As he had suspected, the courtroom was jammed to capacity with people and television cameras, all trained on him as he stood and waited for proceedings to begin.
“All rise for the Honourable Judge Jeffries.” The clerk of the court bellowed, and Greer watched with some interest as the man who would ultimately seal his fate approached his seat.
Judge Jeffries was a slim, sharp-faced man, with cold blue eyes and thin lips. He sat with what Greer thought to be deliberate flair, took his reading glasses and perched them on the edge of his nose.
“Be seated.” He said with sharp authority.
Greer looked to his right, and saw Longborough and his team of expensive lawyers watching him with predatory smiles. They looked to be enjoying the occasion immensely.
Even with the pressure that came with knowing that the eyes of the world were on him, Greer was still filled with a euphoric sense of calm. The Judge went through the preliminary introductions, and then it was time to get down to business and for each party to make their initial statements. Longborough was first up, or more accurately one of his lawyers was. Greer recognised him; he had been hyped up on the news over the last few weeks as something of a big shot. His name was Bernard Winthorpe, and he looked every inch the overpriced, overconfident lawyer that he was. His skin was dark and smooth, and his eyes cold and calculating. He looked at Greer with a half-smile on his face, and then walked past the jury, looking at them wordlessly. Greer looked at them with him, twelve anonymous faces who waited for Winthorpe to begin his case.
“Ladies and gentlemen.” He began, making sure to make eye contact with them in turn as he walked back and forth. “Do not be fooled by Edwyn Greer.”
He paused for effect and then continued.
“Do not be fooled into thinking that this is about deciding if a man is guilty or not.”
He approached Greer and glared at him, then pointed theatrically.
“This man is a monster. This man is guilty of crimes almost beyond the scope of our ability as civilised human beings to comprehend. But, rest assured, those crimes will be paid for, and you, our jury will have the chance to do what is right and see this monster given the punishment that he duly deserves.”
He stared at Greer, who looked back, meeting his gaze fearlessly. Realising that he wasn’t going to intimidate, Winthorpe walked back towards the jury and stood with his hands behind his back.
“Three hundred thousand. That is the estimated number of deaths that Edwyn Greer is responsible for. Just take a moment to think about that number.”
Greer watched as Winthorpe paced in front of the jury. He had to hand it to him, he was good.
“Three hundred thousand.” He repeated. “Sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives.”
He shook his head as he glanced at Greer, and then back to the jury.
“Three hundred thousand dead. That’s more than the New York World Trade Centre attacks in two thousand and one. It’s more than the California earthquake of 2015. It’s more than the tragic nuclear reactor explosion in Japan in 2019. Three hundred thousand.”
He paced, hands clasped behind his back.
“Three hundred thousand.” He said, shaking his head. “And remember this isn’t a team or terrorists, or a freak accident or even Mother Nature. This is just one man. One man. This man.” He said, pointing at Greer.
“Innocent he may look, but don’t be fooled. Edwyn Greer is a monster, a criminal on a scale so immense, it is difficult to comprehend, but a criminal he is. And as with any criminal, it is up to you, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, to ensure that this monster, like any other criminal, is punished for his crimes. Failure to do so means that next time, it could be your children, or husbands, or wives or friends who are the victim. Please, I appeal to you to do the right thing and keep our society safe. Thank you.”
Winthorpe walked back to Longborough and his legal team, flicking a smug, oozing smile at Greer as he passed and sat back with his team.
The court and the watching world held its breath. It was the former vampire’s turn to speak.
Greer stood, and approached the jury.
“In 1707, a young man was infected with a parasite which would change his life forever. He didn’t ask for this, nor did he have any way to escape. But the man became host to the organism which you refer to as vampire, and the man did as the vampire willed, because he was powerless to resist.”
Greer paused and folded his hands in front of him.
“He didn’t ask for this, nor did he do anything to deserve such a burden, but bonded they did become, and the man was cursed to live under its thrall forever more. Mr. Winthorpe talked about husbands, and wives and friends. I once had these things, and my punishment was to watch them die as they grew old and I did not. The three hundred thousand deaths that Mr. Winthorpe spoke of are true. They happened. But that in itself is not the question that is being asked today. The question that is being asked is this.”
He paused for effect and continued.
“Is Edwyn Greer, the man, responsible for his actions?”
He looked at Longborough and was pleased to see him squirm in his seat.
“Or, was he the innocent victim of the needs and desires of his parasite? That, ladies and gentlemen is the real question. And one which Mr. Longborough and his team will try to muddy with his phalanx of experts. I, as you see, stand alone. And I ask you this. Before the cure was found, would you convict a man because he contracted cancer? Would you condemn an alcoholic or an anorexic to death because they were a slave to their disease?”
He looked at the jury.
“I think the answer is obvious. Like me, they are a victim of the thing that controls from within. The vampire that lived within me was responsible for things that I am in no way proud of, but now, as a free man without such burden, the only question that matters is this. Can you condemn a man to death whose only crime was being unfortunate enough to be contaminated by a vicious, dangerous disease? That, ladies and gentlemen, is the question that you would need to keep at the forefront of your mind for the duration of these proceedings. Thank you.”
Greer returned to his seat and waited for the first of Longborough's witnesses to be called.
***
The trial format had changed somewhat since the early years of the twenty-first century. Gone were the expensive, multi-week processes of years gone by. Instead, they were replaced with a new format in early 2017. Now, all trials lasted up to a maximum of three, eight hour days, at the end of which the jury would vote and give their recommendation to the presiding Judge, who would then hand down sentencing. The three-day format put an end to the never-ending procession of witnesses brought in on any given case to try and sway the jury. Instead, witnesses were to be chosen carefully, and the questioning kept streamlined by the relevant legal teams. Although initially frowned upon, the new rules meant that more cases could be heard more quickly, and more convictions made.
Greer was grateful that his fate would be settled in days rather than months and watched with great interest as Longborough’s first witness was called. The man was sworn in, and looked about nervously, uncomfortable with the high-profile nature of the case.
“Please state your name for the court.” The clerk said as the man placed his hand on a dog-eared copy of the bible and was sworn in. The man’s name was Dietrich Barl, a German zoologist, and microbiologist, who looked around the room. He was wearing a musty, tweed suit which looked at least thirty years old, and he wore ridiculous, oversized glasses which made his eyes appear huge as he peered through them. Winthorpe approached the witness, smiling and not quite hiding the predatory edge that was buried beneath it.
“Mr. Barl.” He began, his voice sharp and crisp and reaching every corner of the large courtroom. “Please tell the court what you do for a living.”
“I’m a zoologist and microbiologist.” He stammered, pulling at his collar.
“And could you tell the court what you have be
en doing for the last year?”
“I have been working with Sir Longborough and his team with regards to the parasite known as Longboroughvampirosis.”
“And for the court, please explain what Longboroughvampirosis is.”
“It’s a very aggressive parasite. It has only recently been discovered, but we think it has been active on earth since the early Jurassic period.”
“And how might somebody contract this parasite?”
“Well, it starts microscopic and is very resilient. We have so far found it present in undercooked meats and water, so contracting it would have been easy.”
“You say would have been!” Winthorpe said, leading the questioning. “Why isn’t it now?”
“Well, general sanitation and hygiene awareness makes infection rare, but I think in Mr Greer’s time, Longboroughvampirosis would be fairly common.”
“And in your examination of this parasite, what were your findings, of its nature specifically?”
“Well,” Barl said, unable to hide his excitement. “It’s unlike anything we have ever seen before. It’s aggressive, and territorial, and resistant to every other virus or disease we have tried to combat it with.”
“I see.”
Winthorpe walked to the jury.
“Aggressive and territorial.” He turned back towards Barl. “Are these traits that would transfer from parasite to its chosen host?”
“Yes.”
“Could you tell the court a little of the process of infection?”
“Upon ingestion, the parasite would enter the bloodstream, and make its way to a position underneath the heart. From there it would begin to feed.”
“And what would it feed on Mr. Barl?”
“Blood.”
“And then what happens?”
“The parasite grows and connects to the central nervous system of its host. It then separates, and a secondary parasite attaches itself to the base of the brain, effectively taking control of the host.”
“I see,” Bernard said, watching the jury with sincerity. “And what traits would this parasite bestow on its chosen host?”
“Well, it’s quite remarkable. The host and its immune system don’t detect the parasite; it somehow remains invisible, mimicking red blood cells until it grows large enough to complete its bond. Once it is attached, the host will begin to change. The ageing process stops completely, and their immune system is boosted by three thousand percent. Essentially the parasite grants its host immortality and immunity from infection.”
“I see. And what else?”
“Well, along with the immunity, the host gains great physical strength and speed, a direct consequence of the parasite’s attachment to the central nervous system.”
Winthorpe nodded and turned to the jury.
“So, if I understand you correctly, this parasite is beneficial to the chosen host?”
“Actually, no,” Barl said. Winthorpe knew this of course but acted surprised for the benefit of the panel of jurors.
“Oh? Please, do explain.”
“Well, the parasite has inherent traits burned into its DNA which has allowed it to survive for millions of years.”
“And could you tell the court what those traits are, Mr Barl?”
“Well, Longboroughvampirosis is a very aggressive parasite, and this is passed onto the host. Also, its desire to feed is never ending. It is always looking for sustenance.”
“And what would one feed such a parasite, Mr. Barl?”
“The parasite feeds on blood.”
“So presumably, one could feed it animal blood in order to sustain its desire?”
“No.”
“Mr. Barl, for the benefit of the court, could you clarify the kind of blood that this incredibly potent and aggressive parasite requires to sustain its existence?
“Human blood.”
A murmur rose in the court, which Winthorpe left to peter out naturally. Greer watched and had to hand it to the lawyer. He was every bit as good as the newspapers and television had said.
“Human blood.” He said as the courtroom fell into silence. “ So, just to clarify that I understand you, Mr Barl, you are saying that this parasite, once attached to the host renders it immune to age, immune to disease, but also incredibly aggressive, violent and with a lust and need for constant sustenance of human blood?”
“Yes.”
Bernard was watching the jury now, and they were looking back, captivated by his charisma.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Edwyn Greer is such a host. These traits, these qualities passed down from the Longboroughvampirosis live within Edwyn Greer, and despite Mr. Greer’s plea to question if he is victim or protagonist, remember the facts. Edwyn Greer is a monster, Edwyn Greer is a mass murderer on an almost unfathomable scale, and Edwyn Greer is guilty.”
He looked at Greer, then to the jury.
“Ladies and gentleman, Edwyn Greer deserves to pay for his crimes.”
Winthorpe looked to the Judge.
“No further questions.” He said as he returned to his seat.
“Your witness Mr Greer.” Judge Jeffries said.
Greer stood and approached Barl, composing his thoughts.
“Mr. Barl, you say the parasite which bonded with me is highly aggressive.”
“Yes.”
“Would it compare to any other known parasitic or viral infection?”
“I’m sorry; I don’t understand what you are asking me.”
“I mean, it's potency or aggression. Does it compare to cancer or Ebola for instance?”
“Oh, this is much more aggressive. The Longboroughvampirosis is a highly intelligent organism. It’s part virus, part parasite. Not only does it bond to the host, but it assumes full control. It’s quite unlike anything that has ever been seen before.”
“So assuming this parasite is contracted, could the host do anything to stop the bond? For example by seeking medical attention?”
“Yes, but you would have to know you had it, and because there are no initial symptoms, that in itself is difficult.”
“And what about after symptoms begin to be felt?”
“Well, you would have around forty-eight hours to seek medical attention, and even then, our treatments are still experimental. Survival rates are sixty-five percent.”
“I see, and could you tell us what those symptoms might be, Mr. Barl?”
“Well, you would feel loss of appetite, inability to sleep. You would also become tired and sensitive to harsh light.”
“Would these symptoms be incapacitating?”
“No, that’s the problem. They would be at worst, an inconvenience.”
“And the treatment you speak of, when was it deemed safe to administer?”
“Just last year.”
“So if, for example, you or anyone else present in this courtroom today were to contract Longboroughvampirosis, would it be possible for them to guarantee treatment to cure them?”
“Yes, but only if they sought immediate medical assistance.”
“And after the forty-eight hour period, if it isn’t reported, what then?”
“Then it’s too late. The organism will already be in place and bonded to the heart and has already made the initial symptoms fade.”
“So the victim, or host, feels well again?”
“Yes, until at least the traits of the parasite take hold, and by then, the host has no desire to seek help.”
“So, just to clarify, physical stature or mental capacity of the host is irrelevant? By that I mean a stronger or more intelligent person isn’t less susceptible to the organism than someone smaller of less intelligent?”
“Oh no. it makes no difference at all.”
“My final question to you, Mr. Barl is this. You say a person contracting this disease would need to seek medical attention for treatment immediately, to be given a sixty percent chance of being cured?”
“Correct?”
“So, if a person was to have contracte
d this parasite in 1707, would I be right to suggest that any hope of treatment or cure would be impossible?”
“Yes, absolutely.”
A murmur rose in the crowd, and Greer slid his gaze to look at Longborough and Winthorpe, then back to Barl.
“Thank you, Mr. Barl. I have no further questions.”
The day’s proceedings came to a close following Edwyn Greer’s questions. He was led away back to his holding cells below the court, as Winthorpe and Longborough left the court, barely able to hide the way in which Greer had expertly questioned their witness. Outside the court was a frenzy of media and public, all vying for a look at the players in the case which had captured the imagination of the world. The two pushed past the symphony of photographers and the strobe flashes of hundreds of cameras and ignored the questions of the crowd. It seemed there was an even mix of those in support of Greer, who were calling for his freedom, and those who were calling for his execution, complete with hand painted slogans and burning effigies drawn up to look like Dracula.
Longborough and Winthorpe pushed through to their waiting limousine and closed out the frenzied chaos outside. The car set off, inching through the crowd who reluctantly parted in front of them.
“What the hell happened in there, Bernard?” Longborough asked, pouring himself a large scotch from the onboard bar.
“Relax Jonathan; this is all part of the game.”
“How the hell did he manage to turn our own witness? Hell, even I started to feel sorry for him.”
“Did you expect him to go down without a fight? He turned down his appointed legal counsel, you know.”
“I know that, but my point is that he was good. Why isn’t he flustered? Why isn’t he worried?”
“Come on Jonathan,” Bernard said, flashing a wry smile. “He’s been around for a long time. One thing he won’t lack is knowledge and experience.”
“And that’s why I hired you. I was told you were the best.”
“I am the best.” Bernard snapped, the flicker of anger in his face soon dissolving. “But I need you to relax and let me do my job. Tomorrow is a new day, and our next witness will cast more than reasonable doubt on Mr Greer.”
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