The Thrill Is Gone

“It is imperative that you keep your wits about you during the direct examination,” advised Alexander. “They will do everything in their power to confuse you. They’ll word questions strangely with that sole purpose, and you must navigate through those inquiries as best you can, because if you slip up even once, it’ll bring into doubt your credibility. Is that clear, Miss Balcázar?”

“Yes, it is, Sir.” Paulina did her best to appear confident in her abilities, but she was worried, she hadn’t gotten any rest the night before, having spent half of it studying for her exams, and the other half unable to get to sleep due to the uncertainty of what lay ahead. “I won’t allow myself to be confused.”

“Very well,” he said as he opened a file. “Now, we’ll run over a few of the inquiries they’re sure to make, and then when we’re done with that, do another run through over our questions. Is that alright?”

He asked that out of politeness, not because he actually cared about what she wanted to do at the moment. She knew that. She’d been around the British lawyers long enough to know that some of their questions were asked simply out of their need to be polite. Manners were very important to them, and they endeavored to be polite even when they were stressed. And since Paulina was well aware that she had to answer that question a certain way, she told him that it was very much alright by her, and they embarked on the tedious half hour process of running through the list of possible questions he’d compiled, after which, they ran over the questions that they themselves would be asking her during the trial.

It was a tiresome way to spend the early hours of the morning, but she had no choice. The trial was set to begin in two hours time, and she had to be ready for anything. No question could catch her off guard, and if by chance one of them did, she’d have to handle it with grace. That seemed to be what Alexander and the rest of the lawyers stressed the most. She had to be graceful. She had to be eloquent. She had to be stately. She had to be likable. If she could manage that then the ordeal would be easier. The jurors would sympathize with her, see her as nothing more than a victim, and that was what her lawyers wanted for her. They had personally selected the outfits she would wear, told her how to style her hair and do her make up. They had gone through great lengths to ensure that she was presented in a manner that would be highly beneficial to her case.

“How’s the revising coming along?” inquired Eloise from her place in the kitchen nook.

“It’s coming along well.” Alexander replied. “In fact, we’ve only just finished revising what I had planned for.”

“I'm pleased to hear that. I take it that means I can steal a bit of your time, Miss Balcázar. Unless you’ve something else planned, in which case I’ll –”

“I was just going to fix myself a cup of coffee.” Paulina spoke. “And I'm sure I can do that while we go over things.”

“Brilliant.” Eloise grinned. “I’ll grab my files while you fix yourself a coffee, and then we’ll meet up on the couch. Sound alright? Good.”

Eloise didn’t say anything that Paulina hadn’t already heard. She basically spent seventeen long minutes reiterating everything that Alexander had already said, as well as the advice that the lawyers had been slinging at Paulina nonstop for the last two weeks. It was tedious to have to sit through the conversation, pretending to be interested in what was being said. Especially since all she wanted to do was crawl back into bed, where she would force herself into getting an hour or two of sleep. But she didn’t have two hours to spare, not even one. She had to be in conference with her legal team, available for discussion at any moment. They weren’t getting paid to be there. It was all pro bono, so she couldn’t indulge herself, it wouldn’t have been right. So she forced aside her desire for sleep, and sat on the couch with the large mug of coffee in her hands. If she drank enough, she’d be ready to get through the day, if she drank enough, the day wouldn’t be so terrifying.

At a quarter past seven, Gloria announced that it was time they make their way to the courthouse. The hotel wasn’t far from it, not even a ten minute walk, but still they left early and boarded the awaiting vehicle. It would’ve been a relief to have not had to face the media so early in the morning, but such a relief was not bestowed upon Paulina or her representatives. The press had come out in record numbers, unlike any Paulina had ever seen before. And for a moment, she felt like she did that night when the world first found out about Harry and her, she felt liable to burst into tears and run back inside, but there could be none of that. No. She had to be put together, in control, so she walked on with her head held high, and took her place next to Gloria.

Little was said during the drive. Each person kept to themselves for the most part, except for the few instances in which they told Paulina how her body language ought to be when they exited in front of the courthouse. Everything had to go perfectly. She had to present herself exactly as they’d been coaching her to, and despite being hesitant about following through on everything they said, Paulina knew that they had to be trusted. They were experienced lawyers with impressive records. If they said something had to be done, then so be it.

“Remember to tilt your head slightly down,” advised Gloria. “Not low enough to appear ashamed or nervous, but just enough to make it seem like you’re not radiating confidence. It’s a turn off to juries. They’ll think you’re cocky, and we can’t have that. Can we?”

Paulina shook her head in response.

“The first to exit will be Alexander,” Gloria went on. “He’ll be followed by Eloise, and then you’ll step outside. Remember not to look too pleased. Because as much as we want to say that the trials are based on facts, it has a lot to do with how the jury perceives the parties involved. I'll come out after, act as a barrier between you and the press out there. And then we’ll get settled in. I, along with Eloise and Alexander, will be seated in the prosecuting solicitor area, and you’ll be directly behind us in the general public seating. Speak to no one while you’re there. Not a word. The only communication you’ll have throughout the trial will be strictly with us. Understood?”

“I won’t talk to any strangers.” Paulina was getting irritated by the manner in which she was being spoken to. She wasn’t a child. She knew better than to talk to anyone else during the proceedings. “I promise.”

“Then let’s not waste anymore time. Alexander. I believe it’s time.”

At that moment, Alexander’s features underwent a drastic change. His face no longer held that approachability that it once did. He didn’t look like an academic whom would very well welcome a conversation. Instead he looked the part of a fierce warrior that was going into battle. A strange thing to say about a lawyer, but that was what he appeared like. His features were hardened, any trace of friendliness gone. He was transformed, and that transformation was one that Eloise also experienced. From her place, Paulina wondered why she couldn’t don that appearance. That was honestly how she’d imagined herself to look like as she walked through the crowd and into the courtroom. Hell, that was what she looked like whenever the press got on her damn nerves, but she’d received strict orders as to how she was about to present herself, and she had to endeavor to fulfill those orders.

So she walked out as she’d been instructed, careful to keep her head tilted slightly downwards and her features relaxed. There were a few instance in which a camera and microphone that were shoved too close for comfort, tempted her into cursing or directing a harsh glare, but she fought against her urges, and made it inside the building with the grace that had been expected of her.

Once inside, they went through a security check, a standard inspection aimed at ensuring that nothing dangerous was brought into the government building. The check didn’t last long, all they had to do was put their belongings onto the conveyor belt and step through the metal detector arch. It was done quickly enough, and they were then left with finding the area where their particular trial would be held. Paulina had hoped that there wouldn’t be much press inside, that someone would deny them entrance, but a few members of the press had managed to gain entrance, and as soon as they saw Paulina, they descended upon her.

“Miss Balcázar!” they shouted. “Miss Balcázar! Tell us, what are your thoughts on the impending trial? Is there anything specific tactic that your team will implement? What evidence shall be presented? Miss Balcázar, please a moment!”

“Our client will not be answering any questions at the present.” Eloise took charge. “Now if you please, we have a trial to attend, and would appreciate if you were to respect our client’s privacy at this moment.”

“But –” they all seemed to shout at the same time.

Eloise was unfazed by it. This wasn’t her first high profile case. It certainly wouldn’t be the last.

“When the trial is dismissed for the day, statements shall be made, but until then, nothing further will be said. If you’ll excuse me, now, I truly must be going.”

Eloise wasted no further time in exchanging words with the press. She’d said what needed saying, and was now at liberty to resume her attentions to the trial at hand. The press, despite knowing very well that no further statements would be made, continued to ask questions, imploring that she issue a more substantive statement, that she address the issues that comprised the case, or at the very least, tell them about how Paulina was feeling now that the case was about to get underway. But Eloise didn’t do any of that. She walked on, determined to catch up with the others, and to get settled into the desk that would be her base of operations until the trials end.

When she entered the room, she found that the defense solicitors were already stationed behind their desk, and that most of the most public seating had already been filled. The only area with space was the bench directly behind the prosecution. There, Paulina sat alongside Lord and Lady Fellowes, whom had come out in support. She told them that they needn’t trouble themselves by attending, that she appreciated their offer, but understood that they led busy lives, filled with various engagements, but her words fell on deaf ears. Lady Fellowes was determined to be there for her particular friend. Lord Fellowes saw it as his duty. He had brought Paulina out into society with him, it was his name that was connected with hers in the political circles, and as such, she was an extension of his person, and it was his duty to stand by her.

“I daresay this trial shall not be a particularly prolonged one,” commented Lord Fellowes as he observed his surroundings. “With such evidence mounted against them, one can hardly think it should last more than a day, two at the absolute most.”

“God willing, Sir,” she spoke in a low voice, just loud enough for Lord and Lady Fellowes to hear her without straining their ears, but not loud enough for the bench behind them to hear. “I anxiously wait the moment in which this’ll all be a thing of the past.”

“It won’t be long until then, dear.” Lady Fellowes reassured, smiling with such warmth that Paulina thought of her mother and wished she was there at her side. “And when this is done with, we’ll put it to rest with a dinner. I’ll have your favorite made.”

“You’re much to kind, Ma’am. Thank you.”

“Only to those I care for.” Lady Fellowes was honest. She was a great friend, but a fierce enemy.

It was then that Alexander turned to speak, “Miss Balcázar, if you necessitate the lavatory, this is the moment to do or else you shall have to wait until the judge calls a recess.”

“In that case, I’ll go. If you’ll excuse me, Lord and Lady Fellowes,” Paulina stood up. “May I be off on my own or am I to be accompanied?”

“Eloise shall accompany you.” Alexander couldn’t go because it wouldn’t look right, and since Gloria would be issuing the opening statements, she had to remain seated. “Just a moment, Miss.”

It was only a moment, a brief moment at that, before Eloise abandoned her place at the desk and escorted Paulina to the restroom. She did her business quickly enough, but then stood in the stall for a minute or two, summoning the strength to get back out there. This trial had become a lot bigger than she’d ever expected it to be. There were reporters from all over the world. America had sent CNN and MSNBC. Mexico sent Televisa. And the rest were an assortment of the European news circuit. It was strange for her to be nervous, she knew it was. She was accustomed to being followed and filmed, but the thing was the reporters outside weren’t from tabloids and gossip programs, they were from the proper news world. The footage they obtained wouldn’t be used to criticize her; it would be used as informational material that would end up on Countdown with Keith Olbermann and other respectable news programs. And that was what terrified her. This wasn’t nonsense that she could dismiss as being idiotic and pointless, this was real news, and she was scared shitless.

“Are you alright in there, Miss?” inquired Eloise as she waited for Paulina. “We really must be leaving.”

“Just a second,” she croaked out, taking a moment to breathe in deeply as she closed her eyes. She could get through this. She had to do it. She just needed to believe in herself. “I'm ready now.” She said as she stepped out of the stall and went to wash her hands. “Sorry about taking so long.”

“No need to apologize. There’s still plenty of time to get back. Come along then, Miss.”

Paulina followed Eloise out, expecting to have an uneventful trip back to the courtroom since no press had bothered them on the way to the restroom, but it wasn’t as uneventful as she’d expected. The press might not have followed her, and the corridors may have been practically deserted since everyone had crowded into the room, but there, walking down the corridor was a familiar face that she hadn’t expected to see. There was Harry.

“Henry?” Paulina had thought she’d whispered that to herself, but it was much louder than a whisper, loud enough for him to hear.

A massive grin broke across his face. “There you are.” He sounded relieved. “I’d been looking all over for you.”

“I was in the loo.” Paulina said as she walked towards him, completely forgetting Eloise. “What are you doing her?”

“And here I was thinking you’d be pleased to see me.” He teased.

“I am! I was just . . . you said you couldn’t, that they wouldn’t let you out of training. So I wasn’t expecting you to come.”

“Awe, come on there, love. What kind of bloke would I be if I wasn’t here beside you?”

“You’d be a bloke that couldn’t get out of training.” She gazed up at him. “I wouldn’t have been angry with you for not being here.”

“I know ya wouldn’t have, but I wanted to be here for you.” He took her hand into his. “I'm meant to be here. And I’ve got to admit it’s nice to get time off from that bloody training.”

“Way to ruin the moment. I was about to go in for a kiss.”

“Were you? Well then, forget that I said what I said, and let’s have it.” He wiggled his brow suggestively, intent on making her laugh, and when she giggled, he felt his heart soar. “Not gonna kiss me now, are ya? I should’ve known as much.”

“I think you deserve a kiss for coming all the way out here.” She placed an innocent kiss on his lips and then pulled away. “How’d you get out of training anyway? What’d you say that finally convinced them?”

“To be honest, I wasn’t the one that convinced them.”

“You weren’t?”

“They kept telling me that it was one of those sacrifices I’d have to make. Told dad about that, I did, and then he went and told Gran, and . . . well, she told them I needed the week off. That they could spend the entire weekend training me, but that I needed to have this week off. And they said yes. It’s not like they could’ve said no to their Queen.”

“H-Hold on,” she stuttered. “Did you just say your grandma got you out of training? That she wants you to be here?” Paulina couldn’t believe that the same woman, who had tried to bribe her, had exerted herself to make sure that Harry would be at her side. That just didn’t make any damn sense. “With me throughout the trial?” she asked, her eyes displaying her confusion.

“I know it doesn’t sound like something she’d do, but she did it. I reckon this is her way of approving the relationship. It’s nothing grand, she’s not invited you to tea, but this is a decent start. Don’t ya think?”

She didn’t know what to think. What was the Queen playing at? What did she want from her? Did she expect Paulina to thank her and accept her bribe now that she’d done an act of kindness to her? What did she want? Why was she suddenly being nice to her? That didn’t make any sense. And over thinking it would drive her mad. She couldn’t afford to dwell on that when the trial was about to begin.

“I think it is,” she found herself telling him. “I think it’s a really good start.” There was a part of her that did believe it was a good start, there was also a part of her that thought the Queen had an ulterior motive for having been kind, but she suppressed that as best she could. “I think we should be going now. The trial will be starting soon. Won’t it, Eloise?”

“It will, Miss Balcázar.” Eloise replied from a few feet away from them.

“That reminds me, Henry this is one of the brilliant attorneys helping me, Miss Chadha. And Eloise this is my boyfriend, Harry.” Paulina properly introduced them.

“It’s an honor to make your acquaintance, Your Royal Highness.” Eloise curtsied politely.

“The honor’s entirely my own,” Harry reassured with a smile. “I’m very much pleased to finally make your acquaintance. I feel indebted to you for having offered your assistance to Paulina, truly indebted.”

“I'm glad I could be of service to her,” Eloise said. This was the first time she’d ever met royalty, and for the first time, Paulina saw her nervous. “It’s awful what they did to her.”

“It is agreed,” agreed Harry. “They showed absolutely no regard for her privacy, but now they have you to deal with, and I'm certain they’re not thrilled about that.”

Her cheeks flushed at the compliment. “No Sir, I daresay they’re not.” Eloise felt foolish for blushing, she was a thirty-four year old married, mother. Blushing was something young people do, but she couldn’t help but be flattered by Harry’s compliment. “I think we should be on our way now, Sir. It’s best to settle in early.”

“Yes, of course. Do lead the way, Miss Chadha.”

“This way, Sir,” spoke Eloise as she began to walk.

Harry, still holding Paulina’s hand, followed Eloise down the corridor and into the courtroom. The moment the press saw Harry walk in, they turned their cameras to him, and some recorded his entrance, while others snapped pictures that would go up on their news channel websites and into the magazines. It was surprising to see him there. None of them had expected his presence, not with his training underway, but there he was, holding onto his girlfriend’s hand, and the press was already planning as to how they would incorporate him into the nightly news. They wouldn’t give him a big segment, not unless they were able to get a statement from him regarding the trial, but he would be worked in, mentioned in passing or given a large role, it just depended on what the editors decided to do.

So they kept their cameras on him, watched in silence as he greeted his aunt and uncle, and then took a seat beside Paulina, still holding her hand. He knew she was nervous. She might have had a brave face put on, but she wasn’t fooling him. In her eyes, he saw that she was terrified, confused, and that she desperately wanted to be anywhere but there, even though she’d been obsessing over the trial for months. This was going to be a trying time in her life, and he knew his place was at her side. He was grateful that his grandmother had exerted her influence to get him out of training. His weekend would be grueling, he knew they’d make him pay for having taken the week off, but it was worth it just to sit beside her, it was worth it to be able to shoot her a reassuring smile whenever one was needed, which turned out to be quite often throughout the four and a half day ordeal that comprised the trial.

Paulina had entertained the thought that perhaps the trial would only last two days, long enough for the necessary statements to be made, for the evidence to be presented, and for the jury to deliberate. She didn’t see why it had to go on much longer. The evidence set against News of the World and their reporter all but guaranteed a victory, but despite that, the attorneys from News of the World fought on, demonstrating to the world why it was they were so well paid. They made their arguments, alleged that the email had been an invention of a disgruntled employee and that they had not ordered their reporters to gain unlawful access to Paulina’s phone, but none of their arguments stuck, not with Gloria, Alexander and Eloise as the prosecution.

It was during that process that Paulina saw their skills truly set to work. They were ruthless in their examination of witnesses, some of whom had no business being there, but that News of the World had called to testify nonetheless. They were determined to deliver a devastating blow to that wretched tabloid magazine and acted accordingly. They were careful not to seem to confident, not to seem cocky out of fear that it might turn off the jurors, but they made it perfectly clear that the quality of the evidence was unquestionable, that the leadership at the magazine had ordered its most trusted reporters to breach the privacy of Paulina, and that that in turn led to the reporter forcing his way into her apartment in the late hours of the night.

By the time the jury went into deliberation on Friday, it was obvious to the jurors that there was only one course that could be taken. The evidence had been lain out before them, the main parties involved had taken the stand, and all that was left was to put an end to the case by giving their verdict to the judge.

And on March 6, 2009, the jury found the defendant Aiden Walsh, guilty of breaching the privacy of Paulina Aureliana Balcázar, of burglary, having acted the part of a trespasser by forcing entry into the apartment of Miss Balcázar with the sole intent of inflicting unlawful damage on her personal belongings via wire tapping, and of the intention of violating the Regulation of Investigating Powers Act 2000. The jury found News of the World guilty of conspiring to breach the privacy of Paulina, and the intention of violating the Regulation of Investigating Powers Act 2000.

With the verdicts announced, the judge scheduled a sentencing hearing for the following week, set to occur on March 11th. Paulina was displeased by the fact that she would have to go to London during her finals, but was fortunate enough to have been able to convince her professor to let her drop off her paper at his office, at seven in the morning, hours before the 11 am deadline he’d set. She traveled to London alone, having chosen the train as her method of transportation, and when she arrived at the court, she was greeted by Lady Fellowes. Lord Fellowes had intended to attend, but a matter at Oxford kept him from doing so. Harry had also wished to be there, but he had been informed that if he were to miss another day of training in Oxford that he wouldn’t be allowed to take March 27th, the Friday of Paulina’s birthday, off.

Paulina understood why he couldn’t be there. She would’ve much rather have had him at her side, but she knew that sometimes things can’t happen. So she stood beside Lady Fellowes with her eyes firmly fixed on the judged, anxiously awaiting the sentencing.

Aiden was sentenced to four months imprisonment. While News of the World was ordered to issue an apology to Paulina, and to compensate her with £120,000 plus legal costs.