Open Writing

'When two or three are gathered together,' said Justin Case QC, 'someone else is torn apart.'

'What does he mean?' whispered Celia, a junior.

'Don't worry - he's in his making-aphorisms-while-the-sun-shines mode,' replied Tom, another junior.

They were drinking in a bar after a hard day in court. 'Yes, this is the kind of bar I like to be called to,' Case had said as they went in.

In fact it was what he always said.

Now he looked at Celia. 'You're thinking about tomorrow, aren't you? Ignore it. Never borrow tomorrow.'

'Never borrow tomorrow,’ echoed the young woman. 'I like that.'

'Steady on,' murmured Tom, 'or you'll get a lot more.'

Celia smiled and said to Case, 'So who are we going to tear apart?'

'I suggest Disley,' said Case referring to the opposing QC in the current trial. 'He's now in his days of mime and poses.'

The other two laughed.

'Isn't he married to that Tory woman who's always on - ?' began Celia.

'Ah, yes, the wife and soul of the party,' Case cut in. 'At least, though, they're bucking the trend now that divorce is more popular than marriage.'

The other two laughed again.

'By the way,' said Tom, 'have you seen the Turner exhibition?’

'Ah, Turner,' said Case, 'he was streaks ahead of his contemporaries, wasn't he? ... Of course, you know Disley is a bit of painter, don't you?'

'No,' said Celia, 'I didn't - what does he paint?'

'Garden sheds, fences, window frames….’

Case stayed on for more wine after the others had gone. He wondered why he'd felt the need to show off. And why at the expense of poor old Disley?

He went on drinking and was nearly sick in the taxi home.