The Prime Minister's Daughter

by William Manchee

  Chapter 27

   

  The courtroom of the Port of Spain Third Criminal Court was packed with spectators and members of the press. The judge ordered the trial to commence and asked the prosecutor to read the indictment. Obatala listened without emotion as the prosecutor read the long list of charges against him. When he was done, the judge remarked that he understood the defendant intended to plead guilty. Obatala's defense counsel rose and responded.

  "Yes, Your Honor, the defendant and the prosecution have made an arrangement, whereby Mr. Mohammed will fully cooperate with the Court in the trial of the thirty-three other defendants, in the hope that the Court will take this into account in passing its sentence."

  "Very well," the judge said. "I will withhold sentencing until the conclusion of the trial so that I can determine the extent of the defendant's cooperation and the genuineness of his remorse. You may proceed with the other indictments."

  The prosecutor read the indictments against all of the other defendants and then proceeded to give his opening statement. After the numerous members of the defense counsel had addressed the court, jury testimony began. Obatala was the first witness.

  "Please state your name," the prosecutor said.

  "Obatala Mohammed."

  "Are you the brother of Ray Mohammed?"

  "Yes."

  "And was Ray Mohammed a member of the National Defense Coalition, sometimes known as the NDC?"

  "Yes."

  "How did you first become aware of this organization?"

  "My brother held NDC meetings at my home."

  "Who was the leader of this organization?"

  "Malcolm Mann."

  "Did you know Mr. Mann?"

  "Yes, I saw him often."

  "During the course of your involvement with the NDC, did you become aware of a conspiracy to assassinate the Prime Minister of Trinidad, Ahmad Shah?"

  "Yes, I did."

  "How did you acquire that knowledge?"

  "My brother told me about it. I also overheard a member of the NDC talking about it."

  "Would you explain how the operation was to be implemented?"

  "A single assassin would travel to Dallas, Texas via Canada. He would be traveling on a counterfeit passport under the assumed name, Peter Gosne. A second person would go to Dallas separately, to assist in the escape."

  "How was the escape to be handled?"

  "A helicopter would be rented from a nearby airport. The pilot would meet the assassin at the heliport at Medical City Hospital and then take him to a secluded location north of Dallas. The helicopter would be abandoned and the two men would escape in a car, which they had left there. They would drive to Tulsa, Oklahoma. From there they would fly to Salt Lake City and then on to Vancouver. From Vancouver, they would return to Trinidad."

  "Do you know the identity of the assassin?"

  Obatala looked down and shifted in his seat.

  "Can you tell us who was to be the assassin?" the prosecutor repeated.

  "Yes. It was my brother, Ray Mohammed."

  The audience suddenly came alive, buzzing with excited conversation. Members of the press scrambled in and out of the gallery. The judge banged his gavel to restore order.

  "How do you know this?"

  "He told me. I drove him to the airport and took care of his family while he was on the assignment."

  "When did he come back?"

  "About a week later."

  "Did you pick him up from the airport?"

  "Yes. He was very upset that the assassination attempt had failed. Apparently, the NDC had planned a coup during the chaos expected after the Prime Minister's death. He was afraid that the government would come down on him and the other NDC leaders once they figured out who was responsible for the attack."

  "What was Ray's reaction when he heard Kevin Wells was coming to Trinidad?"

  "He knew it would be the end of the NDC if Kevin ever identified him as the assassin."

  "So how did he plan to deal with that problem?"

  "He concocted a plan to get Kevin here a day early. I was to pick him up and take him to a predetermined location, where he would be murdered. The body would be dumped downtown, like he was the victim of an ordinary street crime."

  "So, why wasn't this plan carried out?"

  "It was, to a degree. We managed to get Kevin here a day early and I picked him up, but as I drove him into Port of Spain, I realized I couldn't be part of his murder. So I took him to the Prime Minister's residence, as he requested."

  "What was Ray's reaction to the disobedience of his directive?"

  "I lied to him. I told him Kevin wasn't at the airport. He either didn't come or someone else picked him up. Ray was livid, but what could he do? I'm his brother."

  Obatala was on the stand the rest of the day; explaining the inner workings of the NDC, identifying many of the thirty-three defendants as members and outlining the NDC's second plan to take over the government of Trinidad. Toward the end of the day, the prosecution passed the witness. Because it was so late, the judge decided to reserve cross-examination for Tuesday.

  Cross-examination took several days due to the size of the team of counsel assigned to defend the NDC members. It wasn't until late Thursday that Kevin took the stand.

  "Please state your name for the Court."

  "Kevin Wells."

  "Mr. Wells, you're an American citizen, is that correct?"

  "Yes."

  "And where do you reside?"

  "In Plano, Texas, U.S.A."

  "And did you have an occasion to be at Medical City Hospital in Dallas?"

  "Yes, I was there because my mother was having surgery."

  "It's well known that you were shot trying to save the Prime Minister."

  "Yes."

  "Did you have an opportunity to see the person who shot you?"

  "Yes, I saw him when he first came into the surgery waiting room and then before he pulled the trigger."

  "Do you know the identity of the man who shot you?"

  "Yes, it was Ray Mohammed."

  "How do you know that?"

  "I identified a picture of him from some mug shots the FBI showed me. Later on, while I was being held hostage, he and Malcolm Mann visited us in our prison cell."

  "Did you immediately recognize Mr. Mohammed as your assailant?"

  "Yes, there was no doubt. He later admitted to me that he was the one."

  A murmur went up in the gallery. Kevin looked out at the hundreds of spectators who had been anxiously listening to testimony all week long. The judge banged his gavel and the prosecution resumed. Kevin continued to testify about everything that had happened to him after he arrived in Trinidad. At five, the Judge recessed the trial until the next morning. On Friday morning the prosecution asked about Obatala's rescue.

  "Now, when you reached the road, you say there was no one there?"

  "Yes, we were very upset, because we expected government troops to be patrolling the road. Then we saw headlights. It turned out to be Mr. Mohammed. We jumped in his cab and took off just in time to avoid being captured by the NDC."

  "Later on though, you were apprehended by the NDC."

  "Yes."

  "And it was Mr. Obatala Mohammed's idea to take you to the midwife, Victoria's place?"

  "Yes, he said she could provide Kiran medical attention."

  "And shortly after you arrived, the NDC showed up?"

  Kevin looked over at Obatala, took a deep breath and then replied.

  "Correct."

  The team of defense counselors cross-examined Kevin all afternoon. At six, the judge recessed the trial until the following Monday. Kevin watched sadly as Obatala was led away. I wonder what you really think about all this, my friend. Do you hate me? I wouldn’t blame you if you did. It must be horrible to know your life will soon be over. What a painful way to have to face death. I hope when it’s my time, death will be quick and without warning.

   

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  That night, Kevin and Deviane had dinner at Café Savannah. It was the first time they’d left the Prime Minister's residence in several weeks. Since Kevin's involvement in the trial was over, there was no reason to think his life was still in danger.

  It was a warm, rainy night and the pair had to use their umbrella to avoid getting soaked. The headwaiter, having been warned of their arrival, took them to a secluded part of the restaurant, where they would be less likely to be noticed.

  "You've got to try the Callaloo soup," Deviane said.

  "Oh really? What in the hell is that?"

  "It's made with taro leaf, okra, pumpkin and crab meat. It's wonderful."

  Kevin laughed. "That's all right. I think I'll pass on that one. What else do they have?"

  "The Lobster Soucouyant is good."

  "Lobster. That sounds safe. I'll have that."

  The waiter came over and took their orders. Deviane ordered the Callaloo soup and pork steak. Kevin got the lobster and asked for a bottle of white wine. While they were waiting for the wine, Kevin gazed thoughtfully upon Deviane.

  You are so beautiful. I can’t believe you’ll soon be my wife. Everything has happened so fast. In just a few short months, our lives have taken such a drastic turn. Never in my most delirious moment would I have seen myself in Trinidad, opposite the most beautiful woman my mind could have ever concocted. I am such a lucky man, having truly found my soul mate. But why, instead of feeling joy, am I afraid? Petrified, to be more exact, that something will happen to prevent the fulfillment of our dreams.

  Deviane smiled sympathetically, seeming to understand the agony and torment he was feeling. Under the table she extended her foot and began massaging his inner thigh. Kevin’s anxiety suddenly evaporated as he became greatly aroused. He squirmed in his seat.

  "I'm sorry," she said giggling. "I shouldn't do that to you, but it's so much fun. Soon this will all be over and we'll be married. Then you can ravish my body at will."

  "God, I hope so. Waiting is such torture," Kevin replied.

  "I know, but nothing can keep us apart now. We'll always be together. I'm certain of it."

  "So, how do you think the trial is going?"

  "It seems to be going well. Daddy is elated. I heard Sharad tell him a conviction of all of the NDC thirty-three is a certainty."

  "I hope so. Do you think your father will be able to keep them from hanging Obatala?"

  "Yes, he told Mother not to worry about it. He said she should trust him. Mother is convinced he’s figured out a way to be sure Obatala is not sentenced to death."

  "Well, he shouldn't be. He certainly served up the NDC on a silver platter for your father. I just hope, while he’s in prison, one of them doesn't put a knife in his gut."

  "Do you think that could happen?"

  "Unfortunately, it could."

  "Why can't they keep him away from the other inmates? That seems like the least they could do."

  "We should discuss it with your father."

  "Yes, we should."

  "What are we going to do if Obatala is sentenced to die? Are you really going to leave the country immediately?"

  "We won't have a choice. I won't be escorted down the aisle by a murderer!"

  "We'll have to live frugally, since you gave away your trust fund."

  Deviane half smiled. "Did that upset you?"

  "No. You did the right thing, but you've got to admit it's a little unsettling to throw away that kind of money."

  "I don't want the money, Kevin. I want you and I to earn our own living. I want to sleep soundly at night knowing that we’ve always been honest and forthright with the people we encounter in life. You and I can accomplish so much good together if we can just divorce ourselves from the evil around us. If we can do that, we'll be happy. The reason I know this is that I've already felt it. In fact, I'm feeling it now, just being near you."

  Kevin shook his head. "You’re something else, Deviane. God, was I lucky to find you! I know what you mean. I feel the same way right now. I just wish we could leave Trinidad right this minute, before something happens to spoil our future together."

  "It won't be long, now. We just have to be patient and trust God."

  "I know."

  "I love you, Kevin. I will always love you. You know that." Deviane laid her hand on the center of the table and smiled.

  Kevin took it and squeezed it gently. "I love you, too. Always and forever, until death do us part."

  "No, no. We'll be together even after death too,” Deviane protested. “I just know it!"

  "I pray to God you're right."