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22
MY TRIAL BEGINS

On the day that my trial was scheduled to begin, I lay in bed all morning, watching Laura on TV. But not even that could make me happy. I didn't bother turning on the light, and I couldn't bring myself to get up and eat breakfast or lunch. My stomach was in knots.

Finally, I rose and began preparing for my court appearance. I took special care to look well dressed. I was ready when the announcement about my court appearance came over the tinny prison loudspeaker system.

‘Thomas McFadden to the puerta principal.’

I left my room and walked quickly towards the main courtyard.

‘Well, well, well. If it isn't San Pedro’s international loverboy,’ said a familiar voice as I passed through the Pinos gateway. I turned around and gave a cry of surprise. It was Ricardo. In my misery, I had completely forgotten about him.

‘Hey, man!’

‘Why do you look so surprised to see me, Inglaterra? Don't you recognise me?’ He had obviously heard my name called and had been waiting for me.

‘Hey, man! Ricardo.’

‘Yes, I’m Ricardo,’ he said, taking my hand and shaking it as we walked along.

‘Pleased to meet you again. I’m glad you remembered my name at least.’ I’d also forgotten how funny he was.

‘Hey, man! Where have you been?’ I asked.

‘What do you mean, where have I been? Where do you think I've been? Did you think I sold my house and moved suburbs or something?’