Midnight by Anna Dove (books for new readers .TXT) 📕

District of Columbia is now in session, with the Honorable Larry M. Hammond presiding” droned the clerk, an old woman with angular glasses. “The date is October the twelfth, two thousand and thirty three. The case of United States vs Gilman, magistrate number 33-1892, will now be heard. Will counsel please identify themselves for the record.”

Counsel did so amongst a rustling of papers.

“Mr. Gilman, I am Magistrate Larry Hammond,” began the latter in a nasally tone, after Counsel was finished. “This hearing is your initial appearance before the Court. We are here today because you have been charged in a federal criminal complaint. Now, at this hearing I will advise you of your constitutional and legal rights. I will tell you about the charges against you and the penalties that the Court could impose if you are found guilty.” The judge then proceeded to detail the charges, and Mr. Gilman sat quietly. He knew that all eyes rested on him, and he did not care.

“...You have the right under the Constitution of the United States to remain silent. Any statement made by you may be used against you in court, and you have the right not to have your own words used against you. You may consult with your attorney prior to any questioning, and you may have the attorney present during questioning...”

The words coming from the mouth of the Honorable Larry M. Hammond faded into a blur of noises for Mr. Gilman. He heard his heartbeat in his own ears, a slow rhythm. He wondered how many more heartbeats he would have to himself before they were taken from him.

Counsel gave their respective opening arguments, while the papers fluttered and rustled.

“...The defendant will now call forward any witnesses.”

Mr. Stone stood.

“Your honor, the defense moves to dismiss the case, given that the burden of proof has not been met.”

“I understand that you had to do that, but in no way will I consider that request,” said the judge. “Proceed with your witnesses, if there are any, although you have indicated to the court that there are none.”

Mr. Stone then confirmed that there were no witnesses for the defendant. Although Elizabeth had spoken to Mr. Stone in advance and offered to witness to the phone conversation she overheard, Mr. Stone had decided that her testimony would not be credible due to Elizabeth’s intoxicated state at the time of the gala.

The judge nodded, sighed, and asked for the prosecutor’s witnesses. There were five: Snyder Reed, Adela Gilman, and three DOD representatives.

“First, I would like to call forward Mrs. Adela Gilman,” stated the prosecuting attorney, a man by the name of Norman Rashid.

Adela stood and stepped to the witness box, her dress flattering her tall figure. She sat down and looked at the attorney with calm poise, and was sworn in. The truth, the whole truth and (she raised her eyes reverently to heaven) nothing but the truth.

“Mrs. Gilman, for the record, how do you know this man?” (pointing at Mr. Gilman).

“We were married.” Her voice was as calm as her disposition.

“And when he became president, was your marriage a happy one?”

“No.”

“And why was that?”

“He had one focus--power.”

“Did he treat you well?”

“No.”

There were no ‘objections, your Honor, irrelevant’, and so Rashid continued in his line of questioning.

“What do you mean by that?”

“All he cared about was winning. During the re-election, he didn’t eat, he didn’t sleep, all he did was watch the polls. He paid no attention to me. He told me many times that he wanted to rule the country, not represent it, that the Americans were a pathetic people. His statements led me to believe that he was very un-American, and I couldn’t understand why he would want to be president, until I realized that he just wanted the power.”

“Did this make you worried for the American people?”

“Sure, yes it did. But I was in no position to do anything.”

“So you believe that he orchestrated this attack?”

“Yes, I do,” said Adela, without looking at her ex-husband.

“And why is that?”

“He knew that he wasn’t getting anywhere with his agenda--there were too many people in the way. The Senate was against him, and half of the House hated him too. He had no other choice. I also overheard him, in late March, talking to someone about ‘enacting the plan of last resort’ and he mentioned Chimaugua Bunker too.”

“Where were you when you heard this?”

“I was in my bedroom, and he was talking on the phone one room over. I got up and listened because I thought it sounded suspicious.”

“Is Chimaugua Bunker where top personnel are evacuated to in case of nuclear emergency?”

“Yes.”

“And were you both evacuated there?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Gilman,” said Rashid, and Adela returned to her seat with every eye on her.

“Next, I would like to call forward Mr. Reed,” said Rashid, and the former chief of staff took the witness’ seat and was sworn in, adding a heartfelt ‘so help me God’ to humbly broadcast his moral superiority.

“Mr. Reed, you were the president’s chief of staff while he was in office?”

“Yes.”

“And you also believe the president was responsible for the attack?”

“Yes, I know that he was.”

“How so?”

“I found the blueprints for the plan.”

“Where?”

“In the Resolute desk, the Oval Office.”

“Well that sounds pretty preposterous, sir. And obviously there is no video footage to back your claim, since all the electricity has been so conveniently zapped into space. Can you describe this finding of the blueprints, how and when you found them?”

“Of course, your honor,” said Reed, squirming a little. “The president was gone on a visit to China, and I had to get one of the pens that he kept in the desk, to give to a visitor. I opened the desk--this would have