“I have no idea how we’re going to be able to refute this murder charge,” he said to Johannes, who had come to visit him at the university. They were careful not to be seen together in public. Their only public meeting had been at the tavern, but no one could fault them for that. It was common for defense attorneys and prosecutors to speak about defendants and the charges against them; no one would suspect any kind of conspiracy over one public meeting.
“Kilian was there when the guard came and asked Madlen to come to Adelhaid.” Johannes rubbed his tired eyes.
“Yes, but Kilian is her brother and wants to save her life,” Andreas asserted.
“That’s what the court will think. Nevertheless, you should let Kilian speak.”
“I will. But his testimony won’t carry much weight.”
“We’ll see. What motive would Madlen have for killing Adelhaid?”
“Madlen wanted to silence her before she testified in court about losing her child.”
“The trial was over. The sheriff decided that interrogating Adelhaid was no longer necessary.”
“Some might argue that Madlen could have still been terrified that the truth could come to light.”
“The truth.” Johannes spit out the words with bitterness. “If only Adelhaid could have appeared in court to tell the truth, the whole truth.”
Andreas nodded. “Maybe she could . . . ,” he muttered. “At least in spirit.”
“What do you mean?”
“We’ve spent a great deal of time trying to find witnesses who could exonerate Madlen.”
“Yes. So?”
“We need to put our entire attention on Matthias.” Andreas attempted to remember the trial. “Matthias and the sheriff.”
“Why the sheriff?”
“When Madlen was acquitted, the sheriff said that he would interview Matthias to explain his wife’s injuries, which ultimately led to the death of their child.”
Johannes didn’t understand. “But it’s not about the child’s death at all.”
“No, but why did the sheriff drop the matter?”
“When Adelhaid was killed, Matthias became the poor widower.” Johannes completed the thought.
“Exactly. But it was the sheriff’s job to investigate the beatings that may have led to the death of Adelhaid’s child. Madlen had been acquitted of all charges. Matthias, however, had every reason to get his wife out of the way. After all, the sheriff had announced there would be an investigation. Matthias could have brutalized his wife further, but he still would have run the risk that she would open her mouth and he would be convicted for his crimes. The rapes and beatings weren’t all; a child was killed and an innocent woman accused. Other charges against Matthias should have been pursued.”
“You really want to attack the sheriff? And you want to do it as he presides over the trial?”
“That’s exactly what I want to do.” Andreas nodded. “What can we expect from the archbishop’s side? Will he intervene?”
“No. I’ve already talked to him. He’s only here as an observer. However, I’m hoping his presence will ensure that no one will want to show their ignorance.”
“What do you think he’ll do?”
“I don’t know. He’s power hungry. Since he took over office, much has changed.”
“So you had been working on behalf of the old archbishop?”
“Yes, four months before Archbishop Kuno replaced himself with his great-nephew. But both men were united on taking action against the secret healer.”
“We’ll see whether he’s holding tightly to those views or whether we can do something to convince him to rethink everything.” Andreas stood up. “I need to go see Madlen for one last conversation before the trial begins.”
“How I would love to be by her side.” Johannes pressed his lips together. “I miss her so much sometimes I can barely breathe.”
“I’ll tell her you’re thinking of her. But when you see each other in court tomorrow, you have to hide your true feelings. Imagine that you’re talking to Matthias Trauenstein when you question her. If the court or the archbishop gets wind of your relationship, all will be lost.”
“I know. I’ll conceal my emotion.”
“Good-bye, my friend.” Andreas left the room. To eliminate any danger of being seen together on the street, Johannes waited until Andreas was far enough from the building before he left.
“Is this the dress you’ll be wearing tomorrow?” Andreas pointed to the gown draped over the back of the chair.
Madlen nodded. “Agathe brought it over for me. She thinks it will be most suitable.” She placed the gown over her belly. “It will only fit for a short time longer.”