Chapter 33
“Do you think he could have made a mistake in my case?”
“With that track record, yes, he could have.”
Damn. I slam my fist on the desk. I've always been a fair judge—for something like this to happen, it's not possible.
“It's not your fault, Owen. At the time, you weren't in any condition to do anything.”
“He shouldn't have made a mistake, especially not in my case.”
“I agree, but if he made several, why wouldn't he have made one in yours too?”
“I think we need to settle this once and for all,” Anthony says, but I didn't want to believe it—not with my principles as a judge.
“And what do you have in mind?” I ask the two of them, sitting across from me.
“Well, first we need an expert and a mechanic.”
“Yes, and I already know who we can call. I have an expert on my team—I always need one around, so I hired him.”
“And for the mechanic, we need someone who does quality work.”
“I know one. Leave it to me—I'll reach out to him,” Anthony says.
“All right, then let's start with the case file, the photos taken on the day of the accident, then we'll move on to the car. But first, we need the expert.”
“Don't forget we also have to visit the scene. We need the case file, especially the old photos.”
“I can arrange that.”
“And when do you want to do this?”
“When everything's ready, let me know, and I'll decide when we start.”
And so it's agreed. They say goodbye and leave, while I stay behind, turning the facts over in my mind. I've read the case file several times, studied the photos, but now doubt is gnawing at me. I'm lost in thought when my phone rings.
“Robert, did something happen?”
“Jhonatan already requested authorization to see the car.”
“And when will that be?”
“Next week. He hired an expert who specializes in car accidents. So I'm calling to give you a heads-up.”
“Is he trustworthy?”
“Yes, I know him. His work is impeccable. We've worked together on several cases outside Europe.”
“All right, please keep me posted. If he turns up anything—I know the process takes time, but I'll be waiting to hear from you.”
“Don't worry, I'll keep you in the loop.”
“Thank you, Robert.”
“And have you decided whether you're going to investigate this too?”
“I'm still thinking about what to do.”
“But knowing you, I don't think you'll let something this serious slide. Well, if you need anything, I'm here.”
I thank him again and we say goodbye. I hang up the phone, thinking about what Robert said.
Knowing Amélie, she would certainly pursue this on her own.
If she's so determined to find evidence, it's because she's sure her father is innocent.
I'll reach out to Jhonatan, but that can wait until tomorrow.
The next morning, Austin calls me early, saying he'll come by in the afternoon so we can iron out the details, along with Anthony, the expert, and the mechanic.
So I decide to call Jhonatan, James's lawyer.
Now that I know they also want to reopen the case for a new investigation, why not work together?
I pick up my phone and dial his number. He answers on the second ring.
“To what do I owe the honor of the judge calling me?”
“Good morning, Jhonatan. Yesterday Robert contacted me to talk about James's case.”
“Yes, I requested authorization for a new investigation. My client has the right to ask for that.”
“Of course, but I'm not questioning that. I'm calling to ask that you keep me informed if anything changes.”
“Owen, forgive me, but I don't think Amy will want to share any information, especially after the way she left your house.”
“I understand, and I'm sorry. Well, I already knew the answer. I just wanted to be sure. But if you need anything, I'm here to help.”
“Thank you, Judge.”
He says goodbye and hangs up. I was already expecting that answer—not from Jhonatan, really, since he knows I have the best contacts, but from Amélie. I regret the way she left my house. I want the chance to apologize to her, maybe someday.
The day flies by. I'm still holed up in my office with the case file and photos in hand, analyzing everything, when someone knocks on the door. I just say “come in,” and Austin appears in the doorway with the rest of the group.
“Did you get the case file?”
“Robert sent it this morning, and I've already started rereading it. I don't want to miss a single detail.”
“Well, let me make introductions. This is Mayke, my officer and forensic expert, and this is Paolo, the mechanic.”
I shake their hands in greeting and ask them to sit down, then explain the case in detail so we can figure out where to begin.
“Where's the car?” Mayke asks, looking at the photos I handed him moments before.
“After the trial, it was sent to an impound lot and never released to the family. It's still in police custody, but we have clearance to access it.”
“Perfect. Now we need to figure out our next move. Once I settle on a date, I'll be in touch.”
“Still having doubts about this? I thought everything was settled.”
“Don't judge me, but I think he's guilty. This would just be stirring up the past.”
“Well, we've already got the professionals you needed. When you're sure, you know where to find me.”
They say goodbye and leave. I stay behind, unsure what to do. Should I trust the justice system and leave it alone, or see for myself whether he's really innocent? The question lingers in my mind, and I can't decide.