Curse of the Sea: Book One of The Admiralty Archives

by Joni Parker

“We do have CCTV of the incidents. Mr. Roberts can show them now. As you will see, there are flashes of blue light—blue light produced by this young woman.”

  “Objection, my lady,” Barrister Lloyd said. “CCTV should have been presented at the beginning of the witness’ testimony.”

  “Thank you, Miss Lloyd. Objection overruled. I want to see this video. Now, tell me more about this blue light, D.I. Tyler.” The Judge stared at him over her glasses.

  “Yes, my lady. A strange blue light comes out of her hands. She demonstrated it to me when she healed a broken bone in my hand. I believe that Miss Dumwalt used her power to kill these six people. Please run the videos, Mr. Roberts.” He turned to the back of the room and nodded at the man who sat at the computer. The video appeared on the computer screens around the courtroom. Alex didn’t have one where she sat, but she could see large screen on the wall.

  An image of St. James’ Park at night disclosed a man running away from the camera, followed by the back of Alex’s head, her cloak flapping. Then they disappeared into the dark when blue light flashed a few seconds later, followed by static. Another angle showed the man grabbing at the person in front of him and pulled, spinning the person in a cloak around. Then he ran off, followed by the person in the cloak. The next video was a view of the dark lake with a flash of blue light, highlighting a bush nearby, followed by static. The final video showed the back of Alex’s head as she looked down at something in her hand as she strolled away.

  Alex pressed her lips together—that was her head. She felt some perspiration on her upper lip. Did they have pictures of everything?

  “It appears that this person was robbed of something. I didn’t see any image with Miss Dumwalt’s face. How do I know this is the same person sitting in front of me?” Judge Meriweather asked.

  “She’s wearing a cloak, my lady. Miss Dumwalt wore a cloak.”

  “I’ve seen others wearing cloaks, D.I. Tyler. It’s the latest fashion trend.”

  “Yes, my lady. A man’s body was recovered and identified as Joseph Samuel Morris—a convicted thief and rapist who had been released from prison a few weeks prior. According to witnesses, he stole a piece of jewelry off Miss Dumwalt. Witnesses identified Miss Dumwalt as the victim. She chased him down. Later, he was found dead at the scene from unknown causes.”

  “Were there any signs of a struggle?”

  “Yes, we found a knife, scattered footprints, and damage to shrubbery.”

  “Who owned the knife?”

  “The fingerprints matched Morris.”

  “I see. Self-defense.”

  D.I. Tyler cleared his throat. “Here’s a video of the next incident. Mr. Roberts, run the surveillance video from the Gold River Casino, exhibit 27V.”

  Next was a scene of a dark alley with images of three men in a fight. Then there were two flashes of blue light. As Alex’s shadow entered the scene, the video flashed blue and turned to static. After a few seconds, a grainy shadow appeared on the screen, showing a man with light-colored hair.

  “Mr. Roberts, is that the best you can do?”

  “Yes, my lady.”

  “Who is this man?”

  “We believe he’s the civilian who returned on the ship with the sailors. His name is Jeffrey Dimont.”

  “Did he know Miss Dumwalt?”

  “Yes, my lady. I understand they were engaged at one time.”

  “Objection, my lady,” Barrister Lloyd said. “Hearsay evidence.”

  “I know it’s hearsay evidence, Miss Lloyd. Please limit your objections to more important points. This is a hearing, not a trial. Objection sustained. D.I. Tyler, are there any other videos of this scene?”

  “Yes, my lady. We have CCTV. Mister Roberts, run the rest of them.”

  Within seconds, a grainy view of the back of a person in a cloak running down the alley towards three men appeared. A scuffle ensued and a flash of blue light appeared, followed by another. Then static. The scene changed to a car on a street with the front passenger window rolled down and a gun sticking out of it. Two flashes of blue light were seen and the car flipped over before landing on its side. Static. From another camera, a flash of blue light appeared after the car door opened and another gun appeared. The car exploded. Static.

  Alex scoured the screen for her image, but she only recognized her cloak. Her mouth went dry and her heart raced. Was this all the evidence they needed to send her to prison for murder?

  Barrister Somers turned around. “Mr. Roberts, run--”

  “Wait, back it up.” The Judge pointed to the screen. “That was a gun, wasn’t it? Mr. Roberts, can you show that last video again?” Judge Meriweather took off her glasses and watched the screen closely. “So, it’s possible that this may also have been a case of self-defense.”

  “Our interviews with people in the casino indicated that two men physically removed Jeffrey Dimont from the casino. The two men have been identified as Sean Oliver Scott and the other as William the Kidd Grider, both with previous convictions for assault and known associates of a man called Blackjack, a reputed gangster. The two men, Scott and Grider, were found dead in the alley and Mr. Dimont was later seen with this young woman. One of the witnesses in the casino also reported Blackjack had arrived earlier with his entourage including these two men. His girlfriend reportedly kissed Dimont to make Blackjack jealous and they left the club shortly thereafter. Blackjack’s remains, along with those of his girlfriend and another man, the driver, were identified in the burnt car.”

  “With a gun.”

  “Six guns and a thousand rounds of ammunition.”

  “Where is Miss Dumwalt in these videos?”

  “Based on the angle of the blue lights and the car, we believe she was hiding between buildings, out of view of our CCTV cameras.”

  “Another case of self-defense, D.I. Tyler?” The Judge peered over her glasses.

  Alex folded her arms across her chest and leaned back in the chair. Self-defense. Yes, it was. Thank you, Judge Meriweather. She felt some relief and the tightness in her chest eased.

  Barrister Somers handed over a drawing based on the crime scene to the Bailiff. “My lady, this drawing clearly illustrates the source for the blue light came from one position.”

  “Please explain this blue light again. What is it and where does it come from?”

  “It comes from her hand. I don’t know what it is, or where it comes from.” D.I. Tyler shook his head. “I only know it’s quite powerful.”

  “Did it create this static?”

  “I don’t know, my lady, but it’s possible.”

  “How long does the static last?” Judge Meriweather pulled her glasses to the tip of her nose.

  “In some cases, it did permanent damage to the video, as you saw in the building.”

  “Who else or what else can produce this light?”

  “I don’t know of anything or anyone who can produce this light, my lady.”

  “Where did this young woman go after these events?”

  “She boarded a coach and went to Glastonbury.”

  “Where?” Judge Meriweather put her glasses on and looked at her papers. “Is there a map of this place?”

  “Yes, my lady. It’s a small village, south of Bath. May I approach the bench to show you?”

  “Please do. I can’t find it.” After Tyler pointed it out to her, she stared at it for a second. “Ah yes. The music festival…King Arthur…the Tor. What did she do there?”

  “She went to the base of the Tor with the young man, Jeffrey Dimont, where she found an arch. She ran up to it with Dimont…and was shot.”

  Judge Meriweather stared at him. “Shot? How seriously?”

  “Critical. She was shot at least ten times and I had her flown back to London in a helicopter. As you can see, she’s completely recovered. A copy of her hospital report was provided.” He glanced at Alex.

  “Wait a minute.” The Judge held up her hand as she glanced at the report. “This occurred on J
uly fourth and it’s now the middle of September.” She looked at Alex. “Less than three months…that’s not long considering the seriousness of her injuries.”

  “Yes, my lady. She was actually released a few days after being admitted. The doctor had no explanation. She was suddenly healed of her injuries within minutes of her arrival, but the doctor ordered more tests and evaluations that lasted for days.”

  Alex’s mind flashed back to her hospital stay. She was glad she didn’t have to stay any longer.

  “Show me on the map where this island is, this Seaward Isle. I’ve never heard of it.”

  “It’s not on any map we have, my lady.”

  “Where is it?”

  “It’s on another planet, I believe.”

  Her jaw dropped. “Are you telling me that the sailors of Hunter Dawn were on another planet? That’s preposterous!”

  D.I. Tyler nodded. “Yes, my lady. I think so as well. Yet, I have no other explanation.”

  “Thank you, D.I. Tyler. Mr. Somers, make sure to present these videos first in the future.”

  “I apologize, my lady. I would like to add that, just because Lady Alexin Dumwalt may have assisted in the return of these sailors, she isn’t absolved of guilt in the destruction of government property or murder. May we continue? Dr. Rajiv Ramanathan, medical examiner and Dr. Philip Owens, a psychologist, both contracted by the Metropolitan Police, have conducted some tests and examinations.”

  “Excellent. We shall take a short break and resume in ten minutes. Please bring them in to testify.” She went through the side door.

  Julia went out to get P.C. Kent, who escorted Alex to the lavatory and let her stretch her legs. When it was time, Julia opened the door and waved Alex back. She came in and sat down.

  Judge Meriweather entered the room and they stood up.

  “Be seated.” The Judge nodded.

  Barrister Somers called Dr. Ramanathan as the next witness. After he was sworn in, he spoke excitedly about his examination of Alex.

  “I’ve sent her blood and hair to a laboratory for examination. Preliminary tests on her blood reveal some unusual characteristics. In addition to the normal red and white blood cells in our blood, she has some unknown cells that have never been identified before. Mr. Roberts, please bring up the slides I sent you.” He leapt out of his chair to guide the Judge through them on the large screen.

  “As you can see, there are normal red blood cells and white ones, but there are also green and blue cells.” He pointed to the different colored cells on the screen. “In addition, look at this slide.” He rolled his hand at Mr. Roberts. “There are blue rods floating around in her blood stream. My initial tests show that these rods are magnetic. Please show the next slide.” He waited for the next one to come up, tapping his foot impatiently.

  “I placed a magnet at one end of the petri dish and the blue rods migrated in that direction. This is fascinating. I also believe that the green cells are sensitive to sunlight and may be able to photosynthesize, but I have yet to determine the purpose of the blue cells. I’ve sent her DNA and hair samples out for testing, but the results aren’t in yet. Her vision and hearing are beyond what is normal for a human being. I’ve never had anyone with such results.”

  “I can see that, Dr. Ramanathan.” The Judge smiled.

  “Yes, and she healed extremely quickly. She was shot about ten times and within a week, she was released; her wounds were completely healed. No scars! It’s remarkable.”

  “Thank you, Dr. Ram. Any questions?” She looked at the two barristers and turned back to him. “You may leave, Dr. Ramanathan.”

  He put his hands together and bowed to the Judge.

  As he left, Alex bowed her head to him. She was fascinated by her blood. What were those things in there?

  Dr. Owens testified next. “In my professional opinion, I believe Lady Alexin Dumwalt was telling the truth when she said she was part Elf and part Titan. In addition, I believe that she was angry and felt betrayed. She came to help these men and was handcuffed for no valid reason. I do believe she is mentally competent and legally sane.”

  “Do you believe in Elves and Titans?” Judge Meriweather peered over her glasses.

  “I do now. I shall read my children’s stories with more conviction and understanding henceforth.”

  “Thank you, Dr. Owens. Mister Somers, do you have anything else to present?”

  “We have a list of ten witnesses who will corroborate the testimony you’ve heard thus far. I believe we’ve shown beyond a reasonable doubt that Lady Alexin Catherine Dumwalt caused the destruction at the underground government offices and murdered six people and that she was mentally competent--”

  Someone pounded on the door to the chamber.

  Chapter 32

  INTERRUPTION

  Mrs. Meriweather sighed. “Don’t they know this is a closed hearing?” There was more banging on the door. “Bailiff, tell whomever it is that this is a closed hearing.” The Judge pointed at him. As he opened the door, Admiral Teller pushed by.

  “Good day, my lady. I apologize for the interruption. My name is Vice Admiral Sir Malcolm Teller. The Minister of Defense has sent me here to withdraw all charges against Lady Alexin Catherine Dumwalt. It has the endorsement of the Prime Minister.” He handed the letter to the Bailiff who took it to her.

  She adjusted her reading glasses. “May I ask why?”

  “Over seven hundred sailors of the Royal Navy, the United States of America, Italy, France, and Canada were lost at sea under the most unusual circumstances. Lady Dumwalt helped return a hundred of these sailors. We need her help to bring the rest of them home.”

  “To be honest, I’m greatly relieved, Admiral. This case was deeply troubling. Extend my gratitude to the Defense Minister.” Judge Meriweather sighed and removed her reading glasses. “What do you intend to tell the press?”

  “I have an official statement from the Ministry of Defense which states that the damage to our building was caused by a short circuit in our computer system and this young woman happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. It’ll also include a formal apology from the Prime Minister as well as financial compensation.”

  “Very well, then. Lady Alexin Catherine Dumwalt, please stand up. Since all charges have been withdrawn, the case against you is dismissed. On behalf of his Majesty’s government, I wish to apologize for this inconvenience. I’d like to personally extend my thanks to you for the return of our sailors and I hope you’ll bring the rest of them home. You’re free to go.”

  “Thank you.” Alex sighed with relief and tears welled in her eyes. She wiped her tears away and sat down again. She was free but didn’t know where to go.

  “All rise,” the Bailiff said.

  Everyone stood up as Judge Meriweather picked up her books and papers and scurried away.

  Alex smiled as Julia came over. “You did great, Julia, thank you. But what do I do now?”

  “You can leave.”

  “And go where? I can’t get home.”

  D.I. Tyler came over. “We found Ecstasy. He’s at the Met. I’ll take you there.”

  “I’d rather walk, if I knew the way.” Alex frowned at him and picked up her plastic bag of clothes.

  “Come on.” He took her to his car in the garage.

  ***

  Outside of the building, Admiral Teller stepped up to a podium where a microphone was placed. A gaggle of reporters stood in front of him. “I wish to announce that the Ministry of Defense has withdrawn all charges pending in the hearing against Lady Alexin Catherine Dumwalt. This action has been approved and endorsed by the Prime Minister. A formal statement will be issued from the Ministry shortly. We wish to publicly apologize for our actions.”

  “What brought about this change, Admiral?”

  “We received a corrected report that identified the damage to the government building was caused by a short circuit in our computer system.”

  “What about the murders?” />
  “They can’t be linked to this person. Apparently, she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. According to new information from the Met, the homeless man actually died of a heart attack; the car accident was exactly that, an accident. The car flipped over, killing all three people on board. The two men behind the casino were killed by the young man they’d attacked.”

  The Admiral paused. “This forced us to withdraw all charges against this young lady. Along with our apology, the young woman will also be compensated financially. Thank you.”

  “Admiral, is it true that you’re being forced to retire because of the Hunter Dawn Incident?”

  “I’m still working on the after-action reports.”

  “Are you facing any disciplinary action?”

  “No.”

  “Do you anticipate a lawsuit?”

  “I certainly hope not.”

  “How much compensation will be given to Miss Dumwalt?”

  “We’re discussing the amount now. Have a good day.”

  “Excuse me, Admiral, one more question. What is the Ministry’s reaction to the YouTube video about the sailors of USS Lonestar on an island called Seaward Isle?”

  The Admiral leaned forward. “Say again.” The reporter repeated her question and he shook his head. “I haven’t heard of it.”

  “It was made by an American journalist team that was embedded on the USS Lonestar. It’s about fifteen minutes long and shows the crew stranded on an island called Seaward Isle, which is supposed to be out in space at the end of a wormhole. We’re even introduced to an Elf by the name of Crestan and Miss Dumwalt is also in it.”

  The Admiral chuckled. “Are you sure? Must be a sailor’s prank, young lady. Pay it no mind.” He made his way through the crowd of reporters and climbed into the back of a black limousine. As he closed the door, he sighed deeply and wondered how the reporters had heard of his forced retirement and this video. What video? He frowned, knowing he was the scape-goat for the loss of the five ships. It was a severe blow to the prestige of the Royal Navy. Will this girl bring back the rest of the sailors?