Marcus took another long drag on his cigarette, letting the smoke fill his lungs and holding it briefly as the nicotine shot into his bloodstream, and then exhaled slowly as if letting the smoke go was speeding him closer toward his meeting with death. He wasn’t a smoker. Or a drinker for that matter. But when Henry came on shift and offered Marcus the already lit cigarette, something inside just said “Oh, what the hell.”
“It’s my last one,” said Henry. “Go ahead and enjoy what you can before tomorrow.”
“You don’t need to remind me, Henry,” said Marcus with a half-smile as he brought the finely rolled tobacco to his lips. Henry was a good guy. He never treated Marcus like the death row inmate he was. It puzzled him that Henry could be so kind to the condemned men awaiting execution. “Is Pastor Bill coming today?”
“You bet,” replied Henry. “And that journalist woman from New York asked to see you one last time also if you still want to do the interview.”
“Annie is coming?”
“Yup, she was able to get permission at the last minute,” said Henry with a knowing grin. It was no secret that Marcus was absolutely taken with her when she was in the room. She had visited a half dozen times over the last two years. Of course, Marcus would do the interview.
____________________________________________________
Annie Phelps didn’t look like someone who wrote for the New York Post or even the most read freelancer who contributed to the hottest online blogs. To the twenty-somethings with their noses buried in their phones following the latest YouTube influencers, Annie just blended in with the bland more senior staff. Annie preferred important stuff – life and death stuff – the things we all had in common. “We all live this life, and we all die at some point,” she always said. At 42 and being divorced, she didn’t care about things that didn’t matter. But she did care about people that were downtrodden, forgotten, or incarcerated. That’s part of what drew her to Marcus after all.
“Going to see your boyfriend today?” asked Pete with a wink toward Annie. As her editor, he didn’t always understand why she interviewed death row scumbags, but he had to admit she had a huge readership.
“Shut up, Pete,” replied Annie with a look that said, “I’ll deal with you later.” If she didn’t leave now, she would miss her train to Philadelphia. She quickly grabbed her notes, a water bottle, and a granola bar and crammed them into her already overstuffed bag. She was wearing flats so she could walk comfortably but she wanted to be in her favorite heels later for the interview, so she squeezed them in her bag at the last moment.
____________________________________________________
“Hands on the wall,” said one of the guards as the cell door opened.
Marcus had been waiting for the guards to escort him to the interview area. First, he was meeting with Pastor Bill and someone on staff about his last meal tomorrow. Then he would see Annie. She was always very professional, and yet there was a kindness in her face that just drew him into her presence. He felt almost intoxicated sitting across from her, filling his senses with just the slightest hint of her perfume. The sobering sounds of the cuffs and leg irons being fastened reminded Marcus that his time with Annie would be the first of many lasts before tomorrow evening - that time when he would feel the poison enter his veins and eventually breathe his last breath.
____________________________________________________
“Hello Marcus,” said Pastor Bill as he stood up and watched Marcus being led into the sparsely furnished room.
“Hey Bill,” replied Marcus in greeting as the guards refastened the restraints to the bars on the table and floor. Marcus didn’t consider himself to be a killer. The whole thing had been an accident- even though it was true he had been arguing with the guy. But obviously the guards had their job to do, and they did it well – cranking down on the cuffs before posting themselves on either side of the locked door.
“Before the clerk comes in to take your last meal request, is there anything I can do for you?
“Bill, does God know this is all a mistake? Is God going to get me out of this mess? I swear it wasn’t murder – it was an accident!” Hot tears were rolling down Marcus’s face now. Every appeal up to this point had been exhausted in the secular world. Was there no appeal to heaven?
Marcus was sobbing now as the door opened and a short, bald clerk entered with a clip board.
“Okay, it’s time to order your last meal. What’ll it be?” asked the clerk.
___________________________________________________
Annie arrived at the correctional facility on time, despite the incompetence of her cab driver who obviously had never driven in Philadelphia traffic before. She got out of the cab, changed into her heels, and begrudgingly gave the driver a tip before heading toward the building. She knew the drill going through security and made sure she didn’t bring anything that might get confiscated.
“Right this way please Miss Phelps,” ordered the burly guard assigned as her escort.
They walked down a hallway, then through two more secure gates, before arriving outside the meeting room where Marcus was inside. The door opened suddenly causing Annie to jump back slightly, though she hoped no one noticed. The clerk walked out followed by Pastor Bill who looked worn out.
“What happened in there, Bill? Is Marcus alright?” asked Annie.
“I’ve done all I can for him, Annie. We’ve been praying that your articles would sway the right people into considering a stay of execution, or even a commutation, but we’ve heard nothing.”
“My final article releases this afternoon. That’s why I came this morning – to see if there is any shred of new information that I can use to help Marcus.”
“I know Marcus appreciates everything you’ve done on his behalf.”
Annie nodded and shook Bill’s hand as she moved toward the door and the guard let her in.
____________________________________________________
Marcus was holding his head in his hands, at least the best he could with the cuffs being so tight. Annie stood quietly a moment, allowing Marcus the dignity of gathering himself. Even though his back was toward her, he knew she was there.
“I’m glad you came, Annie,” Marcus said as he straightened up in his chair. “I need to ask you something.”
Annie moved around the table with the clicking of her high heels echoing in the otherwise barren room. Taking her seat, she eyed this man whom she had written about these last two years. His story had been compelling, even though it took most of the first year just to gain his confidence after the television media had crucified him. Now it came down to this, the day before his execution. She believed in him. She had investigated and reported the facts that she felt were overlooked. She even had information that suggested the district attorney had an agenda of his own, but without proof it was dangerous to leak such an accusation.
“Annie, would you join me for my last meal tomorrow evening? I know it’s kind of an awkward first date – and as it so happens it will also be our last date.” They both gently laughed at the gallows humor.
“Is that allowed?” asked Annie.
“Yes, I had Pastor Bill ask for me and there have been other cases of inmates dining with a guest for their last meal.”
Annie wasn’t sure if God existed, or if he was listening assuming he did exist, but she prayed for a moment, “God please let my last article get in front of the right people to save this man.” Then she looked into Marcus's eyes, “I’ll be there.”
____________________________________________________
The next day Marcus was visited by Tim Wheatsel - his lawyer. There was no good news. Marcus sighed to himself, wondering why this weasel was his lawyer in the first place. He wasn’t impressed during the trial, but then again, he couldn’t afford the really good attorneys. And truth be told, he had more faith in Annie than he had in Tim. At least he would have dinner with her at 7pm tonight. It would make the grueling, five-hour wait to die a little more peaceful with her being there.
____________________________________________________
Annie couldn’t believe it. All her work was looking like it was for nothing. She wasn’t getting any feedback from her contacts on her article that released yesterday. She was really hoping to have good news for Marcus. She checked her makeup one last time before being escorted in to meet Marcus for his last meal. “It’s not every girl who has her first date in prison,” she thought to herself.
She was led to a different room this time. She caught her breath seeing Marcus wasn’t in his orange jump suit, but rather in a coat and tie with a fresh shave and haircut. Describing him as handsome would be a gross understatement. He stood up when she entered, the leg irons jingling gently as he arose.
“You look b-beautiful,” stammered Marcus. He awkwardly helped her to her chair cursing his chains under his breath.
“Thank you,” Annie replied a bit sheepishly and looking away from his piercing gaze.
“I took the liberty of ordering filet medallions with a glass of merlot for each of us.”
“I thought you didn’t drink.”
“Well, I didn’t smoke either, but I tried that yesterday. If I’m going to die in a few hours, I figured what the hell.”
Picking up his glass and handing Annie her glass he proposed a toast. “To first dates,” said Marcus.
“And last dates,” added Annie taking a quick sip of the merlot, but nearly spitting it out right on Marcus as the door to the room suddenly burst open. It was the weasel lawyer.
“We just got a stay of execution from the governor!”
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Predator and Pray
I wasn’t supposed to be the one left alive, at least when the arrests happened, yet here I am in the prison yard – sorry, I mean the Detainee Internment Camp, Kentucky. That’s right, I’m in the DICK. Yes, that’s what we call it, and yes, everyone who works here, is one. It’s a supreme irony that this is a women-only camp. Perhaps the “powers that be” have a sense of humor putting women in the DICK. It could be worse though. One of the guards here used to work at the PRIC (I kid you not) – Puerto Rico Internment Camp. Unspeakable stuff happens there. That’s where they send the most incorrigible men and women who need the most “convincing” concerning how the world is now. Word around the yard is that the PRIC makes the former base at Guantanamo Bay look like a Miami beach vacation, at least before the Cubans laid claim to South Florida. Who knew the world could go to hell so fast? All I know is, my entire family is dead. Husband, son, daughter, and my mom and dad – all gone.
By Karen Bouknight4 years ago in Fiction
Minneapolis ICE Shooting Updates
In recent weeks, Minneapolis has found itself at the center of a growing legal and political controversy following a shooting involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. What initially appeared to be a straightforward federal use-of-force investigation has evolved into a broader dispute between state authorities and federal officials, raising serious questions about transparency, jurisdiction, and accountability. The most significant development so far is the state’s claim that it has been denied access to key evidence related to the incident. As public attention intensifies, the case is no longer just about what happened during the shooting. It is increasingly about who controls the facts, who gets to investigate them, and how justice is supposed to function when federal and state systems collide. What We Know About the Minneapolis ICE Shooting The shooting occurred during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. ICE agents were reportedly conducting official duties when gunfire erupted, resulting in injuries and immediate emergency response. Federal authorities confirmed the incident and stated that internal protocols were activated, including an automatic review by federal oversight bodies. From the beginning, details were limited. Officials cited the ongoing nature of the investigation and concerns about officer safety. This lack of information, while not unusual in federal cases, quickly became a point of friction for Minnesota state authorities, who argued that the public deserved clarity and that the state had a legal role to play in examining the incident. State Authorities Push for Transparency Minnesota state officials, including investigators and legal representatives, formally requested access to evidence connected to the shooting. This evidence reportedly includes body camera footage, surveillance recordings, forensic reports, and internal communication logs from the operation. According to state representatives, these requests were either delayed or denied outright. The state has since gone on record stating that it cannot independently assess the legality of the shooting without full access to the materials. This denial has fueled concerns that federal agencies are operating without sufficient external oversight, especially in incidents involving potential civilian harm. State leaders emphasized that their position is not adversarial by default. Rather, they argue that cooperation between federal and state agencies is essential to maintain public trust, particularly in communities already wary of immigration enforcement. Federal Response and Jurisdictional Limits Federal officials, for their part, maintain that the investigation falls squarely under federal jurisdiction. ICE operates as a federal agency, and shootings involving federal officers are typically reviewed internally and, when appropriate, by federal prosecutors or inspectors general. In statements released following the controversy, federal representatives cited legal restrictions that limit the sharing of evidence during an active investigation. They also stressed that premature disclosure could compromise witness testimony or investigative integrity. This explanation, while legally grounded, has done little to ease state frustrations. Critics argue that “ongoing investigation” has too often been used as a blanket justification for withholding information, even in cases where transparency could prevent misinformation and public unrest. Community Reaction and Public Trust The Minneapolis community has responded with a mix of concern, anger, and fatigue. For many residents, particularly in immigrant and marginalized communities, the shooting has reopened long-standing fears about aggressive enforcement tactics and lack of accountability. Community leaders and advocacy groups have called for the immediate release of non-sensitive evidence, arguing that transparency is a prerequisite for trust. Peaceful demonstrations and public forums have highlighted a broader demand: that no law enforcement agency, federal or otherwise, should be beyond scrutiny. Local officials echoed these concerns, noting that Minneapolis has spent years attempting to rebuild trust between residents and law enforcement. The perception that evidence is being withheld threatens to undermine that progress. Legal Implications of Denied Evidence From a legal standpoint, the state’s inability to access evidence raises complex questions. While federal agencies do have authority over their operations, states also have a responsibility to investigate deaths or injuries occurring within their borders. Legal experts suggest that this dispute could set a precedent. If states are routinely blocked from reviewing evidence in federal use-of-force cases, it may limit their ability to pursue independent inquiries or bring charges under state law when applicable. Some analysts believe the issue could ultimately be resolved in court, with judges determining whether the state has a legal right to access certain materials. Such a ruling could have national implications, influencing how future federal-state conflicts are handled. Political Dimensions of the Case The Minneapolis ICE shooting has also taken on a political dimension. Immigration enforcement remains a deeply divisive issue, and incidents like this tend to amplify existing ideological divides. State officials critical of federal immigration policies view the denial of evidence as symptomatic of a larger lack of accountability. Meanwhile, supporters of strict federal enforcement argue that state interference could hinder effective operations and put officers at risk. This political tension complicates the path forward. What might otherwise be a procedural disagreement risks becoming a symbolic battle over immigration, law enforcement authority, and states’ rights. What Happens Next? As of now, the investigation continues under federal oversight, while the state explores its legal options. Negotiations between state and federal officials have reportedly not been ruled out, suggesting that a compromise could still be reached. Potential next steps include limited evidence sharing under confidentiality agreements, congressional inquiries, or judicial review. Each option carries its own risks and consequences, both legally and politically. What remains clear is that public pressure is unlikely to fade. Minneapolis residents, like many Americans, are demanding clarity, fairness, and accountability in cases involving law enforcement use of force. A Broader Conversation About Accountability The Minneapolis ICE shooting is no longer just a single incident under investigation. It has become a lens through which broader issues are being examined: the balance of power between federal and state authorities, the limits of transparency, and the role of public oversight in a democratic society. Whether or not the state ultimately gains access to the evidence, the controversy has already sparked an important conversation. How that conversation translates into policy, practice, or reform remains to be seen, but its impact will likely extend far beyond Minneapolis. In the end, accountability is not only about assigning blame. It is about ensuring that systems function openly and fairly, especially when lives are affected. The outcome of this case may help determine how well those principles are upheld in the future.
By Saboor Brohi 6 days ago in Criminal
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