Chapitre 49: Chapter 49: Heaven help her!

James Jeffers didn't answer. He was having trouble formulating an answer that would satisfy his sense of integrity.

'Mr Jeffers?'

'I can't answer that. I wasn't there.'

'So you can't swear that Gregory Waite has learnt to control his temper?'

His jaw clenched. And unclenched. 'No.'

That was all she had wanted. 'No further questions, your Honour.'

The Crown drew the last comment. 'In your opinion had Gregory Waite completely reformed when he left your employ?'

'Yes.' Jeffers was grimly definite.

It meant little after Elisabeth's revelations. The information was one more brick in the wall of doubt the defence was laboriously endeavouring to erect. Come this time tomorrow she hoped to have added another layer or two. Along the table Thierry Richards fluffed his gown. 'Your Honour, I now call Gregory Waite.'

With Jeffers' evidence as an introduction this next witness could hardly fail to generate interest. On request Waite gave his details.