53. Missing Link

Summary

• The chapter is set during a ongoing trial. Tom is the defense attorney, presumably for Miss Clark who is accused of a crime.
• Tom introduces Tim O'Neal as his final witness. Tim is an experienced shrimper in Barkley Cove who is known to be honest and reliable.
• Tom brings up that two crew members of Tim's saw Miss Clark motoring past the harbor on the night of the crime, however, Tim testifies that it was too dark to confirm it was her.
• On cross-examination, prosecutor Eric asks Tim to confirm that he saw a boat similar to Miss Clark's heading towards the location of the murder, which Tim affirms.
• Tom counter-questions Tim who agrees with his statement that Miss Clark's boat design is common in the area, implying that any number of individuals could have been in a similar boat that night. The defense rests after this.
• Court goes into recess for 20 minutes after which Eric gives his closing statement. He accuses Miss Clark of murder, citing evidence and witnesses against her including her threats to the victim and a piece of forensic evidence (red wool cap).
• Tom takes over for his closing remarks, reminding the jury of their previously biased perception towards Miss Clark, dubbed the "Marsh Girl". He paints a sympathetic picture of her as an abandoned child who survived alone in the swamp due to community negligence.
• Tom also states the absence of concrete evidence such as a murder weapon, wounds, eye witnesses or fingerprints against Miss Clark, providing an alibi for her on the night of murder. He emphasizes the vague and uncertain nature of the prosecution's witnesses, whereas his own witnesses' testimonies are solid.
• Tom concludes his arguments saying it is time for the community to be fair to Miss Clark and urging them to base her judgment on the facts presented in court and not on past prejudices against her.