want to know how to talk to the Chancellor.

─ Michael already told you: Stay away from him.

─ I have to at least try, don't you think?

─ This man wanted to kill me when I was ten years old! Do you think he will help? Do you think he cares? Think about everything we've talked about. Think of Ruth. Do you want her and the babies in his custody if any... ...accident happens to me? Keep him away from this subject.

─ Don't you realize that if we don't prove that there is a twin, you could be sentenced to death?

─ And don't you realize that everyone will die if Vladymyr finds out that the expected may be on the way in his daughter's womb? – he replied angrily. ─ Michael, this case is a family shame. The Chancellor will never discuss it with any stranger.

Leigh spent two days in the small cell while her bail application was reviewed. Finally, the judge denied accepting the prosecution's argument, which was vehement in stating that the chance of escape was prominent. Michael requested house arrest. It was also denied. Tried to keep the client in the courthouse lockup. Another failure. On Saturday morning Leigh returned to the penitentiary.