Law School Murders: Tonight’s Guest

It occurred to Kim that she may be in textbooks for four major cases. She just hoped she wouldn’t have to discuss them in her classroom. All of this flew through her mind like a kite on the wind. With the jury back from deliberation, the crowd collectively moved to the edge of their seats.

“Bailiff, please hand me the verdict from the jury,” Judge Francine commanded politely.

“You may read aloud your decision foreman.”

“We the jury find the defendant Brandon Claxton guilty of murder in the first degree.”

Whispers and murmurs arose. Francine banged her gavel.

“There will be absolute silence in this courtroom during the reading of the verdict.”

Mouths hushed. “Please continue, foreman.”

“On the count of first degree murder we find the defendant guilty.” The room was quiet. You could hear a pin fall.

“On the final count of first degree murder, we find the defendant guilty.”

“The jury has made its decision. Do you understand the counts brought against you, Mr. Claxton?”

“Yes, your Honor,” he said without a whimper or cry. His lawyer leaned over and whispered something. Kim tried to make out his lips with her training. “Thirty years…you can…mental facility.” That’s all she could make out from his words.

Judge Francine looked down from her chair and looked directly at Brandon.

“Sentencing will be in sixty days from the start of this court proceeding. Court is adjourned.” Francine slammed the gavel down so hard it cracked. “Will someone please get me a new gavel?”

Kim continued her book tour in the state of Delaware. She found herself in Dover at an interview with Channel 30 host Kalissa LeRay. The Q&A period had just begun.

A tallish blonde with blue eyes that looked like Caribbean water stood up. She was a freshman at New Sweden University studying corporate law.

“Hi, Professor Jergensen. What is the reason you keep involved with the legal system given all of your entanglements?”

“Well…it pays pretty well! No, seriously. I’ve always had a love for law enforcement and the entire judiciary. I never wanted to be a lawyer so I became a cop, came this close to being an FBI agent, and now I teach. There’s not as much money in that but what I’m doing now with the book deal isn’t so bad.”

“Don’t forget the movie deal,” Kalissa reminded her.

“Of course.”

A black man with blue black skin and lochs stood up and asked a question. He attended First State Community College to study business administration.

“Were you worried at all during your trial for the separate murders?”

“No. I didn’t commit the crimes and the confession and the evidence proved my innocence. I knew that I would pull through not because of God or government nut because of reason. That was my sole defender. Maybe my other defender was my lawyer Brenda who did a hell of a job fighting on my behalf.” Brenda stood up to be recognized. Applause followed.

The next question came from an Indian girl from Bombay who had long black hair and chiseled facial features. “Professor Jergensen, what is the one regret you have having gone through all of this?”

“I think I’m actually still going through it. Um. To answer your question, I have no regrets because I told it like it TI is. I never for a moment lost…I wouldn’t call it hope. I’d say stamina. The ability to withstand all of the blows permitted me to stay on my feet and fight it out. I’m still fighting.” Uproarious applause. “I would like to thank tonight’s guest Professor Kimberle Jergensen. Book signing will be available in the room adjacent to this one. Good night everyone.”