Attorney in Heaven

Bobby's expertise in his previous life was gaming and Christianity. The fact that God had selected him to be a defence attorney for the souls trapped in purgatory was an honour. He often questioned if he was dead or just in a coma. Cause if this was a dream, it was one of the longest, wildest ones he ever had.

The high court of Heaven was nothing that Bobby had expected. It looked no different to the old courthouse where he used to live. He imagined great tapesties of angels and crosses everywhere. It was his first case after all, and he wasn't sure his short time as a priest would do him any favours.

His client was Mr Saville, a former national treasure. After he left Earth for the next life, there was nowhere to hide his sins. Bobby knew about him through documentaries in his last life. None of the defence attorneys wanted to take the case. Bobby supposed somebody had to do it.

Judge Springer was presiding. His golden hair shined the same way the rim of his glasses did. His smooth talking reminded him of an American TV host that he used to know.

The leading prosecutor was Hiroki Shikumi. Damn, he looked young. Bobby knew his wife, she was the one that killed him. Though with all due respect, she only ended his suffering.

Mr Saville had been in limbo for over fifty-one years. On earth that was a long time, but in the afterlife, a century could be a minute. One would have thought it was an easy case. His name sent shivers down mortal souls. Why was he not in Hell by now?

Bobby thought who was he to judge, it was God's world after all.

"The court is now in session!" Judge Springer said. The client confirmed their name, date of birth and death and their occupation of being a national treasure and fundraiser.

Mr Saville's sudden request started the court. "Do you mind if I smoke?"

Judge Springer shook his head and sighed. "You can't smoke in Heaven. I'm afraid you'll have to give it up."

"Oh!" Mr Saville crossed his arms. "What a shame." He clipped his fingers over at Bobby. "Come on, Mate. What do you think about this?"

"Rules are rules."

"Okay, fair enough." Mr Saville's expression was unfazed.

Judge Springer turned over to Hiroki. "Now, the prosecution has something they would like to add to this ongoing case."

"Yes," Hiroki said. Bobby couldn't help but look at the young boy. All he could think was that he should not be here. He should be downstairs enjoying his life. "Now, unfortunately, our witnesses could not attend today due to a COVID outbreak in Hell. However, they have said that they've reserved a special place for Mr Saville where he can fix it."

Judge Springer turned to Bobby. "Is there anything that the defence would like to say?"

"Yes," Bobby said, nodding. "Now I'm not going to lie, my client has done some terrible things. But as the Bible said we must all learn to forgive and we were always told to see the positive in everything and everyone. We must not forget that my client did extraordinary things in his life."

Hiroki crossed his arms. "Like raping people!"

Bobby stumbled for a moment. "He raised millions of money for charity and did 1000 hours in community service."

Like a typical moody teenager, Hiroki yelled at the top of his voice. "He raped children!"

"And he was a great friend to the British Royal Family and was a great advisor to the great institutes of the UK."

Hiroki screamed louder and slapped the desk with both his hands. The heavens shook with each syllable he yelled. "Your honour, he fucked dead people!"

Bobby sighed, knowing it was a losing battle. "I object to your foul language."

"Now this case has been in the public interest for a very long time," Judge Springer said. "I think it's time that we take a break whilst the jury makes their decision."

Mr Saville did not utter another word in the lobby. Bobby did all that he could, but the sinking feeling in his stomach, he knew he had lost the case. They were swiftly called back into court as Judge Springer made the historic announcement.

"Members of the jury, have you made a decision?"

"We the jury are sending the defendant to Hell!"

Judge Springer banged his gavel. "And that concludes the longest trial the Heavens have ever had. We saw true humanity and justice win in the end. In the meantime, take care of yourself and each other."