* * *
“We’re expecting great things from you, Hamment.” It was the Mayor’s voice.
“No question, this is a big one, Shugfoot.” This was Osgood Thrip speaking. “Win the trial and you can expect good things to come your way. How’s the case coming along?
“Splendidly,” gloated the solicitor. “We met with Winderiver this morning and he told us everything—I have plenty of ammunition to use against him.”
Wyll and Cheeryup couldn’t believe they were hearing the defense lawyer cozying up to the magistrate. They were not well versed in Halfling law, but even two twelve-year-olds knew this was not right.
“What about Thrashrack? She’s good, y’know,” murmured Thrip.
“Don’t I know it, Osgood. Darwinna has a more than capable legal mind and is every inch my equal. But I have a few surprises up my sleeve. She may be brilliant, but I’m cunning and wily. I expect my dear Darwinna to be more than shocked at my cross-examination of the bumbling bookmaster and his witnesses.”
“Excellent, Hamment, excellent!” The Mayor—who also served at the village’s magistrate—was excited. “Now, about that deal we discussed ….”
“Yes, your Honor, about that; I’d be very much interested in your proposition.”
There was silence as the three Halflings craned their necks about to make sure no one was listening. Osgood Thrip spoke next. “So here’s deal, Shugfoot. We want a clear victory in this trial—you can showboat, but don’t go overboard. It has to be a believable and highly decisive victory over Winderiver and your lady friend.”
“Oh dear—Darwinna isn’t my lady friend. At least not yet.”
“I don’t care about that, but you get us a clean conviction and we can get you things you’ve merely dreamed of.”
“You mean like—the Perch?” The solicitor spoke in hushed tones. “I’d sell my own mother to live in Dorro’s burrow. There are few finer homes in all Thimble Down.”
“Don’t move in just yet, but the Mayor and I have mapped out a few scenarios whereby the Perch might fall into your lap and for mere pennies no less. We take care of our friends—do this for us and we can arrange anything.”
The solicitor was verily jumping up and down for joy. “If I move into the Perch, Darwinna wouldn’t be able to resist my proposals anymore. What lady wouldn’t want to live in that grand abode? She’ll take my hand in marriage in a flash and then Darwinna Shugfoot and I can take over the law firm. We’ll oust that buffoon Grumbleoaf and rename it Shugfoot & Shugfoot, Ltd. I like the sound of that!”
“That’s fine, but don’t get too far ahead of yourself,” Thrip growled. “You have a trial to win and it needs to be the best case you’ve ever put together.”
“Don’t worry, Mr. Thrip. This trial will be Hamment Shugfoot’s finest hour. I will bury Dorro Fox Winderiver in own words!”
At that, the Mayor and Osgood Thrip clapped the solicitor on the back and all three ambled away down the High Street laughing.
Wyll and Cheeryup didn’t need to be told twice as to their next move. In a heartbeat, both were up and racing in the other direction, straight for the Thimble Down gaol.