Justice (Counsel #2)

by Shenda Paul

  "Why do you think he did that… to his sister… to Ingrid, and to me? Is it an illness, or is he just a perverted pedophile like everyone says?"

  "I’m not qualified, so I can't give you an absolute answer. I'm not even sure those who are can. As a psychologist, Mom would probably have a better response, but my general understanding is that the term pedophile is often misused and that a variety of different opinions exist about the causes of pedophilic behavior. They range from biological, psychosocial, and or environmental factors, and studies have shown that brain dysfunction can be a contributing factor."

  "Do you think he could have been treated if his father got him help?"

  "I don't know if such behavior can be cured; it could be tempered or the urges controlled, I suppose. Many professionals believe they can be."

  "So there's nothing that can be done?" She sounds defeated. "What about the millions of children who haven't been or won't be as lucky as I was?" New tears form, and I soothe her by kissing her temple.

  "I don’t know, Darling, it’s a complicated matter. Parents teach children about stranger danger but often fail to teach them to be wary of those they feel they should trust. Many abusers aren’t strangers; they’re often family members, trusted individuals, or figures of authority who take advantage of their position to groom their targets. They convince their victims that they share a special bond that no one else will understand. They even convince themselves that the minor, who doesn't have the capacity to make a proper judgment, enjoys their attention."

  "I can't help wondering what would have happened to Caterina if she hadn't died and whether Dieter’s obsession with her would have continued?"

  "I've read that some pedophiles are termed non-exclusive, meaning they’re attracted to both adults and children. Maybe Dieter falls into that category; it would explain his continued interest in Ingrid and his ongoing attraction to you. But that’s purely speculation on my part. No one, other than possibly Dieter, knows the answer to that question."

  "What happens to abused children later in life?"

  "Again, I don’t know definitively, but I've done some reading on the subject. Some, it seems, become overly promiscuous, while others fear intimacy or experience difficulty engaging in sex. Victims struggle with the feeling of isolation and shame, and many carry those feelings for life.

  "It's complicated, as I’ve said, and there's no single way of dealing with it. We can raise awareness, introduce tougher laws, bring perpetrators to justice, force them to get professional help, but I fear we may never totally eradicate the problem."

  "You don't think our laws are tough enough?" Angelique asks, concern marring her lovely face.

  "My view is that there should be no statute of limitation on child sex abuse, or sexual assault of any nature—and we currently don't have uniform laws to reflect that across the country. The damage caused doesn't have a statute of limitation, so why should victims be denied justice because of a legal technicality? But then I don't make the laws; I just play my role in upholding them," I concede.

  "Thank you," Angelique says after a short silence. "For helping me to talk about this," she explains at my quizzical look. "I've been feeling emotional. The enormity of Dieter’s actions hadn't actually sunk in until I listened to Frederick. I mean, Dieter made me feel uncomfortable, and I realized in Leipzig that his interest in me wasn't healthy. I was afraid of him, but I didn't fully understand the depth of his obsession until I heard about Caterina."

  "Darling, you can discuss anything with me … at any time; and if you feel you'd like to or need to talk to a professional about your experiences with Quandt or at Liaison, then we can arrange that. I'm not overly keen on therapy, but I can tell you that seeing a therapist when I was younger, helped me make sense of my confused feelings."

  "I'll remember that," she promises, and I change the conversation to more pleasant topics.

  Later, as we lie snuggled in bed, Angelique turns her face up to mine. "I've been thinking about what you said about the law," she says hesitantly. "I know we agreed not to discuss your potential promotion until later, but I feel this is something to consider. Your experience as a prosecutor gives you insight that many politicians don't have, and you're passionate and so, so intelligent. If you were DA, or even governor, you'd still be playing a part in the justice system, and your influence could be greater.

  "I've never had ambitions to become a politician, and I meant what I said about not wanting my job to cause you distress, Angelique. You will always be my priority—you and any children we have."

  "I know, but I also want you to know that I meant what I said about being prepared to do anything to support you. Please, m'fhíorghrá, just promise you'll consider it."

  "I promise. Anyway, running for governor is a long way off. Bristly deserves to have his shot first."

  "But the promotion is a stepping stone?"

  "If we decide we want it to be." I kiss the tip of her nose. "I promise to think about it."

  "Good. There's something else," she says.

  "Miss Bain, I couldn't have kept you occupied earlier if you had time to think," I tease.

  "You know better than that, Mr. Thorne. I can barely form words when we're making love, how on earth could I possibly form a coherent thought?"

  "Well, that makes me feel marginally better. You wanted to talk about something else?" I encourage, stroking her cheek.

  "I've been wondering if we could introduce a program at Eleanor’s Place to raise awareness and educate parents about the dangers of sexual predators," she says almost timidly.

  I tighten my arms around her. "That's a brilliant idea. I'm sure Mom would jump at it, and, of course, you have my full support."

  "Thank you," she says, giving me a grateful smile, and as we discuss it further, Angelique becomes increasingly excited about the possibilities.

  "Promise me you’ll talk to Mom soon," I encourage her when she finally turns into my chest for a cuddle.

  "I will," she says.

  "Now come here," I tilt her face up to mine, "you wounded my pride earlier. I need to make sure I rob you of all thought for at least the next hour."

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  The next morning, Jodi pops in to ask for my opinion on two areas of her closing argument. After listening to her concerns, I make a couple of minor suggestions.

  "You two haven't forgotten the Governor's commendation presentation the day after tomorrow, have you?" Bec walks in to ask just as we’re finishing up.

  "I've diarized it, but thanks for the reminder," I answer.

  "I'm very proud of you; both of you," she says.

  "Just doing our jobs," I protest.

  "You know, for someone so pretty, you're surprisingly modest," Jodi quips.

  "For starters, men aren't referred to as pretty; and secondly, I don't feel comfortable being singled out simply for doing my job. Thousands put their lives on the line every day and don’t get recognized." People like Rory Bain I immediately think.

  "I agree with you wholeheartedly, but for the record, you are pretty," Bec says.

  "Not another word," I playfully threaten both women. Jodi leaves, miming the action of locking her lips and then throwing away the key; and then, as she passes Bec, winks, and with a backward glance at me, mouths, "pretty."

  .

  .

  I'm not sure if it's because she knows it’s nearly over, or whether she's getting used to the media, but, today, Angelique appears calmer when faced with their onslaught. The defense team and our support group, which excludes Dad, who’s on-site at Grace’s future home, are already seated when we enter. Mat files in first to sit beside Cait, who’s taken the seat beside Mom. Angelique follows and then me. Samuel sits on the aisle, so when Quandt turns our way, he finds his view of Angelique obscured by both Samuel and me. A look of irritation crosses his face, and I revel in the sense of satisfaction at b
eing able to thwart his obsession even in this small way.

  Purcell soon calls their first witness, and once sworn in; he’s asked to state his name and occupation.

  "My name is Erik Schwarz. I own an accounting business in Rhode Island."

  "Would you tell the court how you know my client, Mr. Schwarz?"

  "Dieter and I were at school together and have been friends ever since."

  "How old were you when you and he met?"

  "I had just turned seventeen, Dieter was slightly older. We completed grades twelve through thirteen and passed our Abitur together."

  "Would you explain to those of us who don’t know, what Abitur is, please?"

  "In Germany and other countries in Europe, it is the term used for the final exam required to gain university entrance."

  "You attended an all boys boarding school, did you not?"

  "We did."

  "Would you tell the court about your first meeting with my client?"

  "Dieter was assigned to my dormitory, and I was appointed to familiarize him with the school."

  "Did you become friends immediately?"

  "No, he did not speak much then. I later realized it was because he was sad and lonely. It was six months before he told me his sister and mother had died. When I asked why his father sent him away, he said he needed to care for his brother who had been injured in the same accident."

  "Did Mr. Quandt show any interest in girls?"

  "He was interested, like all of us."

  "Did students at your school get the opportunity to mix with girls?"

  "We were allowed into town when supervised by a master. We could talk to people we met, including girls."

  "Did Mr. Quandt show interest in any of the girls you met?"

  "As I have said, he was just like us."

  "Did he show an interest in younger girls?"

  "I'm not sure how old the girls were; some could have been younger."

  "How much younger?"

  "Perhaps a year or two."

  "What about later? Did you ever see my client show an unhealthy interest in girls more than, say, five years younger than himself?"

  "I don't think so."

  "Did you date while you were at school?"

  "I met a girl in town; we dated."

  "And you were allowed to do that—date girls?"

  "We had to follow school rules and gain the girl's parents' permission. We also had a strict curfew and approved places where we could go."

  "Did my client have a girlfriend?"

  "He dated the cousin of my girlfriend."

  "How old was this girl?"

  "Marta was the same age as us."

  "Mr. Schwarz, did Mr. Quandt ever discuss his sister with you?"

  "He did, later. He said she had been bright and loved ballet and wanted to be a ballerina. He told me he used to play the piano when she danced."

  "Did he talk about the rest of his family?"

  "He spoke of his mother and brother often."

  "What about his father?"

  "Only on the rare occasion that he would visit Dieter."

  "Did you think that strange?"

  "Not really. Dieter said his father was a reserved man. He said he was always preoccupied with his work as headmaster."

  "Did you attend the same university as Mr. Quandt?"

  "No. Dieter chose to study music in Leipzig. I attended Dresden University of Technology."

  "But you remained friends did you not?"

  "We did. We saw see each other often, but our visits grew less as our studies increased, but we remained friends—even after I met my wife and moved here. I was the one who suggested he consider the United States when he wanted to start a ballet school."

  "How often did you see Mr. Quandt after he moved to the U.S.?"

  "At first, quite often, but he became more involved in his business, and it became less."

  "Did you ever meet Ms. Svenska?"

  "I did."

  "Were you friends with her?"

  "I quite liked her, but I did not know her well enough to call her a friend. She did not accompany Dieter often on his visits. He said they were drifting apart; their relationship ended soon after."

  "Did you ever see him show interest in other women?"

  "Dieter has always been an admirer of women."

  "Did he date after Ms. Svenska?"

  "Sometimes for an arranged dinner date when he would join my wife and me, nothing serious."

  "Mr. Schwarz, you've known Mr. Quandt for over thirty years. Have you, in all that time, seen him show interest in young girls?"

  "No, I have not," he responds unhesitatingly.

  "No further questions, Your Honor," Purcell announces.

  "Mr. Schwarz, in your many years of friendship with Dieter Quandt, have you ever told him things you have never shared with anyone other than perhaps your wife?" Jodi asks.

  "I have," he admits.

  "I won't embarrass you by asking you to name your secrets, Mr. Schwarz," she says with her most charming smile, "but has the defendant ever reciprocated the trust you have so obviously shown him?" Schwarz's brow furrows, and he takes his time to respond.

  "I don't think he has."

  "If he hasn't shared even the smallest private part of himself with you, his closest friend of more than thirty years, do you think he's shown you all there is to him, Mr. Schwarz?"

  "Objection, Your Honor. Calls for speculation," Purcell interjects.

  "Sustained," Judge Notley rules.

  "Do you not think it strange that your good friend, who you've shared secrets with, has not reciprocated even once, Mr. Schwarz?" Jodi rephrases.

  "At the time, I didn't."

  "What about now?" she presses.

  "Having thought about it, I suppose it is strange," he concedes.

  "Given that your friend has never confided in you, do you now, knowing this, believe there is a possibility that you did not truly know him?"

  "Yes, there is," he replies.

  "The Commonwealth has no further questions, Your Honor," Jodi announces then.

  Purcell, under redirect, asks Erik Schwartz whether Quandt’s reticence to share personal details could be due to a desire to remain private rather than being deliberately secretive.

  "Perhaps," Schwartz answers, but his response lacks the conviction of his early testimony. Purcell wisely decides not to pursue the matter and announces no further questions.

  He calls their next and final witness, a man named Ernst Müller, Quandt's predecessor at the Leipzig Dance Company. Müller reveals that he acted as a mentor to the younger man. His testimony bears a remarkable similarity to that of Erik Schwarz as he testifies to the longevity of their relationship. He says Quandt had been a brilliant student of music and confirms that he worked as his assistant for some years, that he endorsed Quandt as his successor, and that he was an excellent music director.

  When Purcell asks, he says he hadn’t heard any rumors or seen Quandt behave inappropriately with a student. Then, without prompting, he admits he had no inkling that Quandt and Ingrid were in a relationship that dated back to her teens. Purcell cuts his revelation short, but it’s too late—what’s heard can’t be unheard.

  Jodi capitalizes on the admission, and as she’d done with Schwartz, succeeds in having Ernst Müller admit that he couldn’t possibly have known the true nature of the man he considered a close friend. Dieter Quandt, it appears, successfully managed to keep his sexual aberration hidden even from those who supposedly know him best. I can’t help thinking that perhaps his father's draconian punishment served no purpose other than teaching him to be more careful about being discovered.

  Defense rests without redirecting, and after a short recess, Frank Purcell is first to deliver his closing argument. He points out that this trial is about the contravention of a
258E Protection Order and charges of harassment and stalking. He stresses that the alleged crimes against Caterina Quandt and Ingrid Svenska, no matter how tragic, are just that; alleged.

  He reminds the court that his client has never been questioned about or charged with those offenses. Furthermore, he adds; if any crime had been committed, it occurred outside the jurisdiction of the United States and this court. He reiterates Quandt's philanthropic works and renews his claim that his client only wanted to help a former student. He does, however, concede that Quandt made a mistake in pursuing Angelique so assiduously.

  "If Ms. Bain had only stopped to listen, she would have concluded that my client was genuine in his desire to help," he adds in closing.

  Jodi starts her argument by meticulously listing each of Quandt's violations, beginning with him following seven-year-old Angelique and her friends to the park and ending with his contravention of the protection order issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

  "He has been obsessed with, stalked and harassed Ms. Bain over a period of eighteen years, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury. He must be stopped.

  "Defense Counsel would have you ignore the testimonies of Frederick Quandt and Ingrid Svenska on the basis that the offenses were not officially investigated, and because they occurred outside the jurisdiction of this country and this court. What he failed to point out, however, is that their testimonies prove a pattern of behavior by the defendant, a pattern that continued when he targeted and stalked Ms. Bain for nearly two decades.

  "You’ve heard a distraught man finally tell the truth about the older brother who, as a child, he’d idolized. Who, having listened to Frederick’s harrowing tale, could doubt his testimony?

  "You've heard Ms. Bain tell of the discomfort, injury and fear the defendant caused her— but as terrifying as her ordeal has been, she wasn’t his only victim. Through his criminal actions, her mother, widowed and left a paraplegic in the most tragic of circumstances, was robbed of the comfort and care of her daughter when she needed it most.