524 Indisputable framing! (1/2)
With unparalleled expressions of austerity, Chris felt as if a thunderbolt had struck him as he murmured to himself.
”What is it like this? How did it end up like this?”
As he murmured, Chris was dragged out involuntarily. Right at the corner of the street, Chris suddenly noticed a pair of jesting and ridiculing deep eyes. Chris momentarily understood before struggling violently and pointing towards Sheyan while shouting strenuously.
”Seaman, do you think getting someone to frame me will work? Never! Let me tell you, it will never work! After bitterly establishing myself for so long, how would I be toppled by your fabricated accusation! Just you wait, I’ll be out within an hour. You have no evidence to condemn me of crimes!! My company will still be towering within Port Royal as before!”
Indeed, Chris wasn’t lying at all. One must understand, acquiring a property in Port Royal as this current age was an exceedingly troublesome affair; something that not merely money could resolve. Such a situation resembled a city center in the present world. In truth, even Sheyan didn’t possess the qualifications to acquire his own property in Tortuga, one could imagine its difficulty.
As it turns out, Chris’s backing was an influential character in Port Royal, known as Lord Ben Fleming. Being a representative of Port Royal, he could rally the public opinion, and ride with the trends; achieving the acknowledgement of the general public. Whenever Governor Swann was absent, then lord Ben Fleming would assume the temporary responsibility as governor. One could fathom his status from this.
Of course, having just a backing wouldn’t be sufficient, but Chris had always been a prudent individual. In truth, he did engaged in smuggling, but his cautious bearing ensured it was conducted neatly from head to tail; having various kinds of accounting records. Thus, Chris was assured that even if the magistrate attempted a stringent investigation, Sheyan would absolutely not find any incriminating evidence.
Without any evidence and purely relying on bribery or fraud, such a method would only work on individuals without a backing. It was certainly impossible on himself! Hence, Chris confidently shouted out those words; claiming that he would be freed within an hour.
During his trial, everything seemed to be playing out according to Reef’s depiction. Firstly, it was the criminal charge of homicide.
The accuser’s statement was simply powerless, and the charge for homicide was dismissed. In fact, Chris was already awaiting the moment he could depart, where he would erect his middle finger to blow off steam in Sheyan’s face.
Following that, the guards who investigated Chris’s shop returned. They adorned poker face that was seemingly devoid of any happiness. Under the supervision of the magistrate, they emotionlessly recited the list of merchandises within his trading company, while requesting for Chris to explain about the origins of his merchandises.
Chris answered in flawless fashion, knowing everything by heart; connecting the taxes paid and everything else like a connecting pulse throughout the dragon. Furthermore, there were certain individuals in the jury that could even testify for him.
Soon after, even Lord Ben Fleming stood forward in objection, blaming this entire fiasco as a premeditated framing; a ploy intended to besmirch a law abiding citizen’s reputation. He further mentioned that if the trial were carry on, it would be essential akin to being toyed in the culprit’s hands.
Faced with Lord Ben Fleming’s call to question, the magistrate’s face became downcasted.
However at this instant, the accuser raised a hand and spoke with profound significance.
”I have only one question for Mr Chris. May your excellency permit me this final question.”
Facing the final counter-argument of the accuser, Chris was already brimming with confidence; so much so, he couldn’t sniff up the thick conspiracy behind that question. Chris bluntly interrupted.
”Go ahead, but if your question cannot incriminate me of crime, then I hope to be released from trial.”
”Not a problem.” The accusing party replied in deep significance.
He then raised the list of merchandise, before loudly reciting the final point on it.
”My final question is, would the respected Mr Chris explain the source of the 21,316 gold guineas found in your shop?
Chris was dumbstruck, sensing that he had suddenly been submerged deep into a whirlpool of conspiracy. His body broke out in cold sweat, as he exclaimed frantically.
”Impossible, absolutely impossible. I only have 10,000 guineas in my shop!”