Zach grips me a little tighter. “Of course not. Rose, honestly. We’re doing this for her. She doesn’t deserve to be locked up.”
I agree with Zach, but I can’t help but wonder what ripple effects it may have. Ahead of us, I make out the courthouse just as we begin to descend towards the ground. He places my feet on the ground gently and lands next to me. I shake my arms off, a bit sore from his tight grip.
“Thanks,” I say.
“No problem.”
The atmosphere in the courthouse is tense. With the trial already in progress, Zach and I try to sneak in the best we can. We find Elliott and Shelly sitting in the back, and when I take my seat next to them, I spot an unfamiliar man standing in front of the witness stand.
“Brad?” I whisper.
“Told you about him I guess,” Elliott whispers. “That’s nice, he left it as a big surprise for me.”
“Probably thought you’d be mad.”
“I’m not angry. I’m furious.”
The doctor from yesterday sits on the witness stand, obviously called back for cross-examination.
"So Doctor," Brad says, "was there any evidence found of GEMO radiation?"
"Not chemical evidence," the doctor says.
“What evidence do you have then?”
"Well, it's plain to see Mrs. Ford has wings," the doctor says.
"But you found know chemical evidence."
"No we didn't."
"Remind the court, how many cases of GEMO radiation have you studied?"
"Thousands maybe."
Brad leans in towards the witness. "And in that time, have you ever found a patient that did not have chemical evidence of GEMO radiation?"
"No."
“Do you have any suspicions your equipment gave you a bad reading?”
“No.”
“Do you think Mrs. Ford could take any supplement or do anything to throw off the reading.”
“No.”
"No further questions,” Brad says, as he sits back down next to Mrs. Ford.
The next witness brought up to the stand is from the defense. He’s a tall, skinny man who wears a neon green sweater with a yellow bowtie, barely visible behind his bushy beard. His large eyes threaten to bulge out of his head. After he is sworn in, the first few questions introduce himself as Theo, a scientist working with the Naturally Elevated society.
"Have you studied Mrs. Ford's record?" Brad asks.
"Yes I have."
"And based on what you have found, what do you think are the chances of her having received Elevated powers through a GEMO ray?"
"None," Theo says.
Whispers echo throughout the courtroom.
"Do you have an explanation on how she got those powers?" Brad asks.
"Objection," the prosecuting attorney says. "Calls for speculation."
"Your honor," Brad says, "this whole case is built on speculation. The prosecution has no evidence on which to base their claims that Mrs. Ford received an illegal GEMO treatment."
"Sustained," the judge says. "Unless the witness has access to special evidence, it is just guesswork."
Brad turns back to Theo, who stares off into space. "In your belief, is it possible to receive Elevated powers without GEMO radiation?"
"Objection," the prosecuting attorney says. "Relevance."
"Overruled," the judge says, turning to the witness. "You may answer the question."
As Theo speaks, his arms animate his every word, as if he’s speaking a sign language few can understand. "It's only theory, but I believe GEMO radiation only unlocks what we ourselves would naturally achieve on our own."
"No further questions," Brad says, and then sits back down.
"Not sure what he's thinking picking a nutjob like that," Elliott says.
I'm not sure either, especially as the prosecution gets into their questions.
"Is it true your organization believes it is possible for an Elevated to change their power?" the prosecution asks.
"We believe mental energy is a vital part of Elevated powers," Theo says, in an almost dreamy voice.
"But can it change your ability?"
"Objection," Mrs. Ford's lawyer says. "Repetition."
"I'm trying to get the answer to my first question," the prosecuting attorney says.
"Overruled," says the judge. "Answer the question."
"It may be possible."
"May be possible. What scientific evidence do you have to back up this claim?"
Theo seems offended by the question. "We have stories. Some people who claim to have been able to hear or see things beyond their normal ability through discipline."
"But not tangible evidence?"
"I trust the accounts that I've heard."
"No further questions," the attorney says and he takes his seat.
“He’s killed that witness,” I whisper.
“Maybe not,” Zach says.
“Excuse me,” Shelly says, squeezing past us.
She stares at her phone as she exits the room.
With the witnesses finished, it's time for closing statements. The prosecuting attorney stands and approaches the jury.
"Mrs. Ford has no record of a GEMO treatment, yet has obvious Elevated powers. It's not easy for the older generation, growing up, watching their children receive powers. It's not surprising many of them turn to illegal treatments, some of which use methods we may not even know of. However, we can't allow them to patronize places that do not adhere to the strict guidelines of GEMO treatments. Mrs. Ford may be a gentle Flier, but how different would we feel if the treatment had turned her into a Shooter instead?”
As he says those words, I turn to look at Brad. Surprisingly, he seems unaffected by the statements. Probably used to getting baited. As the prosecutor continues, it’s obvious he’s a little disappointed at not getting a reaction.
“What message are we sending to the people who use these illegal treatments, which often render them injured or dead, if we allow her to go back into society? It's not an easy decision to send a seemingly good-natured woman to jail, but she chose her path when she hired someone to give her an illegal GEMO treatment. Any stories the defense invents regarding her just happening to think her way into Elevated powers are fantasies that are easily dismissed. It's our job to keep society safe and stable. And that requires holding people like Mrs. Ford accountable when they break the law."
As he sits, I look over at the jury and their blank faces reveal little on how they feel about his statement. Now it's time for the defense attorney.
"This would be an easy case if the prosecution could provide one simple thing: any evidence Mrs. Ford used a GEMO treatment at all. But they can't. There is a lot to Elevated powers we don't know. Only ten years ago, it was restricted to the rich and powerful. Now we all enjoy our Elevated abilities. But in the time that has passed, we still can't even predict who will receive dangerous powers, even from GEMO treatments sanctified by the government. It's not illegal to be an Elevated. The law states it's illegal to receive an unauthorized GEMO treatment, which the prosecution has failed to provide any evidence of. We don't know how Mrs. Ford got her wings. If it was a GEMO treatment, where is the evidence? Why would she be different from countless others? There is no way to justify under the law the imprisonment of an innocent Flier simply because we don't know how they received their powers. Mrs. Ford is not a criminal. She's just a Flier."
As he sits down, I notice a jury member wiping away a tear.
"Do you think it worked?" I ask as the jury leaves the courtroom
"Who knows," Elliott says. "All depends on the jury I guess. Just wish I would have been consulted before she got a new lawyer.”
“It was her decision,” Zach says.
"Surprised the Unsound Society has enough money," Elliott says.
“We have our benefactors,” Zach says.
I imagine there must be rich people with relatives locked up in wards who wish to see them released.
Now all w
e have to do is wait for the jury’s decision. Usually cases like this are settled quickly, but maybe Brad can at least delay the verdict for a little while.
“Rose!” Shelly calls out behind me.
As I turn towards her, I can see her face is bright red and tears are streaming down her face.
“What’s wrong?”
“Y-y-you need to see this,” Shelly says, holding out her phone.
I read the screen:
Basic Brigade Newsletter, Special Edition.
After the fourth murder from a perpetrator leaving notes about a Catalyst, we might have thought our police force would have some notion of what the messages mean. It should come as no surprise to our readers the lack of information is no more than a cover up to conceal the truth about Catalysts. We can now reveal that they are a group of Elevateds who have the power to create a GEMO charge from their own body. This charge can zap a victim, much like a normal GEMO charge, and unlock their Elevated ability. More sinister though, is the fact the zap has the same effect as a second GEMO charge. Instant death.
I almost drop the phone. Who wrote this? How could they—
“Is there a name attached to the article?” I ask, hoping my suspicion wasn’t right.
Shelly harrumphs. “Scroll down to the bottom.”
My heart is in my throat as I scan the article for a name, until it hits me in the face.
Aaron Fierro
I’m happy I’m using somebody else’s phone, as it helps me fight the temptation to throw it on the ground. I can’t believe Aaron could do this to us. Whatever he hoped to gain or stop, I could never justify his actions. Elliott puts his arm around me as I hand the phone over to Zach. His jaw drops as he reads the article.
“I’m sorry,” he says, lowering the phone in defeat.
“What now?” Shelly asks.
Zach sighs. “The only positive thing is the article didn’t come out before this trial. Your grandmother still has a chance.”
Elliott nods, but we’re both lost in thought right now.
“You should tell your father,” Zach says. “I’m a little surprised he didn’t join you to watch the trial.”
“He’s at home with Mom,” I say. “Trying to lay low.”
“Logical,” Zach says.
I dial Dad’s number, but he doesn’t answer. I try Mom.
“Hi Rose,” she says.
“Did Dad show you the article?” I ask.
“I thought Dad was with you,” she says.
My heart drops. There’s only one reason that Dad wouldn’t have told us where he was.
“No,” I say and turn towards Shelly. “Do you know where your dad is?”
Shelly shrugs. “At the GEMO Control Center. Why?”
“Because I think he’s going to be murdered.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
As we race over to the GEMO Control Center, I can’t stop kicking myself for leaving Dad alone. I didn’t need to go to the trial with Elliott. I respect my Dad’s wishes to keep me out of trouble, but he has to realize at this point that there’s nothing he can do. And now I have to endure Shelly’s freakout over the fact that her dad is next on the list, while simultaneously hearing Elliott remind me what a stupid decision it is to go into the line of fire. Zach is smart enough to stay out of the whole thing. A short while later, we arrive at the GEMO Control Center.
“Do you see your dad’s car?” Elliott asks as we pull into the parking lot.
“No, but I doubt he was stupid enough to use his regular car,” I say.
I try scanning the building, but it’s too far away.
“Well, we can’t just go knock on the GEMO Control Center building and say we’re raising money for band camp,” Zach says.
I sit back in my seat. There are fewer things stranger than sitting in a parking lot waiting for a murder. The many-windowed GEMO Control building looks as luminous as ever, without even so much as a cloud in the sky to block the sunlight.
"Doesn't make sense to plan a murder for the middle of the day," I say. "Too many witnesses."
“But yet your dad is here,” Zach says.
"I still don't know why he didn't just tell the police," Elliott says.
"At this point, there's not much he can do," I say. "Maddock is convinced he’s the Catalyst anyway.”
"Still no sign of him?" Elliott asks.
I shake my head. "Nothing at all, besides a few GEMO Control employees returning late from their lunch break."
We continue to sit there, the only sound the air vents. Even with the cool air, my hands are getting sweaty. I couldn't miss the Catalyst, I had to stay completely focused on all activity outside. I scanned harder, to the point where I was tracking leaves as they blew across the grassy hillside. Finally, I see it: Dad walking around the front of the building.
“There he is,” I say, and start to unbuckle my seatbelt. Elliott stops me.
"What is it with you guys and running headfirst into danger? He won't make it five steps inside," he says. "They'll have so much security on him.”
“Do you see the Catalyst around?” Zach asks.
I scan again for the Catalyst, but the parking lot remains quiet.
“Maybe he’s inside already,” I say, attempting to squeeze past Elliott, who tries to keep me in my seat.
"This doesn't make sense," Zach says. "None of it does. Why would Jason give your Dad such obvious directions. It's like he wants to be caught."
"He's a psycho, remember?" Elliot says.
"Or," Zach says, "he's ahead of us.”
Suddenly, I realize what’s going on.
“He’s limiting our moves, making us feel like we’re getting closer when we’re really just stepping towards checkmate. It’s a trap!”
I jerk up out of my seat, lunging out of Elliott’s grasp, and push open the front door.
"We've got to stop him!"
Elliott follows behind me. I almost trip on the curb as I scamper in between the geometric topiaries lining the path to the building. Through the lobby windows, I see Dad standing there alone, before Maddock joins him.
I scan the grounds; nobody is around, but there are too many people inside the building to track. Maddock steps over to the window, his back turned towards us. Dad faces us and I wave to him, but he doesn't respond. I see him lurch forward, his right hand turning bright blue. Elliott and I freeze.
"What is—"
A flash of blue light fills the room as a GEMO ray bursts from Dad's hand. When the light fades, Maddock lays on the ground, unmoving. Dad stands above him, his face completely white.
"DAD!" I yell and continue to run towards the building.
By the time I'm there, guards have surrounded Dad. Shelly arrives at the front door and screams at the sight of her father lying on the ground. I try to break through the guards to get to Dad, but they push me back.
"I'm sorry," one of them says, "he has to come with us now."
Dad just stands there, stunned. "I didn't—he was out there!"
Dad points at the window. I scan again, but the Catalyst is nowhere.
Shelly grabs my shirt. “What happened, Rose? You saw it!”
I can’t speak. I think back to my dad blasting Maddock in the lobby. A memory that can’t be true, but is too vivid to be imagined.
“I-I-I don’t know,” I say.
Shelly collapses into Zach’s arms, and he gives me a confused expression.
A guard comes up behind me and grabs my shoulder.
"You need to leave now," he says.
I try to throw his arm off, but he tightens his grip.
"Rose," Elliott says, "just listen to them."
"I won't leave him!" I say.
They won't take him again. They can't.
"It's too late," Elliott says.
In my heart, I know Elliott is right. I could stand and scream and yell all day, but it wouldn't change what happened. The Catalyst was ahead of us, and now it was his turn to call checkmate.
As w
e head out towards the car, Shelly and Zach stay behind us. I receive a text from Zach:
I’m taking Shelly home.
I write back:
I understand.
And am surprised to receive another text from Zach:
By the way, the verdict came in. Not guilty.
I show the phone to Elliott, who just shrugs.
“Well, at least we know a good lawyer,” he says.
***
Mom can barely look me in the eye when I arrive home. Truth is, neither of us is responsible. Dad made sure of that. When she asks me what happened and I relay the incident for what feels like the thousandth time, I become irritated by the fact I know no more about it than before. In fact, I only seem to come up with new questions each time. Something caused Dad to blast Maddock, or at least appear to, but I can’t think of what. Unless a cloaking device exists that can deflect scanners, Eric was nowhere around the lobby. I wonder if Maddock asked Dad to murder him, but quickly reject that idea as ridiculous. I start to go through the situation again when Mom’s cell phone makes me jump.
“Hello, oh dear—what?” From her expression, it’s clear she’s talking to Dad. “Okay, I’m listening.”
Elliott and I gather around her. Each minute, her face gets redder and her grip on the phone tighter. Tears flow down her face and I strain to pick up something, but I can’t. It’s excruciating standing there, waiting to hear what’s causing her eyes to widen in horror. For the first time, I’m envious of Mom’s super hearing ability.
She can barely spit out her last words. “I love you too.”
Then she hangs up the phone, her arm swinging down to her side. She collapses into a chair. I want to ask her what happened, but her shocked face scares me. Eventually, she sits up and gasps for air.
“H-h-he wanted to warn me,” she says.
“Warn you about what?”
“That I’m n-n-next.” As she finishes the sentence, her face freezes.
Now I realize why Dad was so panicked, rushing to ensure the Catalyst’s capture. He hadn’t shown us who was next on the list, but I never expected Mom.
“You were one of the case studies?”
She nods.
Elliott turns to me. “Do you know where your dad stored the data?”
“No, I’m not even sure I can access his computer.”
Catalyst: (Elevated Saga Book #2) Page 12