Academy Murders: Letter Opener

Wood panelling in the courtroom seemed to absorb the tension. The family of the woman said to have been murdered looked on grimly and with a sense of gravitas and respect.

Throughout the proceedings, the two sides looked at each other and held glances not of contempt but wonder and even mutual respect. When it came time for Kim’s lawyer to address the court, she reiterated her position.

“Detective Jergensen was cleared on all charges and her powers as an investigator have been restored. I’d like to ask my fellow litigator to approach the bench. Walsh Notts had brown skin, waves in his hair and a bald spot. He was tall but not overbearing. He walked to the judge with Allegra.

“Since my client is in the unusual position of being a detective on a case which she allegedly carried out, I think it is wise to just adjourn from any more proceedings.”

Judge Marla Timmons looked younger than her sixty-three years. She expressed a sweet voice and looked at both of her court’s attorneys.

“Mr. Notts you did not consider beyond reasonable doubt that Miss Jergensen was guilty?”

“No, your honor.”

“Okay. You both can go back now.” She cleared her throat and waited for them to return to their sides of the room.

“It has come to my attention that we suspend these proceedings and allow Detective Kim Jergensen the opportunity to investigate,” gasps went up from the courtroom. The Gander family remained silent. Kim cracked a small grin.

Knocks of the gavel cleared the noise.

“Order….As I was saying, I am allowing, based on her famous track record, to let Kim Jergensen be fully committed to being a detective again. On this case, she will search for clues and alibis regarding the Susan Gander death. It is to my own satisfaction that she realizes justice in this case. This court is adjourned.”

Allegra walked to Kim who had the thought of the plot of Anthem in her head before the courts that judged Equality 7-2571. Yawquisha then entered her consciousness. She got up to walk past the family of the fallen. Susan’s mother extracted a letter opener and plunged it into Kim’s chest. Pandemonium ensued. Among the blood and screams, the court officials aided Kim on her journey to the stretcher to take her to the ambulance.

Allegra held a hand to her mouth as the paramedics carried Kim out of the courtroom. In the dash to keep as few reporters and cameras from covering the commotion, a few uniformed police officers created a barricade. Still, the photojournalists, videographers, and reporters still snapped, flashed and questioned anyone associated with this latest development.

On the ride to the hospital, Kim thought about purple calligraphy and him. She thought about Yawquisha’s hair and nails and returning to Delaware once again. As the pain relief medicine coursed through her veins, she took seriously her own atheism. She didn’t see a light or hear hymns. All she knew was that she felt only the comfort of her own consciousness in full color.

She recalled her graduation from Officer Candidate School. She remembered the uniform she wore and how pressed it was. She recalled her first day as a detective and her ability to become a detective in the South Bridge section of Wilmington, Delaware. Her mind journeyed through the streets as she saw the residents who just wanted to live good, honest lives. Her ambition didn’t make her better than them, just on a different plane of morality. Her thoughts took her through neighborhoods and back alleys where her life was threatened then.