The procedure began.
The Hamiltons’ lawyer was the first to speak.
—Your Honor, the accused had practically unlimited access to the residence and knew perfectly well where the valuables were kept.
Clara
remained silent.
—Furthermore —he continued—, the jewel disappeared the same day that Mrs. Clara was alone in the private wing of the house.
Margaret looked down with a carefully prepared sad expression.
—We trusted her —she said—. We considered her part of our family.
The lawyer paused.
—Precisely for this reason it is especially painful that he has abused our trust.
Clara squeezed her hands.
She couldn’t believe how easy it was for them to turn years of work into a story where she appeared as a criminal.
Then the
young intern stood up.
—Your Honor, we have some questions.
The Hamiltons’ lawyer smiled.
—Forward.
—Mrs. Margaret, who was the first person to say that Clara had stolen the jewel?
