QR Code Murders: Dangerous Game

A light reflected on the gold part of the gavel. It gleamed with an intensity like the sun passing through the lens of a magnifying glass. The brightness showed around the courtroom as well. The Honorable Florence Mattingly caused the room to rocket to their feet. She looked out at the attendees. She addressed the bailiff.

“What is this docket?”

“This is the multiple murder trial of The United States of America vs. Armis Parton.”

The judge peered at the man. She raised an eyebrow and looked over her notes.

“Mr. Parton, do you understand that you are on trial for the murders of forty young men?”

Parton didn't speak at first.

“You will verbally address this court,” Judge Mattingly said curtly.

Parton’s lawyer, Ringwald Burr leaned over and whispered something in his ear. Parton cleared his throat.

“You will stand when addressing this court,” the judge instructed. Parton rose to his feet.

“I don’t have to tell you a goddamn thing,” Parton whispered just audible enough to let everyone in the room notice. Gasps and murmurs echoed throughout the courtroom.

“Order! Order in this court right now!” The official directed the occupants.

The room calmed down and Parton crossed his arms.

“That’s why you didn’t even get bail cleared, Mr. Parton. You’re on your way to the land of contempt. Do you understand that?”

Parton scoffed.

“Fine. This should be quick. You can go back to your cell and be the animal.”

The court officers hauled the cuffed suspect back to his cage.

“Misters Howland and Burr, my chambers, please,” Judge Mattingly ordered. She said it politely but her tone said that she was agitated by Burr’s client’s insolence.

In her oak covered room, the sun also reflected on her degrees from masters to juris doctorate. Her large desk seemed imposing. It jutted out with some carvings of eagles and the American flag posts. It didn’t seem gaudy set in the wood. She sat.

“What the hell was that Steven?”

“Your Honor, I spoke to him—”

“A lot of good that did. Howland, you’re the DA. What do you have to say?”

“On behalf of everyone on the bench, including you, I’m sorry for my opponent's rude behavior.”

“Burr, if your client has a shadow of a chance in hell to have a fair trial, he’s going to have to learn some manners. I will not permit these kinds of improper acts in my courtroom, is that understood?”

“Yes, your Honor,” Burr said with emphasis. He felt in his mind the slipping away of Parton’s freedom. As the defendant, he wished he could be hunting down deadbeat parents like his previous gig. He chose defense, however. And he stood with his slightly rumpled suit and well placed tie. He looked down at his shoes. He opened his mouth.

“Ma’am, I wanted to say that I told him to watch his mouth. I told him to lower his voice when addressing you. He only gave me half of that bargain.”

“I see,” she replied. “Well, if you want to give him the slightest chance of experiencing freedom again, you ensure that he watches his mouth next time, are we on the same page, counselor?”

“Yes, your Honor.”

“You’re both dismissed,” Judge Mattingly swiveled in her seat.

*****

The headlines all recorded the questionable actions of Armis Parton. The Daily Delaware and Channel 30 rushed to put reporters on the scene and Burr took the onslaught of questions.

Kim looked at the news on her phone. She looked severe. The corners of her mouth did not go up in self-satisfaction. She knew Parton was playing a dangerous game.

View more stories and donate to my page at:

https://shopping-feedback.today/authors/skyler-saunders-8cilwv0ab8%3C/em%3E%3C/p%3E%3Cstyle data-emotion-css="14azzlx-P">.css-14azzlx-P{font-family:Droid Serif,Georgia,Times New Roman,Times,serif;font-size:1.1875rem;-webkit-letter-spacing:0.01em;-moz-letter-spacing:0.01em;-ms-letter-spacing:0.01em;letter-spacing:0.01em;line-height:1.6;color:#1A1A1A;margin-top:32px;}

Also, remember to like, subscribe, tip, and pledge.

Thank you!