The Organization (27 page)

Mr. Conroy asked Harriet to take a seat, adding, “It’s not every day that we have a Member of Parliament as a witness.”

Harriet tried her best to smile graciously, replying, “Well, I’ve never been a witness before.”

“Indeed?” Mr. Conroy replied.  “Well, we’ll begin just as soon as our other participants arrive.  This isn’t meant to be a formal event.”

Harriet nodded and settled into her seat on one of the long sides of the table, leaving a couple of seats between the panel and her.  Her back was to the door, which generally she disliked but on this occasion she preferred it.  She didn’t think she could handle the anticipation; she knew her eyes would be glued to the door.

Harriet heard footsteps and again the panel and Ms. Finley rose, and so she also stood.

“Your Honor,” Harriet heard Erin say, entering and addressing Mr. Conroy. Harriet slowly turned toward the door, her breath catching as she saw Charlotte walking into the room just ahead of Naomi, who closed the door behind herself.

Harriet felt a rush of blood to her head, a pounding in her ears, and for a moment it felt like the room was spinning.  She placed her hand on the table to steady herself as she watched Charlotte, who looked everywhere except at her.  Harriet had watched her in photographs over the years but she was wholly unequipped to see her in person again, to see her move and breathe mere feet away.  Charlotte’s olive-colored blouse and gray pants were somber and subdued but fit her well, and Harriet could see that she had maintained her athletic figure over the years.

Mr. Conroy asked for everyone to be seated, and so they sat.  Charlotte took a chair on the other side of the table and several seats down from Harriet, and Harriet wished more than anything that she could go to her and embrace her. She continued to watch Charlotte, to observe her almost expressionless face that, when studied closely, revealed her tension.

Harriet half-listened as Mr. Conroy directed his opening remarks at Charlotte, explaining the purpose of the hearing and the order in which they would proceed.  “I believe you know everyone who is present, Dr. Parker.”

Charlotte looked steadily at Mr. Conroy as she said, “Yes, Your Honor.  And please, you may call me Charlotte.”  Her voice, although perfectly calm, felt like an icicle to Harriet’s heart. Harriet had missed her voice with its mezzo-soprano tone and half-British, half-American accent.

“Very well,
Charlotte,
then,” Mr. Conroy began again, looking more pleased than before, “As I was saying, I believe you know everyone who is here. You met my fellow panelists and Ms. Finley earlier this morning.  You know Ms. James, the governor here at, uh, Drake Hall.  And I believe you’ll remember Ms. Spencer.”

It seemed to Harriet as though he lingered in his pronunciation of her name, and it felt like everyone in the room was watching Charlotte and her for their responses.  Harriet looked at Charlotte, unable to make her eyes focus on anything but her face – her lips and her own eyes that finally looked back, penetrating deep into Harriet’s skull.  Harriet wondered, could Charlotte see the guilt, the aching, the longing, and the pain?

If Charlotte knew Harriet’s thoughts, she didn’t reveal that to the room.  Charlotte simply said, “Yes, good morning.”  And then she looked away.

Mr. Conroy spoke again, asking Charlotte, “First things first… Will you give evidence this morning?”

“Yes, Your Honor,” Charlotte replied.

“Good, good,” Mr. Conroy mumbled.  “At this time, the panel asks Ms. Finley to state the Crown’s view on what the outcome of this case should be.”

Ms. Finley took out her digital reader and read aloud a prepared statement that acknowledged that Charlotte had been a model prisoner during her twelve years of incarceration, but cautioned the panel against releasing a potentially violent prisoner into the public. The Crown was advocating for Charlotte to remain at Drake Hall and to be reevaluated in another year.

Next it was Erin’s turn to state what decision she was asking the panel to reach.  She was asking for Charlotte to be released on license, but when she started saying why – that she suspected Charlotte’s conviction was unjustly harsh to compensate for having never found the real criminals, those who had attempted to assassinate the Prime Minister – Mr. Conroy interrupted.

“That’s fine, Ms. Reese.  There will be time for testimony later.”

Mr. Conroy asked Naomi whether she was in support of the Crown’s recommendation or that of the prisoner’s representative.  Naomi looked as though she might falter but she finally replied, “I support the recommendation to release Parker – I mean, Charlotte – on license.”

Mr. Conroy then asked Ms. Finley why she had produced no witnesses for the Crown.  Ms. Finley looked offended, saying she strongly believed that Charlie’s file spoke for itself, that it would be unprecedented to release a prisoner convicted of such a serious offense at this early point in her sentence.

Mr. Conroy grunted in disapproval and asked Erin to call her witnesses. 

Erin replied, “Your Honor, I have submitted a statement from Mr. Burke, the surgeon here at Drake Hall, who reiterates his support of Charlie and notes her professionalism and service in the prison’s infirmary.”

“We’ve received and read Mr. Burke’s statement, as well as the statement from Charlie’s personal officer, but they’re not witnesses here today,” Mr. Conroy said.

Harriet could see that Erin was getting flustered.  Finally, as was customary, she asked Charlotte to give evidence.

Charlotte seemed deceivingly calm as she spoke in measured tones.  “I’ve never been a political person.  But I trusted and involved myself with the wrong people, which I have gravely regretted for the past twelve years.  That chapter in my life is closed and I am ready to move on.  Indeed, I have moved on.  If given the opportunity to make a contribution to society, I would return to working as a biochemist.  I have maintained my qualifications and I am confident I could find employment in a lab or at a university.  My desire is to return to being a tax-paying citizen rather than a financial drain on society.”

“Do you deny being a member of a terrorist group?” Ms. Finley asked.

The corner of Charlotte’s mouth tugged into a slight frown as she replied, “It’s true that I attended meetings of a group that wanted governmental reform, and which was popularly characterized as a terrorist group, but I never participated in any plots to overthrow the government, violently or otherwise.”

Dr. Frank, the psychologist member of the panel, spoke next.  “I’ve read your psychological reports.  You suffered from depression during the first several years of your incarceration.”

There was a pause before Charlotte replied, “Yes, that’s correct.”

“To what extent do you believe your depression stemmed from your decision not to contest your charges?” Dr. Frank asked.

“That’s a complicated question to try to answer,” Charlie said, her brow furrowing.

“Do you feel that you were wrongfully imprisoned?” Dr. Frank leaned forward as she asked this question, closely watching Charlotte.

Charlotte glanced down at the table, apparently collecting her thoughts before she answered, “There were certain accusations that the police made that were patently untrue – things about poisoning the water supply.  And there were other details that I admit didn’t seem–”

Erin interrupted, whispering something in Charlotte’s ear.

Charlie took a moment then said, “But no, I was not wrongfully imprisoned.  And I regret the decisions I made that led to my imprisonment.”

The panel murmured among themselves and then Mr. Conroy asked, “How can we be sure that you pose no further risk to society?”

“With respect, I’ve severed all ties with those involved in the, well, terrorist group.”  She had apparently realized it was in her best interest not to contest whether it was a terrorist group.  “I have no desire to reconnect with any of those people, nor with that period of my life.”  As Charlotte spoke, Harriet began to have the sinking feeling that that particular statement was intended for her.  “Furthermore, I would agree to any monitoring devices, curfews, or geographic restrictions that this board would require of me.”

The panel asked Charlotte questions about the nature of her volunteering in the infirmary, whether she got on well with other prisoners, and where she would live if released.  After a while, Mr. Conroy conferred with his fellow panelists before turning his attention to Erin and asking her to call her next witness.

Erin looked at her and said, “My next, and last, witness is Harriet Spencer, Member of Parliament and formerly a producer at the EBC.”

Mr. Conroy motioned for Harriet to proceed with her evidence.

“I appreciate the opportunity to be here today,” Harriet began.  “As an EBC producer, I was working on behalf of our government to promote and protect the public good.  And Charlie provided invaluable information that aided in our government’s cause and which I firmly believe helped to shepherd in this current era of reconciliation between our government and others.” 
All right,
Harriet thought
, enough with the lies and embellishments.  Tell it straight.

Harriet continued, saying, “I knew Charlie during what I imagine was an intense and confusing time in her life.  I could see that she was torn between the… terrorist group… and her desire to lead an uncomplicated, transparent life.  I think she came to me because she and I believed in the same things, the same moral order.  She was brave to have come to me.  It opened her up to unimaginable repercussions from others, such as the would-be assassins.”  Harriet paused, and looked at Mr. Conroy.  “I don’t believe Charlie was ever a threat to the public.  I’m only sorry, truly sorry, that I wasn’t able to protect her all those years ago.”

Mr. Soller, who had largely been silent, asked, “And why did none of this come to light twelve years ago?”

“The police questioned me and I gave the same evidence that I’m giving today but, as we all know, there was no trial,” Harriet replied.

Dr. Frank seemed to study Harriet as she asked, “Ms. Spencer, do you believe that it’s your role, either as a producer at the EBC or as a Member of Parliament, to protect people who attend meetings of terrorist groups?”

Harriet felt anger rising in her chest but she kept her expression impassive.  “Dr. Frank, I believe in serving the public good.  And the public good was being better served with Charlie on the outside.”

There were no further questions for Harriet, and again her gaze fell on Charlotte as Ms. Finley began her summation and reiterated her recommendation.  Next it was Erin’s turn to do the same.  As Erin was speaking, Charlotte finally looked at Harriet again.  For a moment, Charlotte’s lips parted and Harriet felt as though she wanted to say something to her, but then Charlotte yet again looked away.

Mr. Conroy spoke quietly with his fellow panel members then announced to the room that no further contribution would be needed from them.  They were to leave for the panel to privately deliberate their decision, which would be communicated to Charlotte within two weeks.

Ms. Finley left first and Naomi motioned for Harriet to follow.  Harriet lingered in the hallway to watch as Charlotte, Erin, and Naomi left the hearing room.  Erin was hugging Charlotte goodbye when a guard said to Harriet, “This way, please.”  He held open the door that Harriet knew would lead away from Charlotte and out to the exit.  She watched Charlotte for another moment, wishing she could take Erin’s place in that embrace.

As Harriet turned to go, Naomi walked over and took the door from the guard.  “Come to mine tonight?” she asked quietly.

Harriet shook her head and responded, “Tonight isn’t good.”

“Please,” she said.  She wasn’t imploring Harriet; she was telling her.

Harriet hesitated then said, “All right.”  She headed for the exit.

#

Chapter Forty-Nine

That evening, as Harriet found herself deep into a bottle of scotch, she sent Naomi a diginote to tell her she wasn’t feeling well.  She asked for a rain check.  It was several days later when Naomi cashed that check.

Harriet’s intercom sounded as Anna announced, “Ms. Spencer, I have a Naomi James here to see you.”  Harriet really needed to figure out a way to give Anna a raise; her voice revealed nothing, no hint of anything being out of the ordinary even though Harriet had had Anna research Naomi James’s background in detail.

Harriet hit the intercom button and replied, “Please show her in.”

Naomi entered, and Anna closed the door behind her.  She said, “I’m sorry to bother you at work.  It’s just… I wasn’t sure when I’d see you again.”  She looked too serious.

Harriet didn’t know whether she should walk over and kiss her hello, or how she should handle the situation, so she remained planted in her chair.  “It’s fine, really, that you’re here.”

Naomi sat across her desk from Harriet and allowed her gaze to roam around the office.  “So this is what an MP’s office looks like.  It’s quite… posh.”

Harriet replied, “My assistant has good taste in decoration.”

She looked back at Harriet, a guarded expression on her face.  Harriet had the distinct impression that Naomi had prepared something she wanted to say, and Harriet didn’t want to hear whatever it was.  Harriet decided to take control.  “Let’s go get a cup of coffee,” she said, standing.

“All right,” Naomi replied, seemingly with reluctance.

Harriet trusted Naomi’s sense of discretion, that she wouldn’t say anything too personal if they stayed in the company of other people.  Harriet kept to the crowded hallways and then led them to one of Westminster’s cafés, telling her along the way about the history of her building.  To Naomi’s credit, she at least tried to show interest.

“So now I’ve seen where you work, and you’ve seen where I work,” Harriet said, keeping her tone light.  Harriet took their two coffees from the takeaway counter at the café and handed one to Naomi.

“Yes, about the other day, at Drake Hall and the hearing…” Naomi began to say, before glancing at a couple of aides who said good morning to Harriet.