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Madame Caillaux, Part 6 of 7

(Henriette hired Fernand Labori, the superstar defence lawyer who had recently acted for Dreyfus. Old and cynical, he advises her to play on her sexy image.) 6. Fernand Labori I've long since left off thinking of it thus. It's putting on an act, that's all it is. The ones who play it honest miss the bus. You'll give it drama, colour, fervour, fizz. A woman's always stronger than a man, since men are tethered by the nether parts. I'm sure you'll give it everything you can. Your jurors are all men -- so break their hearts! You have the looks, so hit them where they live. You shot a man to death? The nation shrugs. The only thing the French will not forgive is if you're sexless. Let them see those dugs. Admit it all, and argue crime of passion. Oh yes, you took a gun, but meant restraint. To win the women, wear the latest fashion: to win the men, it helps if you can faint. Just flash an ankle, watch them strain their necks. (And still, we label you the weaker sex!)

Copyright © | Year Posted 2017




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Book: Shattered Sighs