Why should I be charged with such a serious crime which I didn't commit?
I can't afford to waste my time in jail.
Even if I can endure it, Penelope can't. Moreover, who knows what will happen between Frances and
me in those years?
I can't be behind bars at this critical juncture.
I remember what Linda taught me, but the police haven't shown any evidence that Jack died from a
heart attack, so I can't tell my lawyer yet.
"Wait a bit longer. Perhaps the police will have new evidence," I say to the lawyer with a wry smile.
"Any new evidence will be against you. I've said everything I need to say. You should think about
whether to plead guilty. I'll bail you out."
At that, he walks out.
Soon, he returns.
He is beaming.
I think Linda has tampered with the evidence.
As expected, the lawyer sits down and says excitedly to me,
"I wonder if you are a prophet. New evidence has come up. It is said that Jack had a heart condition.
Although he is already dead, this evidence is good news. We can argue he died from a heart attack.
The cremation is good for you, too, because the judge won't be able to determine if he died from the
disease. By American law, if they cannot prove you are guilty, you will be acquitted."
"Even if I am convicted, I will at most be guilty of disposing of the body, right? With some effort, I can
apply for a probation?" I ask softly.
The lawyer looks at me in surprise and whispers, "I am surprised you know so much about the law.
You're right. If the prosecution never charges you with unlawful disposal of a corpse, and you are not
guilty of murder, you will walk free."
Is that so? No wonder so many people take advantage of the law.
I am not familiar with the law, but I feel much more at ease being assured by the lawyer.
He bails me out. Soon, the trial starts.
Hilda also shows up at court.
So does Frances.
I wonder if he's still mad at me.
He asked me to return home, but I insisted on staying here.
Besides, I'm a suspect, so I can't just leave the country.
My lawyer applies to the court for my acquittal during the trial.
In the end, I am acquitted for lack of evidence.
Everything is going swimmingly
After the trial, Linda stops me.
I think she means to put on a show for Hilda.
Sure enough, she shoots a look at the two tall women beside her, and they drag me to the bathroom.
Even though I am prepared, I still panic held by them.
"What are you guys doing? Let me go!"
I struggle with all my might, but it is futile.
They throw me into the bathroom and quickly take off my clothes.
In the end, I am stripped down to my bra and panties.
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