Trial begins

Readers can imagine what a state was in over weekend.  With trial rapidly looming, suddenly realised implications even if found innocent of committing libel.  As saying goes: mud sticks.  If get to stage of having memoirs of Granny Elena published, will sales be affected, any potential buyers wondering if have made up facts?  At lunch time on Sunday, flatmate Saussure nipped round to pet store to buy Feliway, (safe) plug
in product reputed to calm cats down.  Notsaussure convinced this would have no effect.  For once negative flatmate right.  If anything, made me more twitchy. Ran round flat scratching at sofa upholstery and paintwork, much to Saussure's concern - contract for flat rental in his name so he has overall responsibility for condition of our home.

At 8 pm doorbell rang.  Told Saussure to leave it, Notsaussure agreed, convinced it wouldn't be anyone we wanted to speak to.  Doorbell rang again, then heard Neville squeaking in hall.  White mouse not strong enough to open door, but obviously keen to know who was there.  I sighed and went through.  Neville continued squeaking until I opened door.  Steps down to street filled with friends from college:  Maya, Véronique, Cindy, Henri,  Oscar.  Even Chi-Chi and Wilfred, reader and writer in residence respectively were there, although by doing so, it demonstrated not only were they not supporting lecturer taking me to court, but their sympathy to my plight.

'Surprise, surprise,' they called out, before rushing into flat.  Went straight to kitchen to find containers for food they'd brought:  cartons of cream (laced with brandy, seemingly good for nerves),  fresh mackerel and tuna and several lots of catnip.

Had wonderful evening.  Neville taught us some new breakdancing steps which he hopes to include in his follow up DVD:  breakdancing for elderly cats.  Henri didn't once talk about his book: Guineapigging out.  Even Notsaussure joined in the fun.

Consequently when turned up in court following morning, felt buoyed up.  Seemingly, huge public interest in case as most uncommon to have human bringing action against animal.

Problems started when jury about to be sworn in.  Lecturer threw wobbly, saying there was imbalance of animals amongst them.  Thought it was only defendant who could object to members of  jury.  As this  almost unprecedented situation, judge ruled in favour of prosecutor and case been adjourned until further  notice.  Suspect there may be more to it than this, as normally additional potential jury members waiting to be called up.

Purrs
Bakhtin