Bab 99: Chapter 99: Maybe for Justice
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Henry returned with updates on Andy's case.
"..."
"The judge who tried Andy's case retired last year. Despite Andy's persistent claims of innocence and his monthly letters to the court, the evidence was insufficient, yet he was convicted of homicide and sentenced to two life terms."
"Andy has been at Shawshank Prison since then, continually seeking justice. He writes letters every month, expressing his grievances."
"Boss, we've located the thief's gun. It's a Colt revolver that has changed hands three times. We found it in the last owner's utility room."
Henry placed a paper bag in front of Hardy. Inside was a plain revolver, worth only twenty or thirty dollars, yet it had ruined a banker's life.
"Anything else?" Hardy asked.
Henry continued, "Andy is quite the writer. Aside from his appeals to the court, he also lobbied the state government about the prison library's lack of books. His persistent requests eventually led to improvements, earning him some respect and reducing his mistreatment."
Hardy recalled this detail from the movie's plot.
"Henry, find a lawyer to file for a retrial. Have Aimo, the thief, turn himself in and confess. You will oversee this process and keep me updated." Hardy instructed.
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At Shawshank Prison, a car arrived at the gate.
Henry and Attorney Bob, a seasoned lawyer in his forties, stepped out. Bob had been hesitant about taking the case initially but was swayed by the substantial lawyer's fee offered by Henry.
After passing security checks, they entered the interview room.
Andy, surprised by the visit, inquired, "Who are you?"
Bob smiled, "I'm Attorney Bob, and this is Mr. Henry. We're here regarding your case."
Andy's eyes widened with hope. "You've come from the state court?"
Bob shook his head. "We were commissioned by Mr. Hardy."
"Mr. Hardy?"
Andy racked his brain, trying to recall who Hardy was but came up empty.
"Mr. Hardy is my employer," Henry explained.
Andy remained puzzled but was eager for any help. Bob presented a power of attorney for Andy to sign, authorizing Bob to represent him in seeking a retrial.
Andy, trembling with anticipation, signed the document. He was filled with hope for the first time in years, despite not knowing Hardy.
Bob and Henry departed, leaving Andy to reflect on the possibility of a new beginning. Captain Hailey, upon learning of the visit, reported back to Warden Sam Norton, who was engrossed in his collection of antique music boxes.
Hailey reported, "A lawyer visited Andy, and they're applying for a retrial."
The warden's expression darkened. Andy's capabilities were valuable to him, and the prospect of losing Andy to a retrial was unsettling. His first impulse was to eliminate the threat, but he reconsidered.
"Hailey, keep a close watch on Andy and update me with any developments," the warden instructed.
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The sun beat down on Shawshank as Andy took some rare outdoor time. He sat next to Old Black Reid, who inquired about the visitors.
"It was a lawyer," Andy explained.
"Someone helping you out of the blue? That's unusual," Reid noted.
"I don't know Mr. Hardy, but I'm hopeful. It's a glimmer of light after so many dark years," Andy said, smiling despite his uncertainty.
Days later, Aimo, the thief, turned himself in to the police, confessing to the murders he had committed seven years earlier. His decision to surrender came from a life of relentless torture and a desire to escape his current suffering.
The police, finding Aimo's confession credible, reported the case to the court. The current state court officer, upon reviewing the case file and Aimo's confession, noted that the facts matched those of the original case.
"The judge who tried Andy's case has retired. The trial had its controversies, and now the real murderer has confessed," the officer said.
A judge considered the situation and concluded, "The case should be corrected if a mistake was made."
The next day, Attorney Bob filed a petition with the state court, presenting Andy's power of attorney. The media quickly picked up the story, highlighting the wrongful conviction and the new developments.
The case, once a sensational scandal, now became a testament to the quest for justice, with public interest piqued by the unfolding drama.
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