Night Court

by Ashley Fontainne

  “Of course not. We both knew how close you were to your father. Didn’t want to tarnish your memory of him…or of your mother.”

  Merry glared at the judge. “Bullshit. You didn’t want your precious reputation to be tarnished. The high-and-mighty conservative judge wanted his skeletons to stay locked inside a dark closet. Don’t even try to give me this song and dance of worrying about how I’d take the news. What’s your excuse, Derek? Try something other than this whole protective-brother skit. I’m not falling for that. I’m sure it’s more along the lines of needing some fast cash.”

  Derek and Judge Tompkins traded places. Merry watched Derek’s expression turn ice-cold. Felt a heavy sense of dread and fear settle over hear heart.

  “I found out you were only my half-sister the night Mom died. Dad and I both did. You were spending the night at Debbie’s, and I was in my room, listening to them scream at each other about your recent doctor’s visit. Since Dad had O+ blood, when he saw your blood type was B, he knew immediately he wasn’t your father. Dad was drinking heavily and ended up passing out before either of them actually mentioned the name of her lover. Mom left and I followed, angry she’d betrayed Dad. At the time, I had no idea the mystery lover was Ron. When she pulled up at his house, I lost it. Called her a whore. Told her I hated her for what she’d done. Threatened to return to the house and get Dad’s service revolver and come back to kill them both.”

  “Oh, my God,” Merry whispered. “You caused her accident, didn’t you?”

  Tears welled-up inside Derek’s eyes. “Yes. She tried to catch me, but my motorcycle was faster than her car. She rolled her car in a curve. I stood there, full of anger and hate, and watched her burn to death. I could have helped her, but I didn’t. When Ron showed up, he tried but was too late. He knew what I’d done and never said a word. I left and went home, and things have been fucked up ever since.”

  “Jesus, this isn’t happening.”

  Judge Tompkins finally looked at the remains of his son on the couch. “It’s my fault Tad found all this out. One night, on the thirtieth anniversary of your mother’s death, I had too much to drink. Tad found me in my study, slumped over pictures of your mother—and you—lamenting the past mistakes of my life. I opened up to my son, hoping to find some comfort, but instead, he turned on me. Within a week, he had Derek and me cornered. I’ve been paying for my past transgressions ever since. A sentence handed down by my own flesh and blood.”

  Derek nodded in agreement. “We were trapped, Merry. Tad knew Joshua was an addict. He threatened to sell Joshua tainted dope if I didn’t cooperate with his scheme. That’s why I beat up Peppy. When I found out Joshua was one of his regulars, I swore I’d kill him if he ever sold him dope he hadn’t first tried before selling to Joshua.”

  “Wow…what a great uncle you are!” Merry snapped.

  “We considered telling you, but you were going through so much with Joshua, we were afraid of how you’d take it. I feared you’d have a heart attack or stroke. I certainly never thought things would turn out the way they did. Not in a million years.”

  “Again, I call bullshit. Don’t either of you dare try blaming me for bad choices. You know, you could have just let me go to my grave without knowing all this. Why tell me now?”

  Derek rose and removed the Glock from the holster. “Because you decided to go on a killing spree. When we realized it was you—and that Tad was next in line—we agreed it was time to end it”

  Merry couldn’t take her gaze off the gun. “By killing me? That’s the solution?”

  “No, Sis. I’ve already killed two family members. I won’t make it three.”

  “Two?”

  “The night he died, Joshua saw the drug deal go down between me, Peppy, and Tad. Peppy played us. Told Josh ahead of time, and he showed up and recorded us. I chased him down the alley and took the phone. He refused to listen to me. Kept yelling about how he wouldn’t let me get away with it—that he planned on telling you and my superiors—regardless of whether I destroyed his phone or not. I couldn’t let that happen, so I held him down and forced him to snort enough to stop his heart.”

  The disconnect inside her mind happened the second Derek’s words registered.

  Merry wanted to scream, call Derek every foul word she’d ever heard. Wanted to lunge from the chair and use her head as a battering ram. Wanted to free her hands, find the gun, and silence his deceitful mouth.

  How would she ever get past the pain? The betrayal? A lifetime of lies and deception, all culminating with Joshua’s murder?

  Brain on information overload, numbed by the words, Merry simply stared at her brother like she’d never seen him before. In truth, she hadn’t, for the man standing in front of her was a monster—one who killed her only son. The spinning thoughts from before were gone, replaced by bone-crushing pain. The sensation enveloped her and began to constrict the air from her lungs.

  The sound of the judge’s voice was faint and distant. “That’s why we devised this plan, dear. The time to atone for our mistakes is now, and our final act will ensure no one will ever discover what you’ve done. After all, you wouldn’t have been driven to madness if not for our actions.”

  “That’s right. I’m able to say my final act will fulfill the promise I made to Dad: I’m protecting you.”

  “Yes, darling daughter, we both are because we love you so much. Please, try to find it in your heart someday to forgive us.”

  Merry heard Derek chamber a round, but it didn’t really register until another voice rumbled, “Drop the gun, Derek. I won’t ask twice.”

  Before she could get her brain to comprehend it was Mitch’s voice, Derek said, “I left you something in your mailbox you’ll need to retrieve as soon as possible. You know, I get why you did all this, Merry. You wanted those responsible for Joshua’s death to pay. Now, they finally will. Forgive me, Sis.”

  Inside her mind, Merry screamed, “Go to hell, you bastard!” Had she said it out loud, the words would have been drowned out by gunfire.

  Two shots ended the lives of the Honorable Ronald Arthur Tompkins and Detective Derek Isaac Clarke. Blood seeped from the wound in the Judge’s chest, the bullet from Derek’s gun. Merry looked away and stared at the body of Derek. He was less than a foot from her, blood pouring from the gaping hole in his head, the bullet courtesy of Mitch’s.

  Mitch was by her side in a flash. He untied the rope and grabbed Merry by the shoulders, shaking her out of catatonia. “Leave. Now. Go home and clean up. Don’t stop. Don’t talk to anyone. Go!”

  The look of concern and heartbreak behind Mitch’s eyes was enough. Merry knew he meant every word, and somehow, he’d make sure to leave her name out of the events on Chester Street. Without saying a word or taking one last look at the carnage in the living room, she rose and exited the back door into the dark night.

  ***

  Merry pulled up in the driveway and shut the engine off. On autopilot, she got out of the car and stumbled up the walkway. After three attempts to unlock the door, she managed to make it inside and turn on the light. Percy jumped around like happy puppy while following her down the hall. She stopped by the kitchen and rummaged around the junk drawer until she found a pack of matches before heading out the back door.

  My brother killed my son.

  She walked across the yard to the burn barrel. Once stripped of all her clothes, she threw them into the drum and set them on fire. Under the cover of night, the only witnesses Percy and the stars above, Merry watched the flames devour her clothes.

  My mother.

  Satisfied nothing remained but a pile of ashes, she turned and went back inside.

  While standing under the hot spray of the shower, the numbness previously engulfing her being started to dissipate. The emotional impact of the evening hit her—hard. Merry sank down into the tub at the same time great sobs erupted from her shattered heart.

  My entire existence.

  ***

  Unable to sle
ep and tired of pacing while she waited for the rest of her world to explode, Merry had decided to finally read Joshua’s journal before her mind completely shut down. For three hours she sat on the bed, Percy curled next to her, and choked back the tears while she read. The parts where Joshua let out his deepest fears and regrets made her cry again, but the parts near the end when he was sober made her swell with pride.

  Journal entry – January 12th

  Sober for five months! Nothing in this world compares to seeing the smile on Mom and Dad’s face. Especially Mom. God, I’ve hurt them both so much—and knowing that makes me want to numb the shame and humiliation with drugs. What a vicious cycle! I won’t give in—I won’t. I need to learn to live with the ups and downs of life with a clear head. Hang on to the pain so it will remind me of what drugs did to me and my family.

  On a lighter note…I had a chance today to help another addict. What a great experience! Peppy wants out of the life. Said I inspired him to get clean. Meeting him tonight to talk about treatment options and to find out what he wants to discuss in person. He seemed really scared on the phone earlier. Said what he had to tell me would hurt a lot of people. Must admit it feels really great knowing my successes have given someone else hope they can change as well. Even though I love working with my dad, maybe accounting isn’t what I’m supposed to be doing. Maybe I should check into being a drug counselor? I’ll make sure to talk to my sponsor tonight and ask him what he thinks. Oh, the look on Mom’s face when I tell her I want to go to college! She’ll be so happy. I hope one day she’ll even be proud.

  Clutching the journal to her chest, Merry whispered, “I am proud of you, baby. God, so very proud.”

  22

  11:00 a.m. Friday morning

  Percy heard the car before Merry did. He jumped off the bed and ran to the window, hackles raised and a snarl on his lips. Merry stood and tightened her robe, knowing who pulled up without even looking. She turned and opened the bedroom door and exited before Percy had a chance to follow, shutting the door behind her. Rather than going to the front door, she headed to the kitchen to pour another cup of coffee.

  Car doors slammed.

  Footsteps on the porch.

  Three quick knocks on the door.

  The fuse is lit. Time to drop the bomb.

  The distance from the hallway to the kitchen to the door seemed miles away. With tentative steps, Merry made her way across the floor, her mind in a foggy haze. Somehow, her vocal chords seemed to take on a life of their own, and she was shocked when she heard herself say, “Who is it?”

  “Merry? It’s Mitchell Sinclair, your brother’s partner?”

  Mouth dry and heart pounding, Merry opened the door. Her voice sounded muffled when she said, “Mitch, what are you doing here?”

  Three men stood on the porch: Captain Guss, Mitchell, and another Merry didn’t recognize. The Captain and the other man exchanged glances. The stress of the situation hung in the air like an invisible blanket.

  Captain Guss spoke first. “Mrs. Hall, we need to speak with you. There’s been…a situation involving your brother. May we come in?”

  The words sent Merry’s thoughts back to the morning her father came to pick her up at Debbie’s.

  Once they reached home, all the tears and hugs when he gathered her into his strong arms and broke the news about the accident.

  The terror thrumming inside her little chest while watching her father cry while trying to grasp the meaning of the words.

  Seeing Derek sitting on the opposite end of the couch, head buried in his hands.

  Mom’s funeral.

  Joshua’s funeral.

  Harold’s funeral.

  Soon, Derek’s.

  The coffee cup she’d been holding shattered when it hit the floor. The room spun and sounds around her were distant and muffled. A male voice yelled. “I’ve got her!” It was followed by another. “Get her to the couch.”

  Then, dark silence.

  ***

  “I’m taking you to the hospital. You’re really pale.”

  Merry removed the cold rag from her head and sat up. “No, you aren’t. I’m fine.” She glanced around the living room. “How long have I been out?”

  “About ten minutes.”

  “When did you get here, and where’d they go?”

  Debbie took the rag and handed Merry a glass of water. “Pulled up in time to see you pass smooth out. Mitch is outside trying to convince them to leave and let us break the news to you instead of two strangers. Should be easy to convince them. I’m sure you slamming into the ground the second you saw them on the porch was confirmation enough.”

  Red and white stars appeared for a second, replacing the image of Debbie’s tear-stained face. Merry waited until they disappeared before she answered. “How did you hear?”

  Tears formed behind Debbie’s eyes. She blinked several times to force them back. “When the judge didn’t show up for court today. I had just dialed his cell around nine when Renee from accounting burst in, sobbing like crazy. She was so distraught, she couldn’t really talk. She simply turned on the TV. It’s all over the news, although their names weren’t mentioned. Of course, we all knew it was Judge Tompkins since he wasn’t there. Tried calling you, but you didn’t answer, so I came over instead. Since I don’t see Derek here, I assume…?”

  Merry watched her closest friend attempt to remain strong and not cry but knew it wouldn’t last long. The tears from seconds ago were back, racing down Deb’s flushed face. Unwilling to even speak her brother’s name, much less talk about him, Merry simply nodded.

  Debbie’s clammy hand shook as she clasped Merry’s. “I…don’t even know what to say, sweetie, other than I’m here for you and love you. I’m so very sorry.”

  Mitch cleared his throat. “Sorry to interrupt. Just wanted you to know they left.”

  “Do they know…everything?” Merry asked.

  Mitch walked over and leaned against the fireplace. “No.”

  Debbie’s gaze bounced between Mitch and Merry. “What’s going on?”

  From the back bedroom came Percy’s low whine.

  “Is that a dog?” Debbie asked, incredulous.

  Balance still off and head throbbing, Merry stood and pulled Debbie up with her. “Yes. His name’s Percy. I…just recently acquired him. He was…a stray in the woods.” Turning her gaze back to Mitch, Merry continued. “She deserves to know the truth about Derek, Mitch. So do I. Come on, let’s take Percy out for a walk, and I’ll start with what I know first. You can fill in the rest.”

  Merry could see the distrust behind Mitch’s eyes while he stared at Debbie. “You sure? I’m already walking a thin line just by talking about all this.”

  With one last squeeze, Merry let go of Deb’s hand. “Yes, I’m positive. You know the news won’t get all the facts straight. Now, you two stay here while I get Percy. Not sure how he’s going to react to strangers.”

  “I’m so confused.” Debbie threw her arms up in frustration.

  “You won’t be in a few minutes. Promise. That is, if you really want to know. If you’d prefer to remain in the dark—”

  “If things get any darker, I’m going to do a face-plant. Whatever’s on your mind, I’m here for you. Always have been, always will be.”

  ***

  Other than the sounds of a few birds and insects, the back porch was silent. It had taken three full hours to explain to Debbie what had happened, and why. Merry left out her role as killer, determined not to burden Debbie with the knowledge. It wouldn’t be fair to risk it, and besides, one person already knew, and that was enough.

  To her credit, Debbie held her emotions in check for the most part, only truly breaking down when Merry got to the part about Joshua. By the time Merry finished, Debbie no longer could contain her tears. Neither could Merry. They clung to each other and wept for what once was, what could have been, and what would never be. Each of them cried for the sadness of so many lives destroyed over money,
drugs, and misplaced loyalties.

  For fifteen minutes, the three of them sat lost in their own thoughts while they watched ducks come and go from the pond. After a thorough sniffing earlier, Percy seemed to accept two new people in his life and ignored both Mitch and Debbie, preferring to stretch out over Merry’s feet. While the silence gave each a chance to catch their mental breaths, especially Debbie, it was time to move on. She hoped Debbie had recovered from the shock because she needed to hear what Mitch had to say before she dropped the last bombshell.

  “Tell me your story, Mitch.”

  Debbie and Merry waited while Mitch took a swig of beer. After a deep breath he focused his gaze on the pond. A dark shadow of sadness swept across his face.

  “I didn’t suspect anything until a few months after Joshua’s death. Derek started acting odd, saying strange things in passing. Talked about retiring, which he had previously said he’d never do until he was too old to take someone down. Mentioned numerous times how he regretted not marrying, yet in the next breath, complained about how even being a family member wasn’t a guarantee the person was someone you could love or trust. At first, I chalked it up to the strain of losing his nephew and his constant worrying about you. Then he started screwing up at work, coming in late, not completing reports. He’d be gone for half a day or more and wouldn’t answer the phone. I called him out about it once, and he flew into a rage. I knew then something was wrong. Really wrong. I’m usually the one who loses it, not Derek.”

  “Why didn’t you come and talk to me?” Merry asked.

  Mitch let out a long sigh. “In retrospect, I should have. You were going through so much of your own issues I didn’t want to pile on more. Like I said, at first I thought he was just struggling to work through the emotions of the situation. It wasn’t until one of the guys we went to the academy with, Detective Russell Morrison, called me several weeks ago. He works narcotics in Memphis and witnessed Derek buying a load of heroin from one of the dealers on their squad’s watch list.”