Justice and Utu by David Hair Page A

through his own experiences, similar but different to Wiri’s. He felt he got through it OK.
    Then it was Belsworth’s turn. ‘Hello, Mat,’ the prosecutor said in a falsely friendly voice. ‘I understand you prefer that name, yes?’
    He nodded back at the man sullenly. Condescending creep .
    Belsworth half-turned away, then whirled and jabbed a finger in Mat’s face. ‘What did you shout at me during your friend Wiremu’s testimony, Mat?’
    Mat felt himself go bright red. ‘Lying prick,’ he muttered. Someone laughed.
    â€˜A little louder, please.’ Belsworth posed attentively.
    â€˜I said “Lying prick”, sir,’ Mat gritted out. The whole gallery alternately laughed or hissed.
    â€˜Ah, children,’ Belsworth said, parading across the front of the jury. ‘In their world, things are so simple! So black and white. People are good, or they are evil. Lawyers are bad, obviously. Policemen are good, priests are saints and rugby players are gods. No shades of grey. Nothing to miscomprehend. No nuances to consider.’ He turned back to Mat. ‘How old are you, child? ’
    Mat straightened. He saw Tama give a warning shake of the head, and Wiri pat the air downward, mouthing ‘Stay cool’. He took a deep breath. ‘I’m seventeen, and I’m not a child. Sir.’
    â€˜Mmm. Just so. And you were — what? — sixteen, when the incidents you have related so well occurred? … Did “Daddy” coach you on what to say?’
    Mat clenched his teeth. ‘No. Sir.’
    â€˜And just so we’re straight here: you are the only son of the defence attorney?’
    â€˜Yes, sir.’
    Belsworth smiled about him. ‘Do you know what crimes this woman has committed, Mat?’
    â€˜Objection!’ Tama stood up.
    â€˜Overruled,’ the judge said quickly. ‘Her crimes are what we are here to explore.’
    Mat looked at his father, who nodded shortly to him, and then sat down again, glaring up at the judge. ‘I know she’s done some bad things,’ Mat answered.
    Belsworth barked out a derisive laugh. ‘“Some bad things”,’ he mimicked. ‘Good that you’ve been listening, Mat. This woman you’re here to support is like a one-person apocalypse. Whole townships have been razed at her command, here in Aotearoa. She has corrupted good men and manipulated evil ones. Yet you seem to think that one ambiguous act during a defeat represents some kind of moral cleansing?’
    â€˜I didn’t say that!’ Mat retorted without thinking. ‘I don’t think she shouldn’t be punished!’
    Tama put a finger to his lips. Mat swallowed, and fought for composure.
    â€˜What do you think should happen to her, Mat?’ Belsworth asked, quietly. ‘After all, isn’t this the woman who has pursued, struck, and even tried to kill you?’
    â€˜Objection!’ Tama snapped.
    The judge leant forward. ‘Overruled. The witness will answer the question.’
    Mat swallowed. ‘I … don’t know.’
    â€˜Come now. I understand you’re something of a hero, Mat,’ Belsworth said. ‘These last few months since I came here I have heard nothing but praise for you. A young man of talent and courage. Puarata’s bane, some name you! Surely you have some views on what her punishment should be?’
    Mat looked across at Donna Kyle. Her eyes bored into his, her expression just as he remembered it in that fatal momentat Te Iho. Heartsick and beaten, placing her last remaining hope in him, the blind faith of a child.
    Beside her Asher Grieve snickered, and drew his finger across his throat. Mat had to fight down the urge to raise his hand where Mahuika the fire goddess had placed nails of fire, and blast him to charcoal. He closed his eyes, locked out the faces of both father and daughter, and sought the calmness within that