“Beatrice Fairchild,” he proclaimed, “is herself a victim of this nightmare.

Kenneth Pembroke — a violent, desperate, deeply indebted man — threatened this grieving grandmother’s life and forced her to take part in his monstrous plan under duress!”

Kenneth came up out of his chair, his chains rattling.

“You lying snake!” he screamed at her. “You bought the casket! You told me to make sure those kids ate every last bite of that cake!”

The gavel cracked down again and again as bailiffs wrestled Kenneth back into his seat.