Page 120 of Men in Shorts

Andrew scowled at hearing his former bodyguard’s list of crimes. It seemed preposterous that one could stab a person and not be charged with assault. But seeing as Colin had thrown himself at Reggie to protect Andrew, it was argued the wounding could have been accidental or even self-defense. Reggie had helped his case by cooperating fully with the police—and, no doubt, by being a retired detective himself.

The judge adjusted her reading glasses on her prominent nose and went on. “I have read the victim impact statements prepared by your brother-in-law and his partner.”

Andrew felt his jaw tighten. Colin had said the specific details of their statements probably wouldn’t be mentioned, but there was no guarantee. What if the world found out how damaged he was?

“Mr. MacDuff suffered a life-threatening injury,” the judge said, “which will have permanent health ramifications. Mr. Sunderland was in fear that serious violence might be visited upon him and that his life was at risk. Understandably, the experience has had lasting psychological effects.”

Jeremy tilted his head as though surprised. Andrew fixed his eyes on the gilded seal on the wall behind the judge, feeling curious glances flash his way.

To his relief, Lady McIntyre moved on:

“I take into account the following factors as mitigation: You appear in this court as a first offender, you are a respected and productive member of society, and you have demonstrated substantial remorse for your offending. Also, I accept that while the consequences for the victims were potentially catastrophic, no physical harm was intended by you, and that while your conduct was culpable and reckless, it lacked the wicked intent of an assault.”

Andrew’s stomach grew cold. Was she about to give Jeremy a slap on the wrist—a fine or community payback or some rubbish like that?

“Having listened carefully to all that has been said in mitigation on your behalf,” the judge continued, “whilst also reminding myself of the content of the two victim impact statements, I am satisfied that there is no appropriate alternative to a custodial disposal.”

Jeremy went stock-still. Andrew held his breath, his staticky mind untangling the meaning of her last phrase.

“Had you been convicted after trial,” the judge told Jeremy, “I would have sentenced you to twenty months in prison. With a twenty-five percent reduction for pleading guilty and avoiding a trial, you will serve fifteen months in prison.”

Andrew exhaled, so slowly it made his lungs ache.

Colin leaned into him and whispered, “It’s over.”

Is it?In a daze Andrew turned to his mother and repeated Colin’s words, hoping that saying them twice would make them true. “It’s over.”

As his mum hugged him, Andrew heard the macer call, “Court!” Then came scattered squeaks of folding seats as the audience stood for the judge’s exit.

Escorted from the dock, Jeremy turned one last time to look at his wife’s family, his eyes round with regret. Andrew swallowed hard, simultaneously wanting to embrace and punch the man he’d once trusted.

In front of him, Elizabeth pivoted suddenly, wavering on her high-heeled Louboutins. George reached to steady her, but she brushed him off and stepped into the aisle, where she paused for an instant to meet Andrew’s eyes.

He felt the blood drain from his face. Never had an expression said so much with so little.

“I need the ladies’,” Elizabeth said as she lurched toward the courtroom exit. Andrew wanted to run after her, but his feet felt stuck to the floor.

With a heavy sigh, George picked up their sister’s coat and draped it over his arm. “Well.”

No one added to that statement. Andrew kept his gaze on the wide oaken doorway where his sister had vanished. He wondered how she would break the news to Gwyneth and Tyler. At eight and ten, Andrew’s niece and nephew were old enough to understand—and old enough to be humiliated at school for having an incarcerated father.

He heard Colin speak his name softly.

“Yes?” he answered, still staring at the door.

“Let’s go home.”

“Yes.” Andrew let Colin help him on with his coat, barely feeling the weight of the heavy wool against his skin. It seemed like he was floating above himself near the courtroom’s high arched ceiling, watching these consequences from afar with a sudden, agonizing clarity.

My God, he thought.What have I done?

* * *

Desperate for air,Colin loosened his tie as he followed Andrew’s family out of the courtroom. Reggie’s sentencing last month had been tense enough, but with Jeremy’s political ties, today’s High Court felt like the center of the world.

Lady Kirkross hurried to the women’s toilets to find Elizabeth, while Colin and the rest of the family loitered in the corridor outside.

“You all right?” he whispered to Andrew. “You look a bit peely wally.”

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