Page 13 of The Unbecoming

“On what grounds?” he asks.

“The only evidence the prosecution has that allegedly ties Dr. Ashcroft to these murders was obtained illegally and without a warrant,” she says. “We gave plenty of notice when we requested the files, and I have yet to receive any response. With nothing left tying Dr. Ashcroft to these crimes, his case should be dismissed.”

“I see,” he says, glaring at the district attorney. “We are going to take a recess until Wednesday so I can have some time to review all of the evidence, and I will make my decision when we reconvene.”

The judge smacks his gavel on his bench, and court is over before it has even begun.

Chapter Ten

Nora

I’m not very sure what will happen if he is released. A dismissal doesn’t mean that he didn’t do it, but that someone didn’t do their job, and the evidence can no longer hold up in court. That may very well mean that they are innocent, but in this case, it doesn’t.

Everyone seems to be on edge today. Security is heightened, and I nearly wasn’t able to get through. I was only allowed because I had special permission to conduct these interviews.

When I walk into the room, Gabriel is waiting. “We are more short-staffed than usual, so there will be a delay in response if you leave before your allotted time is up,” the guard tells me.

“Okay…” I say slowly. Why the fuck would he tell me that in front of an inmate? The guard simply walks out and shuts the door behind him. I shake my head as I open up my notebook and sit back to look at Gabriel.

“Something wrong?” he asks with a smirk.

“That’s a good question, Gabriel,” I say.

“Ah. Finally,” he says. “See? That wasn’t so hard, was it?”

“Unintentional,” I say. “How do you feel about your charges potentially being dropped tomorrow?”

“Hopeful,” he says with a smile. “You?”

“Me?” I ask. “I’m not very sure that it involves me.”

“How would you finish your assignment if you do not have an inmate to interview?”

“Just because you had your charges dismissed on a technicality doesn’t mean you are not guilty,” I remark.

“True,” he says. “But if they had anything else, they would have already come forward.”

“Is there anything else for them to find?” I ask.

“No,” he says simply, but confidently.

“So tell me about your last romantic relationship,” I say.

“Not much to tell,” he says. “I stayed busy with the college, so it just didn’t work out. How about you? Any plans to get married?”

“This isn’t about me, Mr. Ashcroft,” I say.

“Ouch. Back to Mr.,” he says. “So you don’t have plans for marriage?”

“I never said that.”

“But you didn’t say you did have plans. Most people would proudly claim their romantic relationships.”

“I’m not most people,” I say. “When was your last committed relationship?”

“Almost five years ago,” he says. “Does he treat you well?”

“Who broke up with who?” I ask.