JUSTICE REBORN (A Charlie Taylor Novel Book 1) (2 page)

Most of the cells on death row stood empty,
but the execution rate never faltered.

As another convicted was wheeled into the
execution chamber, the head guard neared a panic state and screamed into his
phone. “Peter, get the hell back up here. We need the gurneys and more body
bags. I’ve got bodies stacked in the hall.”

“I’m coming. I’m coming. The first two
ambulances collided, then a tailgate door stuck, and we couldn’t load the
corpses. A goddamn mess.”

“I don’t care. Try running. If the Warden
gets here before you do, we’ll all be back in the shit.”

“I hate this. It’s all happening too fast.
We’ve executed over half of death row in a couple of weeks.”

Currently, White Rock prison functioned as
two extreme zones. Inside the closed doors of the Interrogation and Execution
rooms, the atmosphere was all business, logic, and control. Outside these
rooms, in the hallways and corridors, chaos and confusion prevailed, as prison
staff hustled to deal with the logistics of executed convicts, their relatives,
and the crematorium staff. In the yard, the temperature was over 100 degrees,
and a traffic jam of ambulances competed for the next corpse. The mass
executions at White Rock prison were the result of one man’s brilliance: Dr.
Max Armstrong.

Unfortunately, peer jealous frequently
accompanies individual brilliance. His detractors complained he was too fast,
skipped steps, jumped to conclusions and was reckless. Harsh criticism for any
scientist.

However, when the history of science is
updated, three will be named as the giants of all time: Newton, Einstein, and
Armstrong.  Before he was 30 he had a Nobel Peace Prize, and the world had new
insight into the operation of the brain.

Dr. Max Armstrong’s research resulted in
three interrogation techniques. Techniques so powerful they allowed a complete
upheaval of the system of justice, including universal acceptance of the death
penalty. The procedures soon lost their sophisticated laboratory labels and
simply became known as S1, S2, and S3.

S1 is the first level of interrogation and
the most frequently used. The cocktail of drugs is a general relaxant. Euphoria
develops which makes the recipient interested in talking. This means not only
talking about the crime in question but also exposing his complete portfolio;
it appears confessing is good for the soul. There are very few people who can
stand up to the drug’s seductive power, and most interrogations were completed
at this level.

S2 uses the same drugs but at almost double
the dosage. Since, at times, side reactions can be severe, this interrogation
requires medical staff to be present and monitor the recipient.

S3 is reserved for capital crimes and
entails an intense probing or scanning of the suspect’s brain. This interrogation
step allows the legal system to access, retrieve and display streams of memory
from any individual. This inquiry is mandatory before a death sentence can be
carried out. The suspect’s own mind reveals his role in the crime.

  Dr. Max developed the chemical mix which
enhanced the scanning and retrieval process and at the same time provided the
brain with protection from the severe probing process. Without this protection,
it was impossible to conduct a complete scan without killing the participant. The
probing action is like an irritant which cause the cells to release feeble
signals, a stream of electronic consciousness. It was Dr. Max who integrated
and modulated these fragile signals into an electronic stream which could be
processed by the software he developed. The results are fed to regular computer
monitors for all to see and hear. The net outcome of an S3 interrogation: guilt
or innocence is no longer in doubt.

Dr. Max Armstrong’s IQ exploded off any
measurable scale; not as loudly proclaimed: his emotional IQ was that of a
young teenager. His appearance surprised those who met him for the first time,
his extraordinary good looks and physique the picture of a Hollywood stud.
Mother Nature, for a few seconds, relaxed the rules and allowed all her gifts
to be packaged together in one man. Female companionship was not a problem, his
indulgence a legend.

To the chagrin of his employers, a minor
genetic idiosyncrasy persisted: he was attracted to the younger segment of the
female sex, a character flaw neither humorous nor harmless.

Would the executions be allowed to proceed?
At the conclusion of the meeting, Judge Stephen Miller’s Board would make one
of the most notable decisions of its brief existence.

 A few of the Judge’s staff had witnessed
the inaugural set of executions which took place at White Rock prison, in
Sector 13. Next up: the prison under Stephen’s jurisdiction, Fort Green.

At today’s meeting, the Board would review
any logistical or procedural issues which had been encountered at the
historical undertaking at White Rock. There were no legal barriers; the new
legislation, Justice Reborn, demanded the decommissioning of all prisons and
the processing of all death row convicts, execute or release the directive.

However, at the moment Kate’s early morning
voice mail message concerned him. He played her message again:

“Stephen, I’m sorry to interrupt your
meeting preparations, but this is critical. I’m driving in from White Rock
prison; Emma is with me. We’ve been working all night, but the results are too
sensitive to discuss over the phone. Please ensure I’m last on the agenda and
only Board members are in attendance when I report; last, it is best if this
story is not recorded. Again, I apologize for the mystery, but I know you’ll
agree when you hear my conclusions. Emma is the only other person who is aware
of the situation. It’s not good. Bye.”

He trusted her and would do what she asked.
But now he had to regain his equilibrium and ensure he was ready for the Board;
his nervous energy force him to pace around the office in a brisk fashion,
looking a bit ridiculous, he thought. Eventually he tired, relaxed, stopped and
gazed down at the park.

 It was a sunny morning and the spring wind
vigorously tossed about loose debris; leaves, empty containers, and discarded
paper wrappers rose, twirled and fell back to the ground with each gust of
wind. His corner office, via two large glass panels, provided an unobstructed
view of one of the city’s most extensive green spaces. Bookcases and walnut
paneling covered the remaining walls in an office larger than he required but
bureaucratically-sized to match his position.

 He reminisced about that April, years ago,
and his passionate affair with Kate. At the time, both of them married but not
to each other, and both in the final year of different work programs at the
University. The work programs, associated with advanced degrees, had been
fortunate appointments, and a successful completion would see them assigned to
prominent positions. The end of the affair had been swift, with no turning back
for either of them. His feelings periodically flared, watching her with others,
hearing her voice, at times a challenge to his self-control. Had he made a
mistake in appointing her to the Board?

He turned from the window, walked out of
his office and into the boardroom, a large room with more wood paneling on the
walls, dark hardwood floors and heavy burgundy drapes to shield the room from
the warm spring weather. The room accommodated a series of small tables
arranged in a U-shape with Stephen and Ann, his assistant, at the top and the
various Board members along the legs of the U.

Stephen Miller, Judge for Sector 14, was
the chair and in control. Although not avuncular by nature, the Judge knew how
to keep the meetings loose and still maintain the pace and focus. His four
Division Heads, three of them selected by him, were already seated, waiting,
material organized and ready to report, the exception being Dr. Kate, a late
arrival.

Their weekly reviews had to walk a fine
line between ensuring important issues were vetted by the Board before the
public was informed and still not get swamped by operational details. Stephen
was one of the first Sector Judges to be appointed. At 55, the youngest
appointment, his tenure would still only be 10 years, the standard term
established for all Sector Judges.

“Ladies and gentlemen, if we are ready I
will activate the recording equipment.” Every session was recorded and the
Judge (via Ann) controlled the electronic panel. “I’d like to start with the
Legal Division. Doug, please.”

“This is Doug Brewster, Legal Division, on
Monday, March 29, 2021, reporting.” Doug was medium height, slightly
overweight, sporting a full auburn beard, and regularly had a mouth full of
pipe, which he chewed relentlessly, particularly when under stress. He could
develop a cogent legal argument but at times was viewed as a disingenuous team
member. An ambitious man, he had been surprised and disappointed when he had
not landed a Judge’s position on the first round of Sector appointments.

“As soon as death row has been emptied,
we’ll be left with the rest of the convicts. It would be easy if we could just
open the gates and start all over but, of course, that’s not going to happen.
We’re still debating the options. I know everyone is anxious to have this
finalized. And, I assure you every free hour is being devoted to the problem.
But I’ll defer any further discussion because Jacob has the details and will
talk about our status. Steve that’s it.”

The Judge moved to the next presenter. The
Chief had a rather insular attitude, but his skill at appeasing the public was
enough to compensate for most of his shortcomings. If you selected one word to
describe the Chief, it would be: solid. He was a large man, well over 6 feet, a
thick body with the start of a pot belly, large hands and feet, nose and jaw
too large for ordinary aesthetics. But with his uniform and cap, he presented
an impressive image.

“Chief Duncan Stirling, Investigative Division,
March 29, 2021. We have two major criminal investigations in progress, both
serial killers and at this point no significant progress in solving either one.
The first is a team, a woman and a man, who are killing high priced call girls
in four or five-star hotels. So far the media has not taken an active interest
in this team, primarily because all the girls have been prostitutes.

 But, the Tourist Association is upset. If
we have another killing in a hotel, I anticipate the Association will be extremely
vocal and will pounding on the Mayor’s door. These hotel killers are
unbelievably thorough and crime scenes are not yielding anything.

The second serial killer doesn’t kill all
the time, but this is mainly because the girls have been able to survive the
beatings he gives them. He rapes them and tries to beat them to death with his
fists or some type of heavy wrench; he is extremely vicious and reckless. We
have fingerprints and DNA but he has never been in the system, and there are no
matches.

This is the man who brags to the press
about his prowess as a lover. Unfortunately, they have labeled him “Horny
Harry”; the nickname from a journalist with a sick sense of humor or possibly
to mock him.  But, I stress this guy is not a cartoon character, and there is
nothing humorous about his attacks. It appears his sixth victim will survive.

My last comment. As you all know Detective
Browning had to retire due to ill health. I have considered a number of
alternatives and decided Charlie Taylor is the best man to head up the Homicide
group.” The Chief paused, waiting for a reaction; a few loud sighs and grunts
surfaced from the attendees.

Doug Brewster could not contain himself.
“Chief, you’re aware that Charlie has irritated almost everyone in this room.
He is a drunk or the next best thing, and last year he threatened to plant my
pipe right up my…”

The Judge broke in.  “Chief, you know I
usually don’t interfere with internal Division appointments, but I do have to
ask you about this one, particularly in light of the serial killers you just
described.”

The Chief had anticipated the reaction,
especially from Brewster, who Charlie had insulted on numerous occasions.
Charlie’s last two years of desultory living had gained him a reputation as a
recalcitrant and borderline alcoholic.

“It’s because of these two cases I wish to
appoint Charlie. We are getting nowhere with the conventional approach. I need
someone who can take this in a different direction, and Charlie is the best
homicide detective we have. I believe he has his drinking under control and
regardless of the character flaws the Division needs him. I confess we are
desperate.”

The Judge recognized Doug’s anger, but it
was time to move on. “Thanks Chief. Please see me later this afternoon. It
might be best if you could hold the announcement of this appointment until we
have a chance to talk. Let’s proceed. Jacob, please.”

 Jacob was the only person on the Board who
had not been selected by the Judge, an obvious source of tension. Jacob’s
hubris had caused problems in the past, but he had a wide circle of influential
friends. He was a political animal who was overly aggressive when looking down
and the proverbial ass kisser when looking up the organization chain.

The Judge deemed him marginal but he noted
most people exercised caution in any exchange because Jacob’s inimical behavior
was well known. This meant he commanded, if not respect, a healthy degree of
obsequiousness.

 “Jacob Konahouse, Division Head Prisons,
March 29, 2021. Within a few hours my advance person should be at Fort Green
prison to start briefing prison staff; the rest of the preparation team will
probably not get started for a few days.

At White Rock prison, a number of our
personnel did assist. There were some logistic problems.  First, the lead time
to contact the relatives and witnesses, which the convicts are allowed as part
of their S3 Interrogation, turned out to be longer than anticipated. At Fort
Green, my staff will start contacting relatives and other potential witnesses,
the Watchers as they are called, as soon as our temporary offices are
established.

Second, the execution process went faster
than anticipated and local resources were not able to cope. A backlog
developed. Bodies were literally stacked in the hallways; they ran out of
gurneys and body bags, a damn mess. Since we will possibly be dealing with
almost 200 bodies in 90 days, we have established contracts with firms from
outside the Sector to assist as required.

 As far as processing the remainder of the
prison population, my staff is working with Legal. But, it has been difficult
to find the appropriate amount of time to devote to this problem, regardless of
its importance.

Our goal is to have a set of
recommendations by the end of May. Public safety will be the significant issue,
and this will be the cornerstone to any recommendation. I know the prisons have
to be decommissioned in a year and the prisoners processed or released, but a
hasty decision has too many consequences. So we will be methodical, possibly a
few weeks late.

In conclusion, I would like to register my
strong opposition to the appointment of Charlie Taylor. His skills, in my view,
don’t warrant the aggravation and potential bad press he will attract.”

The Judge ignored the comment, but Jacob’s
presentation triggered more debate about the problems of decommissioning all
prisons. Much of the discussion covered old ground, issues which could not be
resolved that morning. The repetitive dialogue allowed Stephen’s mind to
wander, and he thought about the live demonstrations he had witnessed.

Of all the innovations, based on the genius
of Dr. Max Armstrong, it was the S3 Interrogation which was the most difficult
to accept. This process, actually an involuntary interrogation, was the basis
for establishing guilt, the death penalty, and the executions. He, along with
other senior personnel, had attended a live session; and, he was able to
experience the impact of such an interrogation.

At one level it was simple: the accused,
restrained, lay on a table, his head covered with a futuristic helmet. The
helmet was laced with a mesh of cables: many connections leading into the
helmet and one larger cable leading out. The exit cable ran to a computer
system which fed a large screen monitor on the wall. A technician, through a
probing process, was able to retrieve and display streams of memory from the
accused, thus an involuntary interrogation. It was like a TV show, but here
everything was unedited and raw. The vivid memory streams often rendered an
audience speechless.

 When a crime scene, as stored by the
accused, was on the screen there was no doubt about what happened, brutal,
savage and relentless cruelty often the case. This was the output of an S3, an
innovation which allowed the national acceptance of the death penalty. Instead
of legal appeals, this process was being used to clear death row. The retrieved
pockets of memory played out on a wall monitor and established culpability.

Stephen focused back on to the Board
meeting. He was becoming impatient and was prepared to intervene, but the room
sensed his mood, and the prison decommissioning discussion ceased.  He was
ready for the Forensic Division, which had assisted with some of the executions
in Sector 13.

 “Dr. Kate, we can proceed. I understand
you are going to address the concerns about the 10 convicts at White Rock, who
were found to be innocent.”

 Dr. Kate Martinez’s  Mexican heritage
reflected in a soft olive complexion, dark eyes, long vivid black hair which
now contained four or five randomly situated white streaks, the hair being
pulled straight back, a no-nonsense approach. She was a healthy mature woman, a
runner, not competitive, but she did maintain a regular schedule. People
described her as slim, but she noticed over the last year the extra pounds had
more tenacity. The one consolation, she told herself, an increase in bust size
and a softer curve to her hips.