have heard the arguments presented by both learned counsel, and it is now my responsibility to sum up this case dispassionately and without prejudice. It will be up to you, and you alone, to decide if Mr. Faulkner is guilty or not guilty on the three counts brought against him on behalf of the Crown.
“Let us consider each one in turn. Firstly, did Mr. Faulkner steal a painting by Rembrandt from the Fitzmolean Museum? Do you feel that the Crown produced sufficient evidence to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt? If not, you must find for the defendant. And secondly, if Mr. Faulkner was not directly involved in the theft, was he nevertheless a party to it? You must make your decision based solely on the facts presented in this courtroom.”
Faulkner allowed himself a brief smile, while Booth Watson sat back in his place, arms folded, aware that the judge hadn’t yet reached the least convincing piece of his client’s evidence.
“Then there is the charge that Mr. Faulkner knowingly purchased the stolen painting, as claimed by his wife. Although Mr. Faulkner produced a copy of the Rembrandt, you must ask yourselves how long the original had been in his possession.
“Are you inclined to believe Mr. Faulkner’s testimony that he visited Naples, and attempted to make a deal with the Camorra to purchase the painting for one hundred thousand dollars, with the sole purpose of returning it to the Fitzmolean? And do you think it likely that the Camorra initially turned his offer down, but turned up with the picture some time later at Mr. Faulkner’s home in Monte Carlo, and demanded the hundred thousand dollars? This, despite the fact that Mr. Faulkner told us that in his experience,” the judge glanced down at his notes, “the Camorra rarely stray beyond their own territory.
“And did you find it credible that one of these men, who never spoke to him when he was in Naples, threatened to cut the throats of the six Syndics, and then Mr. Faulkner’s throat, if he didn’t pay up? Or do you consider that might be one embellishment too many? Only you can decide who to believe—Mr. or Mrs. Faulkner—because they can’t both be telling the truth. However, you must also ask yourselves if Mrs. Faulkner’s evidence can be relied on, as she admitted quite openly that she was attempting to remove all of her husband’s artworks from their homes in Monte Carlo and Limpton Hall, while he was in Australia, and I have no doubt she would have sailed on to New York to carry out the same exercise, had her husband not intervened. And finally, members of the jury, you must take into consideration the fact that the defendant has no previous criminal record.
“Members of the jury,” he concluded, looking directly at the five men and seven women, “once you have considered all the evidence you must be sure of guilt beyond reasonable doubt before you can convict. If you are not sure, you must acquit. So please take your time. If, during your deliberations, you should require assistance on any matter concerning the law, do not hesitate to return to this courtroom, and I will do my best to answer your questions. The bailiff will now accompany you to the jury room, where you can begin your deliberations. Please take your time considering all the evidence before you reach your verdict.”
THE CROWN V. RAINSFORD
“Sir Julian.”
“My Lords. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to consult with my client, and would request that the court recall Mr. Stern, and also subpoena Mr. Vasilis Fortounis, as the defense would like an opportunity to question both of them under oath.”
“I will grant your request, Sir Julian, and suggest that we adjourn until tomorrow morning, by which time I hope the bailiff will have been able to locate both of these gentlemen.”
“Thank you, m’lud,” said Sir Julian, trying to sound convinced.
All three judges rose from their places, bowed, and left the court.
“I can’t wait for tomorrow,” said Beth.
“Don’t get your hopes up,” said Grace, as she gathered her files. “Stern and Fortounis will be well aware of what happened in court this afternoon, and I don’t suppose either of them is currently heading in the direction of the Strand.”
THE CROWN V. FAULKNER
“You wish to seek my advice?” said Mr. Justice Nourse after the jury had filed back in and resumed their places.
“Yes, Your Honor,” said the foreman of the jury, a distinguished-looking gentleman wearing a charcoal-gray