He Opened A Matchmaking Agency In 18Th Century London [EN]: Chapter 33

33. Antony Burns’ Tears

As the trial began, Sir Wilson, a barrister [a lawyer qualified to plead cases before the superior courts] wearing a white wig and luxurious black silk robes, testified about his records from the witness stand.

Following him, Theo, called as a witness, meticulously explained why he identified Gavin Murray as the murderer in the nine murder cases and of Earl Francis Burns.

“…Lastly, the shoe print found next to Earl Burns’ body perfectly matched that of the defendant, Gavin Murray. For reference, the initial investigation of the footprint, which was thought to be the same as Earl Burns’ shoes, was found upon re-examination to have a slightly different shape at the tip. Thus, all the evidence pointed to Gavin Murray’s killing spree. That is all.”

After Theo’s explanation, the ‘Runners’ [early English police officers] detectives who were present when Gavin Murray was apprehended testified about the situation at the scene. They submitted items from the victims—buttons, brooches, and hair—taken from Baron Murray’s residence as evidence.

“Earl Burns’ button was confirmed to be his, and items from five of the nine unsolved murder cases were also identified as belonging to the victims. The remaining four are still being verified.

According to the investigation, Gavin Murray murdered twelve innocent people and secretly hid the victims’ attachments collected after the crimes inside a stuffed fox, seemingly enjoying the thrill of the murders.”

After Chief Townsend’s statement and testimony, the quiet jury stirred.

The noble jury, who had anticipated Antony Burns’ hanging that day, seemed greatly dismayed by the unexpected turn of events.

The upper-class noblewomen seated behind the jury cast pitiful and sympathetic glances at Baron Burns, whose appearance had been ravaged by unjust accusations and imprisonment.

After a lengthy debate on the application of the law, both Baron Burns and Gavin Murray, seated in the defendant’s seats, gave their final statements.

“Antony Burns! Stand and make your final statement!”

Baron Burns appeared too weak to even stand, his body weakened by imprisonment and exhausted by the tense trial.

“I… as I said from the beginning, I never… killed Earl Francis Burns. I swear to God. That is… all I can say now.”

Baron Burns staggered back to his seat after speaking.

“Gavin Murray! If you have any rebuttal, stand and state it!”

Theo felt apprehensive as he watched Gavin Murray confidently rise from the defendant’s seat with a smirk.

‘What lies is he going to make up this time?’

Psychopaths are very skilled at lying.

Some of the noble jurors, unaware of this tendency, might be swayed by his false testimony and make the wrong judgment.

“Kekeke… Pwahahaha.”

Gavin Murray, who had stood up to make his final statement, suddenly bent over and began to laugh loudly.

Then, abruptly glaring at the two hundred or so noble decision-makers and the Royal Chamberlain sitting in the House of Lords as if he would devour them, he opened his mouth.

“Heh heh, you trash! Did you put on your makeup and crawl out here this morning because you thought there was some fun spectacle to see? Hurry up and hang me. Otherwise, your necks will be cut off by my hands like the Earl’s. Kkahahaha.”

People murmured in surprise at his seemingly insane gaze and behavior.

However, Theo breathed a sigh of relief.

He had been worried that Murray would try to evade the situation with elaborate lies, but thankfully, he did not.

Perhaps Gavin Murray had decided to justify his actions instead of lying.

When criminal psychopaths see their crimes clearly exposed and can no longer evade them with lies, they begin to justify or flaunt their crimes.

This behavior stems from a strong sense of self-love while having no regard for the suffering of others.

Serial killer Yoo Young-chul’s attempts to rationalize his killings by scolding women for promiscuity or demanding that the wealthy awaken are examples of this.

Gavin Murray, who had been spewing unrestrained curses at the nobles while laughing grotesquely, suddenly stopped and glared fiercely at Theo with mad eyes.

“Theo Sanderson!”

His voice echoed loudly through the courtroom, and everyone’s gaze turned to Theo.

“I know it’s all because you reported me that things have come to this! Meeting you was the biggest mistake of my life. If it weren’t for you, I could have eliminated so much more trash for this country. If it weren’t for you, I could have made our England a greater nation! Sanderson, you are a traitor to this country, a betrayer of the people!”

Clearly, Gavin was caught up in the delusion that even his brutal acts were for a noble cause, imagining himself as a hero who had taken the lead for everyone. This is a common trait among psychopathic killers.

But thanks to that, there was no room for confusion with lies, and with Gavin Murray’s crimes confirmed, it became easy to prove Antony Burns’ innocence.

*

“Thank you all for your hard work.”

Sir Wilson, the barrister, with a flushed face, was expressing his sincere gratitude to Theo and the Runners detectives.

“This is the first time in my career as a barrister that I’ve seen a verdict reversed so dramatically, especially saving an innocent man on death row. It’s all thanks to you all.”

Sir Wilson looked at Theo and continued.

“Above all, I am deeply grateful to Mr. Theo Sanderson.”

Theo shook his head.

“No, I simply conveyed the facts and asked for help. It would have been impossible without Sir Wilson’s detailed records and the Bow Street Runners [an early form of the British police force] detectives here. I am the one who wants to thank everyone.”

Chief Townsend responded with a bright smile, which was rare for him.

“This is truly the first time I’ve experienced such an arrest in my decades as a detective. It was a very meaningful time, and I felt like I learned a lot from Mr. Sanderson. Haha.”

Theo asked with a worried expression.

“But how is Detective Gray? His injury seemed quite deep.”

Detective Collingwood replied with a smile.

“You don’t have to worry. When I went home yesterday, he was lying in bed, talking a lot and eating well, haha.”

Then, Sir Wilson opened his mouth as if suddenly remembering something.

“Ah, yes. Duke David Manners has extended a special invitation to Mr. Sanderson and the Runners detectives to his home for a meal. Please let me know a convenient time, and I will inform him.”

Hill and Collingwood’s faces brightened at his words.

“Wow, really? I didn’t pay attention to the food at the ball because I was catching Gavin Murray, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it afterward. If we’re invited this time, I’m going to eat as much as I want, haha.”

Theo watched them with a pleased expression.

It felt like a completely different world from yesterday and today.

If it weren’t for their efforts, Baron Antony Burns would have been unjustly hanged. The thought alone was chilling.

Theo felt endlessly grateful to everyone.

*

Late that afternoon, Baron Burns was released in a sweeping manner. It was an earlier release than expected.

It was expected that he would be released around the afternoon of the following day, but it was a special order issued by King George at the request of Duke Manners, who was concerned about the seriousness of the matter and the Baron’s health.

The hearing for Gavin Murray was scheduled to reconvene the day after tomorrow to finalize the trial based on the submitted evidence.

Meanwhile, among the nobles who attended the House of Lords that day, the story of ‘Theo Sanderson,’ whom Gavin Murray had so desperately shouted about, circulated more than the story of the cruel serial killer Gavin Murray.

The novel-like story of how he saved Baron Burns from being unjustly hanged with his outstanding strategy and his activities in the Intelligence Club were once again revealed, and Theo Sanderson’s name rapidly spread among the gossiping London upper-class nobility.

The news that Theo’s incredible reasoning had saved Duke David Manners’ life even reached the ears of King George III of England, the pinnacle of power.

◈ One week later

The day after Baron Burns’ acquittal, the death sentence was handed down to Gavin Murray in the House of Lords courtroom.

An unusually swift death sentence and execution by hanging were carried out.

This rapid decision was due to concerns that the severity of the case and the bizarre killing spree could cause social unrest.

Baron Murray protested that his son was being falsely accused, but it was not accepted due to the clear evidence.

Gavin Murray spewed unspeakable curses until the last moment he was hanged on the gallows, and his appearance was so demonic that it was widely talked about among people for some time.

However, as time passed, the world became quiet again, as if nothing had happened.

◈ London, Hampstead, Theo’s House

Knock knock.

“Come in.”

Creak-

Lucy, the maid, opened the door and entered.

“Master, a letter has arrived.”

Theo, who was reading a book in his room, took the letter that Lucy handed him.

A faint smile spread across Theo’s lips as he saw the emblem engraved on the letter.

It was a letter from Baron Antony Burns.

‘He even sent a letter; it seems he’s feeling a little more at ease now, huhu.’

Theo tore open the wax seal of the letterhead engraved with the Kent family crest with a light heart.

『…The past few months have been like a storm.

When I was struggling with the death of Earl Francis Burns, whom I so respected and loved, the accusation of being a murderer robbed me of the strength to endure.

When I was being driven mad as a parricide [the killing of one’s parent or other near relative] who killed my uncle, I still don’t know why Theo Sanderson suddenly came to mind.

But looking back, I think it was also a divine grace like fate.

When you came to visit me in prison for the second time, you said that I would soon be walking the beautifully flowered paths of Maidstone, right?

I don’t know how much I cried in prison that night after hearing those words.

I never dreamed that the place, which I had always thought of as just a pleasant walk, would become such a precious place that I missed so much and wanted to go back to.

My pride, which had been shattered by insults and slander, the humiliation I would receive in front of the noble jury, and myself being ridiculed in front of the crowds at the gallows were all so terrible.

So, I thought I was no longer worth living and even had terrible thoughts, but strangely, Sanderson’s last words held me firmly so that I could endure to the end.

After being released, I was able to hear in detail about Sanderson’s efforts from Wilson, the barrister, and Rodney, the magistrate [a civil officer or lay judge who administers the law].

I couldn’t stop the tears from flowing the whole time I was listening.

Thanks to Sanderson’s desperate efforts to save me until the end, I was finally able to clear my dirty name and live a new life with the honor of my family.

Respect and respect, Mr. Sanderson.

The moment I returned here and walked the flowered paths of Maidstone, I was ashamed to shed tears again because of the overwhelming feeling that what I had so desperately wanted had come true.

I firmly resolve myself.

Let’s make this place, which I might never have set foot in again, the happiest place of all.

And as Sanderson gave me confidence and faith in life, I believe that the day will surely come when I will repay that trust.

Thank you, and thank you again.

As soon as I recover, I will visit you in person and formally greet you.

In the meantime, please stay healthy.

Your true friend,

Earl Antony Burns』

Theo found the title ‘Earl’ at the end of the letter to be new.

Earl Antony Burns has a kind and wise nature, just like Earl Francis Burns.

The mistakes of his youth will be a lesson in this case, greatly changing and growing him.

And as Earl Francis Burns did, he will be praised by the residents and will undoubtedly establish himself as a great nobleman, befitting one of England’s best Earl families.

Theo neatly folded the letter and put it in the drawer, then got up from his seat and approached the window.

Thump-

As he threw open the window, the cool evening air pleasantly enveloped Theo’s face.