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“Can I prove my innocence? Have you forgotten that this is a court of law? I’m supposed to be innocent until proven guilty. You’re the one who has to build a case against me. But you haven’t done that, and I’ve already proven one charge false. How much more do I need to do? How much more before you ask yourself about the anonymous source who tossed all this information to the press?”
“We’re not here to investigate the source. That job belongs to Chief Shaw.”
“That job belongs to Bullstow. All of you,” Lila snapped. “I ask you again: can you prove that I profited from my supposed break-in? Do you have any scrap of evidence—”
“I don’t believe that is the point. The law states—”
“The law is there to protect people, not condemn them, as you so wisely pointed out. Even unrepentant hypocrites like me. I do have rights, and you’re about to violate them.”
Mr. Martinez winced, but he couldn’t stop himself from eyeing the row of senators.
The spectators whispered amongst themselves.
“Fine,” Masson said, cutting through the din. “The committee will verify that we have the authority to order the serum and reevaluate the evidence against you. Report back at nine o’clock tomorrow morning, madam. Do not make us send Chief Shaw to collect you.”
The gavel smacked against the sounding board.
“Let’s take a break,” Masson told his comrades. “Meet back in fifteen minutes as soon as the room is cleared. I’ll have the blackcoats fetch Dr. Vargas about the truth serum. He’ll clear up the matter.”
The senators gathered up a few papers and belongings, then filed from the room.
Chief Shaw marched from the room as well, leading a press of blackcoats into the corridor. He wouldn’t meet her eyes, not even to offer his thanks for keeping his secrets.
Her lawyer scratched his cheek. “I have no idea if that was the dumbest stunt I’ve ever witnessed or the most entertaining. You managed to beat Senator Masson with his own argument, and that doesn’t happen often, madam.”
“I just opened a door. I knew he’d walk through it. The man speechifies too often without thinking ahead, which is why he still serves New Bristol rather than Saxony. I guess we’ll find out tomorrow if it worked.”
“Aye, that we will. I don’t think you helped your situation, though. You admitted to digging through the BIRD. You’re going to get a slave’s term. That’s certain now.”
“Yes, but they can’t—”
“I’m not Senator Masson, so save your arguments.” He snatched up his paperwork. “You’ve won nothing, I’m afraid. Take this last day and spend it well. It will be likely be the last day of freedom you enjoy.”
“Do you think they’ll order me to take the serum?”
“I’m guessing that you’d say something which would lead to the hangman’s noose?” He eyed her as he slid his files into a worn leather briefcase. “They’ll try, no doubt, but you did give them pause. They don’t want to leave themselves open to a lawsuit. No one fetches Dr. Vargas if they can help it. He’s a walking encyclopedia of legal precedent who runs on port, but he’s also a frightful bore.”
He turned away and slid his palm from his pocket on the way to the door.
Chief Sutton marched to Lila’s side, her bun shaking at her neck. “All that time we worked together, and this is what you made of yourself?”
Lila opened her mouth.
“Save it, Elizabeth. I taught you better than this. I taught you to follow the law. I don’t care what they say tomorrow. You deserve the noose for spitting on your militia vow.”
“I—”
“Do you know that your mother has summoned me to the great house every Monday morning since you disappeared? Every Monday morning, she asks if I’ll formally accept the chief’s position, and every time, I refuse. Do you know why?”
Lila shook her head.
“Because Jewel resumed her role as prime the morning after Senator Dubois called off their wedding. She only did it at your mother’s order, but she did it just the same. I thought you’d come back to the compound after the case was dismissed. I wanted your job to be there, waiting for you when you returned.”
“I—”
“I thought this trial was just some stupid mistake. I thought you’d volunteer for the serum and clear up these ridiculous charges against you. You had the chance to prove your innocence, but you didn’t take it. Instead, you proved yourself to be the worst sort of blackcoat.”
Sutton laid her hand upon the desk. Something metallic bounced upon the wood, jingling sharply. “I don’t want this anymore. I’ll requisition my own damn pin.”
