“We have to get inside that house,” Kilian said with renewed determination.
“Exactly. How lovely that we know that Matthias is in court right now.”
“But there will be guards there,” Kilian argued.
“Of course.” Agathe’s eyes lit up. “I think I have an idea.”
“This could be very dangerous,” Kilian warned.
“I know. But we have to try. Madlen’s life depends on it.”
“Where is Agathe?” Elsbeth whispered to Otilia as the seat between them remained empty.
“I don’t know. She’s probably been held up somehow.”
“But the trial’s resuming soon.”
Suddenly, Agathe appeared out of nowhere. “Don’t ask why, just come with me.”
Elsbeth and Otilia followed her outside, confused, as the spectators looked on and whispered. As soon as they left the church, the sheriff and the jury members came back in. Shortly thereafter, the defendant was led in through the side door. Her gaze fell on the empty places in the first row, where her aunt, mother-in-law, and Otilia had been sitting. She felt uneasy, but she couldn’t think about that now; she had to focus on saving her life.
“Before we continue, I would like to make an announcement,” the sheriff said. “We’ve already heard the testimonies of many Wormsers who all said the same thing. If no one objects, I would like to propose that we waive the examination of the remaining witnesses.”
“I have no objection,” Johannes said after he stood up. “The plethora of testimonies that have already been given before the court gives a clear enough picture of the defendant’s activities.”
Andreas stood up, too. “The defense has no objection.”
“Good, good.” The sheriff looked up to see Otilia coming into the church, running up the middle aisle toward Andreas.
“Who are you and what do you want, my lady?” the sheriff asked indignantly.
“I ask the court for a moment of patience.” Andreas leaned over toward Otilia, to better hear what she had to say. He nodded several times as she whispered something in his ear. Not even Madlen, who sat right next to him, could make out the words.
“My apologies to the court.” Andreas nodded to Otilia, who mumbled an apology and immediately left the church. “I believe that it is now of the utmost importance that we hear from more witnesses.”
“But didn’t you just agree not to?” The sheriff seemed visibly upset.
“There’s new evidence,” Andreas replied, stalling for time.
“New evidence? What kind?”
“I’m not at liberty to reveal the exact nature of the evidence in open court at this time,” Andreas said.
Johannes stood up. “In order to abide with the rule of law, the prosecution does not object. The defendant can bring in as many witnesses as she cares to. It will do her no good. No one will be able to say that we didn’t honor the letter of the law.” Johannes sat down again.
“What are you doing?” Matthias hissed as he jumped up, glaring at Johannes. “It’s already been decided. How can you allow this man”—he pointed at Andreas—“to carry out this travesty of justice? It seems to me that no one here, not even the prosecutor, wants to have this whole thing over and done with.”
Johannes stood up again. “My good man! I understand your desire to see that justice is quickly served, but you are not a lawyer. We must undeniably establish that the trial is conducted in the manner prescribed by law, so that this woman”—he nodded in Madlen’s direction—“cannot say that she did not get a fair trial. For this reason, the prosecution sees no reason to rush through these proceedings. It’s far more important that guilt is firmly established beyond a shadow of a doubt. Whether we have to take another day or two is of no consequence.” Johannes smiled and took his seat again.
“Thank you for your comments, Prosecutor,” said the sheriff. He waited until Matthias had taken his seat again. “So, defense counsel, call your next witness.”
“The name is there on the list,” Andreas explained amiably. “Please, let’s hear each witness, one after the other, as listed there.”
“What? You don’t have any new witnesses except for what’s here on the list?”
“That is correct, my lord. As you’ve just said: justice must be served by following the letter of the law.” He smiled earnestly, keeping his gaze firmly on the sheriff, who bristled with hostility.
“If that is your wish,” he grumbled.
“It is, indeed,” Andreas confirmed as he looked briefly over at Johannes, who he could tell was trying as hard as he could to suppress a grin.