His Bloody Project: A Historical Thriller

The second day begins with testimony from John Macrae, who seems reluctant to answer questions about his relationship to Lachlan Mackenzie. John testifies that he never knew Roderick to be violent prior to the crimes, but admits he often beat his son as a form of punishment. The Crown next calls upon the factor, who testifies that he was satisfied with Lachlan’s performance as constable and recalls his meeting with John and Roderick. John is called back to the stand in light of the factor’s testimony, where he attempts to explain that he merely sought to better understand the rules governing his tenancy. The factor then reveals that Lachlan Mackenzie visited him shortly before his death to petition for the Macraes to be evicted from their croft.

Reverend Gailbraith then testifies that John Macrae asked the reverend to petition the eviction on his behalf. He further testifies to Roderick’s character, calling him a “malevolent individual” (202). Sinclair attempts to get Gailbraith to elaborate, but the reverend refuses beyond saying that Roderick’s poor character should be self-evident.

Archibald Ross is the next witness to take the stand, and he describes the day of the summer Gathering he spent drinking and carousing with Roderick. He describes seeing Flora running away from Roderick in the woods, noting that Roderick followed several minutes later looking dejected. Sinclair questions Archibald about the incident on the hunt when Roderick made a scene in front of Lord Middleton and his guests. Archibald says Roderick was otherwise quite normal.

The Crown’s next witness is Ishbel Farquhar, the girl who accompanied Flora at the summer Gathering. She testifies that Flora was fond of Roderick but thought he had strange thoughts. She describes her meeting with Roderick and Archibald, as well as Flora’s description of the incident. Flora told her that Roderick touched her sexually, which causes a noticeable reaction from Roderick, who appears “to shrink inside his own skin” (211).

The Crown’s final witness is Dr. Hector Munro, the medical examiner at Inverness. He testifies that Roderick seemed to be in total possession of his senses during the examination he conducted. In cross-examination, Sinclair attacks Munro’s credibility. He gets Munro to admit that he is not familiar with the most recent scholarship concerning criminal psychology, including the concept of moral insanity. His testimony is followed by the courtroom clerk reading Roderick’s written testimony, which states that he accepts responsibility for his crimes and is in possession of his senses as of his writing of his statement.

The popular reaction to the trial, represented by the news media’s reporting in the evening edition of various papers, focuses heavily on the fiery exchange between Sinclair and Munro. However, many reporters also feel that Roderick’s statement throws the defense’s case into question.