The Middle

Chapter 9

 

 

          Philip admitted it, privately, to himself.  He’d been spoiled.  He’d become accustomed to Merlin.  She was so easy to get along with, so accomplished at disguising what she was, that Philip tended to forget what she was.  And, now, he was given a stark reminder.  All the layers of complacency and acceptance were ripped away and he felt immensely intimidated.

          He stood on the edge of eighty people, all like Merlin.  The air itself crackled.  Even Derek paused.  Nick greeted them like old friends but the other Legacy people, on their second visit to an Enforcer training camp, were struck dumb.  The last time they’d had cause to be in camp, it had been a lot different.  Then, they’d gatecrashed and they hadn’t seen everyone in the same place at the same time.

          The camp was starting to look like a shanty town, it had been here so long.  They hadn’t quite gotten to the stage of planting flowers to make it feel like home, but it was getting a bedded down look and feel.

          “It’s okay,” murmured a voice at Philip’s side.  “They’re still only people an’ they’re desperate for your help.”

          Philip glanced round.

          “I’m Adam.  Not one of ’em, just married to one.  This is my son Josh .. who is one of ’em.”

          “Philip Callaghan,” Philip said, shaking his hand.  “He’s a bonny boy.”

          “He has his moments,” Adam commented, grinning ruefully as he scratched a singed section of beard.  “You’d better get in there.  Ops tent.  You’ll get to hear the latest.  Good luck!”

          “Thanks.  I think we’ll need it,” Philip muttered.

          “C’mon,” Merlin called, leading the way into the tent.  “I’ll introduce you an’ then we can get the update.”

          There was a lot of good natured name calling as she moved to the front of the assembly.  But, once there, a small change came over her.  It was small – a mere firming of the chin, a slight hardening of the eyes – but it was a big signal.  It said to Derek, Alex, Philip, Rachel and Kat that she was no longer Merlin or Peri.  She wasn’t the useful errand runner and resident bodyguard on whom they’d come to rely.  She was an Enforcer and, here, she was the Enforcer and her name was Aquila.  The others stilled.

          “How have you been enjoying training month?” she asked.

          They grinned.  Some laughed, some groaned.

          “Yeah, we didn’t expect those seven days to last almost four weeks.  That’s the way it goes sometimes.  But it will be over soon, I promise.  Happy Fourth of July, people!  Independence Day.  Wouldn’t it be ironic if we did finish this today?  We won’t, unfortunately, not if we’re to do it properly an’ the Big Boss does not appreciate a sloppy job.  It’s already past noon an’ we have a lot still to do before we can quit for the day.  As you’ve already been told, we’ve been joined by the San Francisco Legacy team.  Let me introduce them to you an’ then I’d like Alopex to give them a quick update before they head into town for the first time.  For the duration of what’s to come, I will be on swing shift, working between the two groups.  I’m here, primarily, with the Legacy team.  I’m also here as your backup and, while I’ll be happy to consult, I won’t play a big part in your operation unless circumstances dictate.  My gut says that, when this breaks, we’ll all have enough to do an’ you don’t need me to tell you how to do your job.

          “Okay.  The Legacy team is led by Dr Derek Rayne.”

          Derek held up a hand and nodded at them.

          “You all know Lynx.  The other members are Dr Rachel Corrigan, Alex Moreau an’ Father Philip Callaghan.  Kat Corrigan is also here.  It’s Kat’s boyfriend who’s been arrested.  Everyone,” she said, directing her words to the group standing at the side, “you know Alopex an’ Profelis.  The others will introduce themselves to you as and when time permits.  Alopex?”

          “Thank you.  We’ve got a guard in the cell with James and Mikey.  We’re taking it in turns.  Presently, Ursus is with them.  Canis, who was with them before Ursus took over, reports that the young men are in low spirits, anxious, uncertain as to their future.  It’s understandable.  As yet, all they know is that they’ve been charged with murder and witchcraft and the trial is due to take place Tuesday.”

          He gestured to his left.  “This is a detailed plan of the town showing the various districts and the main buildings and facilities.  There is no courthouse and no room in the police station or City Hall equipped to act as such.  Similarly, and tellingly, there’s no prison here either.

          “The predominant mood in Hanging Tree is one of anger directed toward the strangers in jail.  There’s also shock that their cherished tree has been destroyed.  There is, too, sadness that a well known and liked resident is dead, fear, acceptance, and a bullish determination to see justice done.  They feel very pleased that the police have caught the murderers so quickly.  It only confirms that their town is the best.”

          “What about the murder?” Derek inquired.

          “It’s true that someone has been killed.  Sally Jo Tarrant, the owner of the diner, is in the morgue.  However, there’s no evidence to suggest that James and Mikey committed this act.”

          “Don’t you mean crime?” Alex wondered.

          Profelis stepped forward.  “Hanging Tree doesn’t have crime, Alex.  What it has is justice.  Literally, it uses justice to justify its actions against both outsiders an’ its own citizens.  Sally Jo’s death was an act of justice, justified as protection of the town’s ideals.  They hung her from the tree an’ left her there to be found.  She was a warning to everyone to watch how they think an’ what they say.  Then they used that to frame the two strangers.  They’re marked for death too – justice for killing.  When you go there, be careful.  You’ll have to ask questions but I’d keep them focused on James an’ Mikey; don’t start asking them about the town.  If you have to make a comment, keep it light.  Tell ’em how lovely the place is.  If you do ask searching questions about the town, you’ll be in the cell next to James an’ his friend, facing some other manufactured charge.”

          Derek turned.  “For now, I’ll go with Rachel and Kat.  Peri .. I mean Aquila, I assume you’ll want to come as well.  Nick, Alex, and Philip, I want you to stay here and familiarize yourself with the map.  As Aquila said, when this breaks, we’ll all have enough to do.  Let’s make sure we know where things are.  Nick, will you be liaison?”

          “Sure.”

          “We’ll help however we can,” Alopex added.  “Any questions, just ask.”

          Alex nodded.  “Okay.  Thanks.”

          Derek straightened.  “Let’s go.”

 

*****

 

          “The camp seems very upbeat,” Rachel remarked as they drove along the road.

          “It is now you’ve come,” Merlin answered.  She sat in back with Kat.  “I bet you were all a little intimidated, seeing ’em massed like that.  You know what I can do an’ I’m just one.  All of us together … ”  She twitched her shoulders.  “Fact is, Rachel, we’re human an’ we’re bound by a strict set of rules.  You’re not – bound by our rules, I mean.  Now you’re here, they know they have a chance of making progress.  That’s very exciting.”

          “I wasn’t scared of ’em,” Kat declared.  “I feel safe.  You can bust James outta jail an’ let those people complain as loud as they like.”

          “It’s an option,” Merlin agreed mildly.

          “It’s what you have to do,” Kat insisted.

          “If all else fails, we will,” Merlin said.  “Until then, let’s try legal means.”

          Kat sat back, her arms folded tightly.  “What do they care about the law?”

          “A lot.  They’re going thru channels, Kat.  If they weren’t, James an’ Mikey would be dead already.  You’d still be pining at home, wondering why he hasn’t called.”

          They passed the town sign and Rachel shivered.  “Katherine, when we get there – ”

          “Yes, Mom.”

          Rachel bit back a rebuke.  “All I want you to remember is don’t get provoked, no matter what you hear.  All right?  Don’t get angry with the officials.  That won’t help James or Mikey, their case, or our efforts.  There’s a lot more going on here an’ an angry word could be disastrous.”

          More soberly, Kat nodded.  “Okay.”

          “Remember the old rule of thumb,” Merlin said quietly.  “If you can’t think of something nice to say, don’t say anything.”

          Kat smiled quickly.  “You won’t follow that rule.”

          “Maybe.  Depends.  An’ I know I can deal with whatever way they react.”

          Rachel leaned forward.  “It’s a lovely place!” she exclaimed softly.  “I thought it’d be horrible, kinda .. grim, but it’s beautiful.”

          “Yeah,” Merlin nodded.  “It’s kinda like a Venus Flytrap.  Looks great, smells nice, why not come in an’ stay awhile?  Then it eats you.”

          “How much farther is it?” Rachel asked.

          “This is the only road in and out again,” Derek replied.  “There’s the motel.  According to Profelis, the main square is at the end of this road and the police station will be to our left.”

          They were there inside fifteen minutes.  There was a big banner strung around the bandstand but the park was empty.  The Fourth of July cookout had been cancelled.  One more black mark of resentment against the strangers.

          “Ready?” Derek asked.  They nodded.  He led the way up the three white, scrubbed, stone steps and pushed open the door.

          Inside, there was a moment of utter silence while one side assessed the other then a big man rose, put his hands on his belt and settled it, and stepped forward.

          “Can I help you folks?  Are you lost?  Need directions back to the road?”

          “No, we’re not lost.  We’re here to see James Rosenwein and his friend,” Derek replied.

          “What makes you think they’re here?”

          Merlin put a hand on Kat’s quivering shoulder and eased past her.  “He told his parents where he was going.  An’ he told his girlfriend.  We want to see them.  Now,” she leaned forward to read his name badge, “Officer Mack.”

          “We’re closed for the holiday.”

          “It’s illegal to deny defendants the right to legal counsel,” Merlin responded.  “I’m their attorney.  Have you set bail?”

          “I will guarantee any amount,” Derek said.  “And that they will remain in town for the trial.”

          “Damn straight they will cos they ain’t going outside the lockup.”

          “We’ve come a long way,” Rachel attempted.  “My daughter wants to see James before we go back to our hotel in Rocky Ford.”

          “If we have to, we’ll bed down here until you do let us see them,” Merlin smiled.  “Wouldn’t it be easier all round to let us have what we want?”

          “Fetch the sheriff,” Billy Mack growled across the office to the dispatcher.  “He can deal with you.”  He ambled back to his desk but they all caught his muttered remark of ‘Damn outta towners.’

          “Damn provincials,” Merlin muttered, loud enough for him to hear and she smiled at him when he shot a black glare her way.

 

*****

 

          “There’s the church,” Philip pointed.  “What is it?”

          “Anglican,” Nick answered.

          “The pastor is the Reverend Alec Findlay,” Leo added.  “A nice man, rather sad yet proud in an humble kinda way.  The people all attend at least one service every week, Father, but he knows it isn’t because they believe in God.  It’s just going thru the motions.  Reverend Findlay is in on the secret.”

          “The secret?” Philip queried.

          “That outsiders are removed.  He probably prays for them, gives them Last Rites or whatever ritual his faith demands.”

          “But he doesn’t prevent it?”
          Leo shook her head.  “To some greater or lesser degree, their lives are controlled.  Killing outsiders to preserve the purity of the town’s ideals is a matter beyond their immediate control.”

          “Like we have to pay taxes,” Alex commented.  “We do it because someone else says we must.”

          “Exactly,” Leo agreed, who’d never paid any taxes in her life.

          “It’s wrong that he doesn’t make a stand.  How can he call himself a man of God?” Philip asked in disgust.

          “He believes in God and he also believes God has abandoned this town.  I expect he’d appreciate a visit from you,” Leo smiled.  “The people of Hanging Tree aren’t murderers, Father.  I believe a decent proportion of them disagree with the policy but lack the means to prevent it.  An avalanche starts with a single flake of snow landing at the exact spot needed to set it in motion.  You could be that single flake.  You could create an avalanche of faith.  And faith can move mountains.”

          Philip drew in a deep breath.  “I’ll certainly try.”

          “You’ll have an ally in your efforts,” Profelis said.  “Chris Newton, a town cop, has taken sanctuary in the church.  He’s a forward thinker an’ he’s facing the same fate as befell Sally Jo.  He’ll work with you.”

          “Hearts an’ minds, Philip,” Nick commented.  “One half of winning any war.”

          “I’ll go visit them tomorrow,” Philip decided.

 

*****

 

          They had to wait some time because Sheriff Lane was at home.  When he eventually walked thru the door, he was evidently not in the best mood.

          “What’s going on?” he demanded, raking his irate gaze over the strangers.

          “Our murderers got ’emselves a lawyer,” Billy Mack replied.

          “An’ I’d like to see my clients.  No, that isn’t really what I mean,” Merlin corrected.  “I want to see my clients an’ I will see ’em.”

          “You can see ’em Tuesday,” Sheriff Lane replied.

          Merlin slowly rose and approached him.  “Sheriff Lane .. right?”

          His eyes narrowed.

          “How familiar are you, exactly, with the law .. Sheriff?  Or do you make up the law as you go along?  I’m surprised that I had to come all the way from California to represent my clients.  They are entitled to legal counsel by law .. an’ yet you didn’t provide it.”

          “We don’t have any lawyers in this town,” he said, his voice grating.

          “An’ you couldn’t call the next town?  There’re lawyers in Rocky Ford.  It isn’t that far away.  My clients,” Merlin stated, “have been locked up since early yesterday morning and, apart from your officers, they’ve seen no one.  That’s illegal.  If you insist on denying me access to my clients, I’ll report you an’ your officers to the Attorney General an’ the police authorities in Denver.  If you see us as unwelcome, wait till they come an’ carry out their investigations.”

          His jaw twitched.

          “Can o’ worms, Sheriff.  You got too busy with your can opener,” she breathed.

          “Take the lady downstairs, Officer Mack.”

          “We’ll all go,” Rachel said.

          “I didn’t agree to that.”

          “I’m a State certified medical doctor.  I wanna make sure those young men haven’t been mistreated while in your custody,” Rachel responded coolly.

          “An’ I’m James’ girlfriend,” Kat said.

          Derek shrugged slightly.  “I couldn’t let her come alone.”

          “All right.  You got ten minutes.  The lawyer gets another twenty.  Then you are all outta here.  That clear?”

          Billy Mack resentfully took them thru and downstairs.  James lifted his head then sat up quickly.

          “Mikey!  They’re here!  Kat!  You don’t know how good it is to see you.”

          “James!”  She ran to the bars and pushed her arms thru.

          “No contact with the prisoners!” Billy Mack barked and Kat jerked away.

          “Dr Corrigan,” James nodded.  “Thanks for coming, all of you.”

          “We didn’t do it,” Mikey said.  “Whatever it is they’re saying we did, we didn’t do it.  Can you get us outta here?”

          “We’ll talk about that later,” Merlin said.

          “Are you both okay?  Are they treating you all right?” Rachel asked.

          “We’re fine,” James replied.  “We didn’t resist arrest an’ they haven’t beaten us.”

          “Regular food?  Proper sleep?” she pressed.

          They nodded.

          “Exercise?”

          “Well .. no, we haven’t been let out,” James said.

          “I’ll talk with them.”

          “What about bail?” Mikey asked.

          “They won’t allow it,” Derek replied.  “But don’t worry.”

          “Kinda hard not to,” Mikey breathed.  “If we’re tried an’ found guilty, it’s the death penalty.”

          Derek, Rachel and Kat didn’t look surprised which surprised James and Mikey.

          “What’s the plan?” James inquired.  “Did you bring an attorney?”

          “Yes,” Derek answered.  “In a way.”

          “You won’t leave town, will you?  Not till this is over?”

          “We’ll stay until you’re free men,” Rachel said.  “You’re sure you haven’t been mistreated?”

          “Honest, Dr Corrigan.  We’re fine.  It’s kinda strange but, since calling Kat, I’ve felt like someone’s watching over us.  Keeping us safe.  I’m confident we’ll get off.  It’s all a big mistake.  Kat .. don’t worry.  I’m so glad you came.”

          “Time’s up,” Billy Mack announced.

          “You said ten minutes!” Kat flared.  “An’ I will have ten minutes!”

          “We’ll wait for you upstairs,” Rachel breathed.  “Stay strong, James.”

          “I will.  Thanks, Dr Corrigan.”

          Merlin remained but didn’t watch the whispered conversation and the surreptitious touching of fingers.  She leaned against the wall, her head turned away, idly studying Billy Mack’s shoes.  The ten minutes passed too quickly and Kat was starting to cry again when the time was up.

          “Kat, you have to go now.  Let me speak with them,” Merlin requested.

          “Don’t cry,” James begged.  “Please, don’t cry.”

          “Why didn’t you call before?” she choked.

          “I got tied up in my work.  This is .. such a strange place, Kat.”

          “I have to go but you tell me all about it when we’re home, okay?”

          “Deal,” he nodded.

          Kat slowly backed away then went upstairs.  Merlin turned to Billy Mack.  “You have to go too.”

          “No, ma’am.  I stay.”

          “Attorney/client privilege.  It means they get to talk with me in private.  That means you get the hell out.  It’s the law .. officer.”

          “I am really starting to hate you,” he said quietly.

          “Then you know how I feel about fools,” she smiled and pointed to the door.   “Out.”

          Once the door swung shut and clicked, Merlin turned back.  They looked at each other for a long moment.  Despite the words, they were frightened.

          “I only got twenty minutes so listen up,” she began.  “This town is off the map for a reason.  They don’t want people finding it.  People who get here by accident an’ who leave quickly, no problem.  Those who stay, those who carry out an investigation or do observation, who make notes an’ take pictures, this is what happens to ’em.  An’ then they get killed so they can’t spread the word about what a weird town this is.”

          “Oh my God … ” Mikey breathed.

          “But you two are lucky.  You managed to get a call out an’ help has come.  We know you’ve been framed, that you didn’t kill Sally Jo – ”

          “She’s dead?” James choked.  “But .. she was nice to us!”

          “She warned us to get out,” Mikey added.  “James wouldn’t listen.”

          “It isn’t your fault.  She was killed because she warned people.  The town did it, not you.  I’m tempted to think she would’ve been killed anyway.  She was a risk they couldn’t tolerate.  Now, guys, do you know when the trial’s set to take place?”

          “Tuesday.”

          “So soon?”

          “I said the same thing.  They don’t play by the rules.  We weren’t Mirandized.  There’s been no arraignment.  They just brought us here an’ locked us up.  We only got one phone call between us an’ even that was sneaked in.  Otherwise, they would’ve made us wait till Tuesday.”

          “An’ it would’ve been too late,” Mikey said.

          “Naturally; they don’t want you to have help.  They don’t want you to get off.  They make up their own rules, James.  An’ we have to go along with what they want.”

          “But – ”

          “Shut up an’ listen to me!  There’s more going on here than you realize.  There’s more going on than a lotta people in this town realize.  We both know this murder charge is a setup.  Fact is, so do they.  But there’s someone, one person, behind it all.  We have to flush him or her out from the shadows an’ into the daylight.  Then .. we can do something about putting this town back on the rails.”

          “I don’t give a shit for this town!” Mikey hissed.

          She smiled quickly, fully sympathizing with his reaction.  “There is a benefit for us in a place which makes up its own rules in preference to Federal an’ State laws,” Merlin said.  “An’ that is we can bust you outta here an’ get you away, an’ there’s damn all they can do about it.  They won’t issue an APB an’ they sure won’t come after us.  It’s a last resort, but we have the option.  Don’t worry.  You won’t die, not here.”

          James was still digesting her earlier words.  “When you say flush him or her out – ”

          “The way to do that is to play along,” Merlin cut in.  “We have no idea what’s going on.  An’ it is a play.  This town is little more than an elaborate set.  Kinda like the Truman Show.  Everyone has a role, even us.  We give ’em what they want.  A trial.”

          “We’re the bait in the trap,” he translated.

          “That’s it exactly.”

          “Okay,” Mikey said with commendable calm.  “Where do you think we are gonna get a jury of impartial opinion?”

          “We won’t.  The system is inherently unfair.  It’s already biased.  But it’s okay.  I’ll be representing you.”

          James and Mikey looked at each other.

          “Are you a lawyer?” James then asked.  “Cos we thought you were joking before.”

          “No, I’m not, but they don’t know that.  You’re a law major, you can assist with the technical side, if I need it.  Y’see, I don’t think I will.  You mustn’t think ‘real life’ here, it’s a show.  An’ I’ve seen Perry Mason.”  She shrugged into their appalled expressions.  “The trial’s a formality.  Whatever I say is gonna get you nowhere.  Guys, c’mon!  I promise you that you won’t be convicted of this crime.  You will go home free men an’ your record unblemished.”

          James nodded hesitantly but Mikey was clearly nervous.  “I think we need a second opinion.  A legal one.”

          Merlin eased back.  “You can choose a local public defender.  Oh, there aren’t any.  No one will be fighting your side.  You’ll go down.”

          “Oh, man, we are gonna swing!”

          “I suppose they did do that, at the start, but, now, they only hang their own citizens, Mikey.  For you, it’ll be quicker.”  Merlin regarded them.  “What’ll it be?  Me, or no one?”

          “Mikey, I’ve seen Peri .. working.  Kinda.  She’s okay.  I trust her,” James said.  “You can trust her too.”

          Reluctantly, Mikey shrugged his agreement.  He really didn’t have a lot of choice.

          “Who’ll be prosecuting?” James asked.  “If they don’t have any lawyers – ”

          “I don’t know.  We haven’t gotten that far in the proceedings but I doubt they’ll tell me.  I’m a stranger too.  An’ that is all part of their system.”

          “Which is why we have to play along.  Okay.  Do you wanna hear our side of events?  What we were doing that night, who saw us doing it, an’ other corroborating evidence?”

          “Sure.  Talk me thru it.  It’ll be useful backup.”

          “No matter that it’s a sham, it’s still a trial,” he pointed out.  “They’ll call witnesses.”

          Merlin sighed patiently.  “You got it right, James.  It’s a sham.  Going thru the motions.  They really don’t care what you were doing or who saw you.  They’ve framed you an’ Mikey.  The witnesses will say what they have to say to fit the frame.  That goes for defense witnesses too.  Y’think, having manufactured the charge, they can’t manufacture the evidence to back it up?”

          “But .. you’ll get us off,” Mikey commented.

          “I promise,” Merlin smiled.  “Okay, talk me thru it, quickly, cos my time’s almost up.  I’ll try to get in tomorrow to see you again but, in case they won’t allow it, I want you to get a couple of night’s sleep.  I need you fresh on Tuesday so try not to worry.  During the trial, no matter what you hear, you keep quiet.  Try not to react to anything.  It’ll all be lies so shouting about it won’t help.  Try to treat it all with cool, respectful disdain.  An’ be ready Tuesday at eight sharp.  I’ll get you some clean clothes to wear.”

          She checked the time.  “Talk to me.”

 

*****

 

          Her final words to them were strange.  “If you remember anything else, talk about it.  Out loud.  Stay strong an’ don’t worry.  You’ll be fine.”

          They watched the door close.  Mikey automatically rattled the cell door again.

          “Can she do what she says?” he asked.

          “I don’t know Peri well but Kat does.  Peri has only ever helped me.”

          “Yeah but … ”

          “I’ve never seen her frightened.  Or intimidated.  You saw how she dealt with that big bastard.  If she says she’ll get us off, she will.  Kat told me once that Peri never breaks a promise.”

          Mikey turned.  “Jimmy .. that’s a little weird, isn’t it?  If we remember anything else, we should talk about it out loud?”

          James shrugged.  “Maybe it’s to get the memory working.”

          “No, it’s so I can overhear it and report it back,” Ursus explained but they couldn’t hear him or see him.  “I guess I should be grateful to you boys.  You’re making a lot of things possible.”

          When Merlin got upstairs, Sheriff Lane was waiting for her, his face dark with hostility.  She smiled pleasantly at him.

          “You all done talking with your clients?” he growled.

          “For now, yes.  I’ll want to see them again tomorrow.”

          “It’s a holiday.”

          “You seem to believe I give a damn about your holidays.  I don’t.  I care about my clients, not your inconvenience.  When are you planning to undertake jury selection?”

          “It’s been done.”

          “Who’ll be prosecuting?”

          “None of your damn business.”

          She looked down for a moment.  “As an officer of the law, you display a very sad lack of knowledge of what due process is all about.  Well .. can you tell me where the trial is gonna take place?”

          His nostrils flared.  “At the High School.  Gymnasium.  Only place big enough to hold all the interested parties.”

          “An’ when is it gonna be?”

          “Wednesday.”

          She shook her head.

          “You go on the way you are, missy, you’re gonna be locked up next to your clients.  Insulting me is not the way to get on my good side.”

          “You’d love to have the chance now, wouldn’t you?  But I can tell empty bluster from a genuine threat, just as I can tell when a man lies to me.  I’ll see you tomorrow, Sheriff, an’ at the trial on Tuesday.  You enjoy the rest of Independence Day now.”

          Derek was waiting outside by the car and straightened as she came out.

          “Well?” he said.

          “Did they tell you what happened?” Kat inquired anxiously.

          Merlin sighed briefly.  “I know I do it all the time, but I truly do hate liars.  Let’s get outta here.”

 

*****

 

          Back in the camp, Merlin said she needed to think and she’d prefer to do it alone.  She wandered away toward the hills and Nick discouraged anyone from approaching her.

          Derek, meanwhile, was acquainting himself with the town plan and with what Alex and Philip had learned.  In turn, they asked him questions about what he’d seen.

          “We are so ingrained in our expectations,” he commented.  “Rachel would call it conditioning – we hear of an event and we automatically paint it dark, then fill in the details from a library of stock footage which we hold in our heads.  People taken against their will, murdered, their bodies disposed of, and no one ever finds out …  I thought it would be dark, the atmosphere .. nasty, suspicious, the people openly hostile, everywhere run down, a town dying from lack of humanity.  It isn’t like that at all.  I think Hanging Tree is, possibly, the most beautiful town I have ever seen or visited.”

          “But the atmosphere an’ the hostility … ” Alex prompted.

          “It’s suspicious, yes, but not in a nasty way.  It’s .. caution, nothing more.  The people .. I cannot judge.  I only met two and they were police officers who I’d expected to be hostile.  I wasn’t disappointed.”  He shook his head.  “I’ll learn more when I go back tomorrow.”

          “Can I come with you?” Alex asked.

          “Of course.  They won’t like us but the fact we’re not staying there may mitigate their anxiety.  We must keep it focused on James and Mikey, not on the town .. or we could end up in jail too and that won’t help anyone.”

          “It’s that restricted?”

          “They’re sensitive, Alex.  Painfully so.  An animal which feels threatened will attack.  Therefore, we make ourselves as harmless as we can.  We’re there for James, not because we want to check out the town.  Once the trial is over, we’ll be going.  We set the parameters, the limits of our interaction .. and, within those limits, we find out as much as we can.  We don’t have much time.  Today’s Sunday, tomorrow’s a holiday, and the trial is the day after that.”

          Philip nodded.  “How long is it likely to last?  Murder trials can drag on for weeks.”

          “Not here,” Derek commented.  “Here, I would say .. a day.  Maybe even half a day.”

          “But, assuming it’s that brief an’ they’re convicted an’ sentenced to death,” Alex ventured, “what about the appeals process?”

          “There is no appeal, not in Hanging Tree,” Derek replied.  “I am not privy to any firm information.  I have only what my heart whispers is the truth and that is a verdict by lunchtime and the sentence carried out before sunset.”

          “It’s barbaric,” she muttered.

          “It’s the attack of a cornered animal.  Those people may like to think their system of justice makes them powerful, able to defend themselves, but it doesn’t.  They’re not confident, they’re scared.  They don’t understand the world outside and what they don’t understand is a source of terror.  I feel sorry for them,” he said.  “Sorry, and very sad because it could all have been so easily prevented.”

 

*****

 

          “How was it?” Nick warily inquired, ready to retreat again if asked.

          “As I expected,” she answered and kicked viciously at the grass.  “I hate people who lie.  I really do.  I’m not talking about what I do.  I lie, a lot, an’ it’s in defense – my own an’ others.  An’ I don’t mean people who lie about birthdays an’ Christmas an’ special events.  I mean people who lie deliberately an’ coldly to screw up lives an’ hurt other people.  Sheriff Lane, for example.  I asked him when the trial is an’ I know it’s Tuesday.  He said Wednesday.  I could’ve slapped his face, Nicky, only I’d probably have broken his neck in doing it.  He already has the odds stacked in his favor so why turn the screw?”

          “Because he’s a bastard an’ the worst kind.  He thinks he has power.”

          She laughed but there was no humor in it.  “He does, for now.  Power to be mean an’ petty, an’ to hold all the aces.”

          “But you got an ace up the sleeve.  Right?”

          “I’m working on it.  I’m the defense attorney on this one.  A first for Hanging Tree.  I hope that gets a mention in the Weekly News.”

          “Do you know anything about law?” Nick frowned.

          “I watch TV.  I’m a quick study an’ I have a good memory.  But .. no, not law per se.  Not real law.  James does, kinda.  It doesn’t matter.  A monkey could defend those guys for all the good it’ll do.  They make up the law as they go along.  Jury’s been selected.  I don’t know who the prosecutor is.  Whoever, he or she will have as much qualification as me cos they don’t have attorneys in town.  Could be the lady from the flower shop or the busboy at the restaurant.  Maybe they take it in turns to be the prosecutor.  They’ll just be reading a script.  It’s like everything else in Hanging Tree.  It has to be done because, when there’s a crime, someone is arrested an’ has a trial.  Towns do that an’ Hanging Tree is a town.  But the outcome’s already decided .. or so they think.  What’s important is finally getting to see the one behind it all.”

          “The prosecutor.”

          “The judge.”  She turned to him.  “The people elect the council.  The council runs the town.  Day to day, that works fine.  But killing people, even if it is by apparently legal means, is a big decision.  It’s life an’ death.  They’re keen to do it by the book.  Therefore, there has to be a judge because only judges make the big decisions.”

          “An’ then what?” Nick asked.

          “I don’t know.  If he or she is the one we’ve been looking for but haven’t been able to find, we’ll know.  We’ll have an ID.  We can track it an’ take it down.  How we do that .. I don’t know.  It has to play out to the end.”  She hunched her shoulders.  “It’s tricky.  No monsters here, only people acting like monsters.  Big cheese has a big grip an’ a big influence.  To make everyone realize they’ve just be controlled their whole lives, big cheese has to admit it publicly.  To make ’em realize that they’re free, has to be a public take down an’ that’s always tricky to manage.  But I’m sure Alopex can do it.”

          “You won’t help?”

          “If he needs it, sure.  I’m one more weapon in his arsenal but he has to choose to use it.  I won’t force it on him.”  She smiled.  “For now, though, I have to work on my defense.  I made a promise to get those boys off an’ away home with a clear record.”

          “You’ll do it.  You never break a promise.”  He leaned in and kissed her.  “You need any help, you know where I am.”

 

*****

 

          Chris Newton was in shock.  Reverend Findlay wasn’t sure what to do about him.  The notion of sanctuary was still alive, but, basically, it was a throwback to medieval times.  Forty days and forty nights – that was the period someone could claim sanctuary in a church.  When Chris had turned up and claimed it, Alec Findlay had agreed and not asked questions.  Now, he had a cop living in the vestry.  And the sad imparting of the news of Sally Jo’s murder had hit Chris like a poleax between the eyes.

          “An’ they have two kids locked up for it?”

          “Yes,” the Reverend had replied.

          “They didn’t do it, Alec.  You know they didn’t.”

          “It isn’t for me to decide guilt or innocence.  They’ll be judged by a jury of their peers – ”

          “No, they won’t!  Their peers come from someplace else, like they do.  The real world, Alec.  They’ll be judged by a jury from here.  A unique little town with poison an’ malice running thru its veins.”

          He’d lapsed into a brooding silence and Alec Findlay didn’t have the words to snap him out of it.

          Should I .. tell someone he’s here?  The Sheriff, maybe?  Chris is a cop, the Sheriff’s his boss.  Or maybe I should call Doc Peabody.  Chris is clearly suffering some kind of .. mental breakdown.  Should I call his mother?  His father ..?  Who can I tell?

          At least he doesn’t have his firearm with him.  He isn’t likely to run amok .. well, I don’t think he is.  But his words …  He isn’t sane.  That kind of talk can get a man killed around here.  But not on the tree, not anymore.  They can’t explain it.  It isn’t an act of vandalism.  Who’d do that?  The strangers were locked up by then.  There was no one else in town who’d do such a thing.

          “What’re you thinking about?” Chris asked sullenly.  “Turning me in?”

          “Actually, I was thinking about the tree.”

          “What tree?” Chris frowned.

          “The hanging tree.  It got hit by lightning on a perfectly clear evening an’ burned away to nothing.  The buildings nearby had all their windows smashed by the thunder.  I was wondering who would’ve done that.  The tree is .. our symbol.”

          Chris laughed harshly.  “You don’t know, Reverend?  You can’t even stretch your imagination to even consider it?  Well, I’ll tell you.  It was an act of God.  We’ve ignored Him too long an’ now He’s pissed with us.  The town has swung its last victim.  God wants to know where we all stand.  I stand on the side of right, an’ good, an’ I’ll make a stand.  I say enough.  No more killing.”

          He fell back into silence and Alec Findlay left him alone.

          I was wondering who to tell.  I think I know.

          He got down on his knees and began to pray.

 

*****

 

          July 5 dawned clear but breathless.  The air was tight, humid.  The temperature climbed quickly into the eighties and nudged up into the nineties.  But it was a holiday.  People had fun on holidays so the people of Hanging Tree wilted in the damp heat and tried to have fun.  If they didn’t quite manage it, they said it was a mark of respect for Sally Jo.

          And Profelis had a favor to ask.

          “It’s the calm before the storm,” he remarked.

          “No, you’re wrong,” Merlin replied.  “They’ve had the calm before the storm, Evan.  It’s lasted over forty years.  This .. is the tension before the storm hits.  If you’re going to do it, do it today.”

          He paused.  “How’d you know I was gonna ask anything?”

          “C’mon, we virtually grew up together.  I can read you like a book,” she dismissed.  “Besides, this is something you have to do an’ the time’s right.  Go on.  I need you focused tomorrow, an’ the days after.”

          “Thanks.”  He paused by the tent flap and looked back.  “They say we’re hard bastards, that we don’t understand compassion.  They’re wrong.”

          He went back to his own tent and stretched out on the foldout bed.  He closed his eyes, relaxed, and went on a journey.

          The forest was bathed in its perpetual gray twilight, neither too dark nor too bright.  Profelis didn’t have to look for very long.  He found her sitting at the edge of the path under a tree.

          “Hey,” he greeted.

          Sally Jo glanced up.  “Well, hey, sugar!  What you doing here?”

          “Do you know where you are?”

          “I’m not in Kansas, an’ I ain’t never been to Kansas.  All I know is that .. I’m not scared anymore, Paul.  I found peace.  I thought home was peaceful but I was wrong.”  She gazed out over the gray lawns and gray trees.  “I’m dead, ain’t I?”

          “Yeah,” Profelis replied gently.

          “The tree got me.  An’ they were kind.  It didn’t really hurt.  They made me groggy ’fore they strung me up an’ let me swing.  So .. what happens now?”

          “Let’s walk,” he suggested.

          She got up and strolled along at his side.

          “What happens now is partly up to you,” Profelis went on.  “You can stay here for as long as you want; forever, if that’s what you choose.  But this is all the forest is, Sally Jo.”

          “Kinda nice but a little colorless.  Or I can choose to do .. what?”

          “Go on.  Cross the bridge.  On the other side .. well, that depends.”

          “Uh huh.  On what?”

          “How you’re judged for past deeds, how you lived your life.  You step onto the bridge an’ you’ll either step off on the other side .. or you’ll step off someplace a lot worse.”

          She slowed, frowning.  “Heaven an’ Hell.”

          “Something like that, yeah.”  Profelis slowed too.  This wasn’t a matter to be rushed into.  “You knew they killed people, Sal.  That’s why you warned me to get out an’ not come back.”

          “But I didn’t try to stop ’em killing.  I was a good citizen.  I minded my ways, never left town.  Oh, I dreamed about outside.  I loved to listen to the tales folks told me while they stopped for coffee an’ cake.  But I never once tried to stop the killing.  That makes me a terrible person.”

          “I don’t believe that.  I think you have a good heart an’ an honest soul.  If I were you, I’d take my chance on the bridge.  An’ then, if you pass the ultimate test, you can explore the world.  It’s all there, on the other side.  Different lands, different peoples an’ races.  Y’see, when you get over there, you can do whatever you want, be whoever you want, have whatever you feel you deserve.”

          They walked on until the bridge was in sight.

          “Can I have my diner in Hanging Tree?” she asked, wistfully.

          “You won’t find Hanging Tree over there,” Profelis said with certainty, “but you can have a diner.”

          “It won’t be the same,” she sighed.

          “Then you can make a dream come true.  If you wanna think about it, you can stay at the halfway house.  It’s a good place.”

          “That’s all if I pass the test.”

          “Yeah.”

          “Will you cross with me?”

          “I can’t do that.  But I can wait for you on the other side.”

          She hesitated, biting her lower lip and staring at the bridge.  It seemed so short.  Just a few steps. 

          “Okay,” she decided.  “I’m gonna do it, Paul.  I am gonna pass the test.  I wanna see the world.  I lived with my head in a bucket o’ sand for too long.  Time I straightened up an’ .. took a good look around me.”

          “Good luck.”

          She took a step and halted.  “Will the town survive?”

          “The buildings will.  Probably.  Depends how much they fight.  But the way of life has to die.  It has to.  You couldn’t stop the killing but I can.”

          “What are you, Professor Ellis?”

          “I’m one of God’s Warriors.  Are you ready?”

          “You’ll be on the other side?”

          He nodded.  “I believe in you, Sally Jo Tarrant.  Be honest an’ have faith.”

          Sally Jo took a deep breath and stepped onto the bridge.  Profelis crossed the river by another route – he built his own bridge.  On the far bank, he waited in warm sunshine, pacing anxiously every so often.  There was no time but he felt it was passing.

          “C’mon, Sal, you can do this,” he whispered.  “Boss .. if you have any influence, please …  She isn’t a bad person.  She did what she could an’ .. isn’t that all anyone can ever ask of us?”

          Light flared briefly and Sally Jo stumbled onto the lush grass.  She was trembling and pale but she smiled. 

          “Guess I passed, huh?”

          “Yeah, you did.  Congratulations,” he said warmly, taking her hand.  “Welcome to true freedom, Sally Jo.  Welcome to eternity.”

 

 

 

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