Executioner's Lament by Justin Rishel

Author:Justin Rishel [Justin Rishel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rowdy Dog Press
Published: 2020-10-05T00:00:00+00:00

June 10, 2043

“We believe the two children found yesterday are infected with what is popularly known as Boarding School Syndrome.” The newly minted Chief of Police, Chevelle Long, stood at a dais surrounded by men in suits addressing the press. Media drones aimed toward the Chief buzzed over the heads of the group of reporters. The news station’s call sign branded the bottom of the television screen—WMNN. “The children were infected some time ago, and out of respect for the parents’ wishes, we will not be divulging any more information. Thank you.”

Tall and lithe, the ebony woman stepped from the dais.

“Were they infected by OFP?” a reporter shouted.

She turned back to the audience of reporters with a cold, hard expression.

“One Front for the People is dead. My officers eradicated them months ago. It is possible that these children were infected during their reign of terror and the parents were conflicted about going public due to the stigma associated with it. They’re very private people, so that would be understandable. But let me make this clear,” she pointed a finger at the small crowd, “OFP is gone. If this is their work, it’s the last we’ll ever see of them.”

Martin Aubrey made a cutting motion with his hand and the television winked off. He leaned back on the cheap faux leather sofa and turned toward Malina Maddox. She sat at a desk in the corner of the hotel room.

“Anything good on?” she said, typing furiously on the keyboard unrolled in front of her.

“No. And Aaron told me the Chief is chalking these two kids up to OFP attacks from months ago. She’s calling it old news.”

He rocked his head from side to side and focused on taking calming breaths to allay his exasperation.

He continued. “Which begs the question: why didn’t they take credit for those two? By the looks of it, these kids have been sick for a long time. So, what if the parents wanted to keep it private? OFP doesn’t care about their privacy.”

“Makes your theory look more plausible. That OFP had nothing to do with it really.” She looked over her shoulder as she spoke but kept typing. “They were a front for the real killer or killers. Still think it was Alkorn and his crew?”

“Yes. The rest of their messages will prove me right.” He pointed at the air as he spoke, as if trying to convince someone of his theory. “I think he was the only one capable of making whatever is causing BSS. He had a motive—a clear vendetta against Sarazin and anyone who had anything to do with him.”

He stood and paced around the living area of the hotel room. The mottled blue carpet beneath his feet had the distinct trademark look of a cheap hotel. The beige, textured wallpaper hid whatever stains existed there, but the bathroom appeared clean and the couch was comfortable.

After the attempt on his life, Aubrey felt certain they were in danger. He forced Malina to leave her storage unit hovel and set up camp in a hotel.

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