by Lynn Moon
“Roland Nestle,” the female judge said from a few feet up. “You have been charged with eighty-six counts of murder in the first degree, one hundred and forty-two counts of murder in the second degree, seven counts of terrorism against the United States, eighty-four counts of kidnapping, seventy-nine counts of committing and initiating hate crimes, twelve counts of Government fraud, and sixteen counts of bank fraud. Mr. Nestle, how do you plead?”
“Not guilty… Not anything! I refuse to acknowledge these proceedings,” Nestle said firmly. “And I want to say this whole ploy is a ridiculous display on how some people can waste taxpayers’ money.” Nestle turned and stared at the two men eating the popcorn. He scowled. “This is a farce and a mockery of our legal system.”
The female judge ignored his statement and said, “Very well. This court hereby finds you guilty on all counts. Hereafter, you are stripped of all honors of doctorate. Hence forth, you are not permitted to use the title of doctor. Your license to practice has been suspended indefinitely. Your position as Director at the Centers of Disease Control is hereby terminated effective immediately. For your crimes against the people of the United States, you are hereby fined one hundred million dollars. You are ordered to spend one hour with each of the victims for restitution. It is this court’s determination you are dangerous not only to yourself, but to society and the world at large. Therefore, this court sentences you to death which is to be carried out by gas inhalation if it does not occur earlier. Do you have anything to say to this court?”
“Yes,” Nestle said frozen with anger. “Go fuck yourselves… all of you!”
* * * * * *
Nestle found himself strapped to a wall inside a small room with no windows. He was stripped naked except for a short towel wrapped around his waist. A table with a baseball bat, some knives, and other odd items was in front of him. Two arm guards stood at attention at his sides.
“What kind of bullshit is this supposed to be?” Nestle screamed. “I have rights!”
The two guards ignored his shouts. With his wrists and ankles strapped to the wall, the only things he could move were his hips or his head.
“You fucking bastards,” he yelled. “Let me go!”
EPILOGUE
THE SNOW WAS just starting to melt as the new spring flowers broke through the surface of the thawing ground. The aroma of fresh green grass filled the air with a newness that brightened everyone’s spirits. Maddie took in a deep breath of the clean damp air and smiled. Only a few puffy clouds floated in the early morning sky, which meant it was going to be a beautiful day.
Carrie’s car screeched to a stop near the curb in front of Maddie’s house. She waved as she jumped from the car. Something had excited her and Maddie knew she’d hear all about it in just a few minutes. After a long embrace, they entered the house and sat at the kitchen table. With hot fresh coffee in hand, Maddie couldn’t wait any longer.
“Spill,” Maddie urged.
“What?” Carrie asked.
“What? I know something’s up. Now spill.”
“Okay,” Carrie replied holding out her left hand.
“Wow,” Maddie exclaimed. “It’s beautiful.”
“Devon proposed last night,” Carrie said proudly displaying her diamond ring. “It was so romantic. It was just us two sitting by the fire. He was telling me about the new case he’s assigned to and I was telling him about mine. Then he left the room to get us some water. When he returned, he was smiling. He got down on one knee, which isn’t easy for him. He’s so big and clumsy, and then he proposed. I cried.”
“That’s so sweet,” Maddie said releasing Carrie’s hand. “I remember when Nate proposed to me. It was the happiest day of my life, other than the birth of my babies.”
“Did you hear what happened to Dr. Nestle?” Carrie asked.
“Yes, I did,” Maddie replied. “I also heard when word reached Vernon he had a heart attack. But he’s still alive from what I understand.”
“I wished I could have seen his face when Marty or Early walked in,” Carrie said laughing. “Can you imagine?”
“No I cannot,” Maddie replied rubbing her arms.
“Kind of ironic, don’t you think?” Carrie asked.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, he thought he had it all—money, power, a great job, and then poof, all gone,” Carrie laughed.
The doorbell pulled the two from their thoughts.
“I’ll get it,” Nate yelled from the other room.
The sound of children’s voices echoed through the house and Maddie smiled. “I guess Early and Marty are here.”
“Did you hide the eggs and baskets?” Carrie asked.
“Yep,” Maddie said with a grin. “Let’s go see the pretty Easter dresses.”
“Hey Mad,” Carrie said, taking hold of Maddie’s hand.
“Yes?”
“I love you.”
“And I love you too, Carrie Clarke, soon to be Carrie Clarke-Arvol, and happy Easter, my sweet.”
