Mirror of Delusion

By Nik Gehenna

When you look into the mirror, what do you see? Do you see a true reflection of reality? Is the image in the mirror really you, or is it a strangely inverted facsimile? What if it were possible for the image in the mirror to climb out and enter this world of ours? Even more frightening, what if the image in the mirror—the inverted image of you—could drag you into the world of the mirror itself? This happens to Detective Maxwell of the Chicago Police Department. Intrigued or just inverted?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris UK
• Release date: Nov 17, 2018
• ISBN: 9781543493412

Book preview

ONE

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T HE FIRST THING Assistant District Attorney Hernandez felt, was a wiry, but strong arm around her waist, the report had issued a few micro-seconds earlier. A chip of stone from the steps of the Federal Building, she had been ascending, then flew off and cut her cheek. Her slim body felt the impact and she was filled with confusion. The body that had landed on top of her pulled an extremely large looking revolver and fired it away from her. Even so the sound was loud enough to cause an immediate ringing in her ears.

Hernandez glanced in the direction of the shot, in time to see a figure thrown from his feet by the sheer impact of the bullet. When he landed he was certainly no longer able to fire at her again. His shoulder was a growing mass of crimson blood and the way the arm was twisted, it looked like the bullet had probably broken the bone. The slim figure vaulted upright, skipped down the steps and kicked the automatic from the would-be assassin’s hand. The resultant movement of his arm causing him to scream in pain.

Hernandez climbed slowly to her feet, she was unharmed, but her expensive suit was ripped and ruined. Holstering the revolver, the strange looking saviour asked her,

Are you alright, Madam? He had an English accent.

Hernandez could do nothing for the present but nod stupidly. She gazed at the man who might just have very well saved her life, as police cars, sirens blaring suddenly pulled up in front of the building. Several uniformed police spilled out and surrounded the fallen man and the one who had come to her miraculous rescue. The latter pulled out a badge of some sort and the police then concentrated their attention on the wounded man. Hernandez waited while the Englishman gave a brief description of events to the police and then he strode back up the steps and was once more before her.

You are certain that you are not injured in any way? He desired to know in his quiet and cultured voice. It totally belied his appearance. For a start his blonde hair was so long it was in a pony-tail, he was bearded and wore horn-rimmed glasses. His clothing was in the style worn by hippies. He looked more like an art student, than some sort of policeman.

I’m certain, she finally managed to respond with a smile, I think you just might have saved me from being shot, Sir. Possibly fatally. Are you some sort of cop?

The Englishman nodded, Detective sergeant Maxwell, I’m on exchange, I swapped with Detective Conti for a year.

How did you know that man was shooting at me?

You was the only other person on the steps at the time. I saw him draw the gun and well, I just reacted.

Well I’m infinitely grateful that you did, she held out a slim and delicate hand, A.D.A. Hernandez, Anna.

Do you know who was trying to shoot you? He asked as they shook hands.

I never really saw his face in the confusion. The cops will want to interview me in a few moments. What else can I say Detective, but thank you?

Just glad to be of service Miss Hernandez. Well if you’re sure you’re alright, I have a court appearance.

Oh! Right, well if I need to get in touch, you know, regarding this crime, do you have a number?

I’m at West Grand Avenue, he smiled, The switchboard will put you through to my extension.

With that he slipped past her and was gone before they could talk any more.

TWO

O NCE HERNANDEZ HAD been through the interview and then given a chance to look at the man who had shot at her she recognised him as none other than the brother of Victor López. Hernandez had represented the prosecution in López recent trial. The trial had ended with the judge giving the defendant six years in Menard Correctional Centre, located in the town of Chester in Randolph County Illinois.

Fitting rationale for his brother to try and take Hernandez life in an act of unreasonable vengeance it seemed.

Detective Don Walker asked her, when she had identified him,

You okay Miss Hernandez, would you like me to get one of the uniforms to run you home?

Absolutely not, she responded, I’ve got to get back to work. In a future case, I’ll look forward to seeing the D.A. prosecute a second López. You can tell me something though Detective, what’s this English detective like?

Maxwell? Seems like a good cop. Got special permission to carry a revolver, turns out he’s a crack shot and only ever wounds and incapacitates his target. Since he’s been here he’s had a good record of arrests, I’m surprised the two of you haven’t met before today.

His appearance is funky.

Seems he was undercover before he came over to the U.S. Did some great work in narcotics over in that little old country they’ve got. When the lieutenant first saw him, his face was a picture, but he refused to change and it seems his record lets him have certain latitude. What’s the interest? Walker grinned with white even teeth made even more striking against his melanoid heavy complexion.

I just wondered about the man who might very well have saved my life, that’s all. A thank you doesn’t seem enough does it?

What did you have in mind?

You can take that your look off your face, I didn’t mean anything like that. I thought a small gift, to properly show my gratitude is all.

Well funny you should say that because he is still doing up his place.

The department didn’t set anything up for him?

No budget for it. I heard he rented a vacant place in Englewood, needs a lot of work as it was abandoned, seems he can turn his hand to almost anything so he’s renovating it himself.

Englewood! Hernandez shuddered, That’s a pretty shoddy area, what does he want to be out there for?

Walker shrugged, Probably what he could best afford, a cop ain’t on the sort of money an A.D.A. is you know.

Hernandez looked thoughtful and then seemed to arrive at a decision, Without him knowing, could you get me his address?

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Walker grinned again, but all he said that time was, Give me a minute.

Going over to his console he tapped in a few instructions, this took longer than usual as he could only use his two index fingers. Hernandez glanced at her watch, tried to remain patient. She was supposed to be in court by then but reckoned that the D.A. Percy Shortbeam would understand her absence once the cops told him what had happened. Finally the dark features of Walker looked up and he asked,

Wanna write this down?

She nodded, produced a ring-top pad from her handbag and a pen and scribbled down the full address, it was 23 Brownsword Way, Englewood, Chicago, IL 60621.

Thanks Don. Now I really must shoot off, be seeing ya. What she was going to do to show how much her life being saved had meant to her, she had not yet decided.

THREE

M AXWELL HAD ACTUALLY managed to get some of the emulsion onto the ceiling. To look at him thought one would not have suspected that such was the case. Foolishly he had elected to work in black t-shirt and slacks and he was covered in white dots and various splashes on his arms and face. It was not the sort of time that one would think to entertain visitors and so he was greatly disconcerted when there was a knock on the door.

As he told none at all that came to mind, where he had rented the property, he suspected that the caller would be a bible-basher, or from one charity or another. When he opened the door however, standing on the steps leading up to it was just about the last person he expected would be there.

Hernandez looked immaculate, in sharp contrast to his scruffy gear. She was wearing smart casual, but her Gucci hoodie would have cost her a cool $1200. As if that wasn’t enough, the ribbed suede safari brown slacks by Chloé commanded a stunning price tag of $3300. Maxwell didn’t know enough about ladies footwear to do any more calculations, but he bet the A.D.A’s make-up was not by No. 7 either.

If this isn’t a good time, I’ll just turn round and get my butt out of here, she began, But I wanted a talk with you and not in the precinct. Are you annoyed with me for finding out your address?

She afforded him such a lovely smile, he could not be anything other than pleasantly surprised by her appearance. Shaking his head, he asked her,

No that’s fine, I’m just finishing for this evening in actual fact, come on in. You’ll have to take the place as you find it though, I’m in the process of renovating it.

He stood aside and let her past him, receiving a delightful waft of fragrance for his trouble. She gasped and then said rather obtusely,

You’ve painted the entire hallway deep blue.

Yes I know, he smiled, I like blue.

But the ceiling as well.

I like to do things a little differently at times. Brings it down a bit don’t you think.

I almost ducked.

He chuckled, Go down to the bottom and take the right hand door, the kitchen and the kettle is in there. We can have a Horlicks.

He watched the pleasant ride of her buttocks as she did as requested, asking,

Horlicks?

Yes I brought some over with me, I like to drink it in the evening.

I don’t know what it is, she admitted.

Then you’re in for a treat, please sit down.

She took one of the second-hand and non-matching hard chairs that had been slid under an old second-hand table, that also did not match anything else. He was carefully plugging the kettle into a socket that hung from hard-core wiring, that was swinging free of the wall.

Is that safe? She asked.

I ran out of cable clips, but yes totally, I’ve just finished rewiring the place from top to bottom, The junction box will trip if anything goes wrong, but that isn’t going to happen.

I guess you wondered what this talk is, that I’m after, she said over the noise of the kettle.

Well, yes.

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"I wanted to get you something for saving my life, a show of my true appreciation. Rather than get you something I like though and you might think hideous, I’d like you to choose it with me some time. When I heard you were doing this place up I thought, great, something truly useful for your place perhaps".

That’s lovely of you, but I don’t need anything other than your thanks, which I’ve already had.

Alright then, what about a house-warming gift from a new friend, how does that sound?

New friend? He smiled, "That actually sounds as good as a gift. Look, Hernandez if you really want to help, help, instead of spending, that would mean more to me".

What sort of help?

This place needs decorating and I’ve only so much time. I’ve done almost all of the the lounge, the hall and have in here to do. That leaves the two bedrooms and the bathroom. What do you say to two rooms each.

She thought about it while he stirred the drinks, I truly want to help, but here’s the thing, she began, I work sometimes long hours and don’t get a great deal of time off. So if you’re impatient then I’m not your girl. If I can work in the decorating when I have the time though, then I’ll do it, because it means more than a gift doesn’t it?

He nodded very pleased, saying, Here new friend - try this.

Cautiously she sipped it and the smile lit up her entire features, he realised then how very good looking she was,

That’s delicious, she declared. Now then, do I get to pick which rooms I do?

Of course you can do the bathroom and main bedroom, he smiled.

How did you know, how did you do that?

I’m a member of Her Majesty’s Constabulary, he laughed. Now I think it’s time to get you out of those posh clothes".

Excuse me?

He laughed again, You said you wanted to help and there’s no time like the present, you can help me finish the lounge and then I’ll make you some supper.

Well I wasn’t expecting to do anything right away, as you rightly surmise, I can hardly paint in these.

I’ve some other stuff that’s suitable, it’ll be a bit baggy, but it’s okay to get paint on them, you can change in the bedroom you’re planning to decorate for me.

Alright then, but this is a bit bigger favour than I was actually envisaging.

Worth your life, Counsellor?

You make a powerful argument, Detective, perhaps you should have gone into law yourself.

Come on, daylight’s running out and you can’t paint by electric light. Let’s get going.

She helped him finish the lounge, once again royal blue, he seemed to be enamoured of the hue, explaining to her that he was an Everton fan, a team in England who played proper football (as he put it). By the time they were done, it was getting dark and she could barely feel her arms, she was not used to manual work.

I’ll go and make you some supper while you get washed and changed, back into your own clothes, he promised.

By the time she descended the bare steps once more onto the ground floor, there was a delightful smell coming from the kitchen.

Home-made soup and freshly baked bread, he informed, Sit.

You make your own soup and bake your own bread?

When I’ve time, today was a rest day.

The first spoonful in her mouth caused her to exclaim in delight, This is delicious Detective, you’ll make someone a great wife ha ha ha. Or have you got a little lady back in England already"?

He shook his head and it caused her to pursue, Girlfriend?

I’m single Counsellor, what about you, I expect you’ve broken a few hearts in your time?

What makes you say that?

You’re bright and attractive and one mean painter and decorator.

She laughed, he was funny, Well thank you for the compliments, especially the latter, but I’m not seeing anyone at the moment. The job, the hours, the difficulty in finding someone who’s right for me. I’d sooner be on my own, than settle for someone who I’m not devoted to.

That’s a great answer, Counsellor and I find myself attune to your sentiment.

They ate for a while in silence and then he told her, I have some home-made cake for dessert.

She had always loved cake.

If it’s as accomplished as the rest of the meal then I am truly impressed, she admitted.

By the time she had eaten it and found it delicious however, she could feel her eyes drooping she was so fatigued.

Counsellor, I’m not happy about you driving in your tired state, let me drive you home?

What about my car?

I meant in your car, I can get a taxi home.

That’s sweet of you, but I don’t want to put you to any trouble.

Nonsense, anyway if you’re trouble it’s my own fault for saving your life right? I’m sort of responsible for you now, Counsellor.

I’m a big girl, Detective, I can look after myself, she bristled for a merest of instances.

But you’re whacked and I don’t think you should be behind the wheel this evening. I sort of insist, otherwise I might have to arrest you.

She smiled then, realising he had her best interest at heart, Alright Detective you win, but I pay the cab, or it’s no deal.

Keys please, he nodded, holding out his hand.

FOUR

A SSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY Hernandez reached for a pencil to make an annotation on one of the documents she was reading and winced in pain.

Unknown to her D.A. Shortbeam had been so0ufully gazing at her and immediately asked,

Are you in pain Anna, I saw you wince then? When that cop threw you to the steps did you hurt your shoulder?

No, she smiled, It’s just aching a bit I was doing some painting last night and my arm’s a bit stiff as a result.

Painting? Shortbeam was curious. I thought you’d just had your place done out top to bottom last fall.

I did, the girl confirmed, I wasn’t at my place.

Oh! A friend’s then, anyone I know.

Hernandez became aware that Shortbeam was getting inquisitive once more. She had always preferred to keep her private life exactly that – private. So she merely shook her head. Causing him to notice how the delicate shades of black through dark brown cascaded on her slim shoulders in the light. He was interested in her in more than a professional capacity. Even if she had found him attractive however, which she did not, she would never have dreamed of becoming involved with her boss.

I need some more detail on case #CPD68242, she decided then, I’m going over to the 25th District to see if I can get anyone’s help. I should be back by lunch, do you want anything fetching?

I’ll be in court by then, but thanks. Maybe when we have a mutual space we could grab some lunch together?

Sure, I have no objection to a working lunch, she deflected him, There are plenty of cases we could use the time to discuss. Right then, catch you later.

She picked up the file and her handbag and walked out, only too aware that his eyes followed her legs, as she did so.

A short while later she entered the Grand Central Chicago Police Department and the first face she recognised belonged to Walker’s.

Hey, Don know you worked on the Xisner case didn’t you, I want a bit more digging doing. Who’re you teamed up with now your partner went to the U.K.?

Walker gave her a wide grin, None other than our boy, just been told earlier this morning, we’re to give it a couple-a weeks and see how we get on. He’s just in records, should be down any second, tell me what you want. Pretty high profile stuff for you ain’t it, Xisner’s got some pretty nasty friends you know?

I know, I think that’s the reason Shortbeam gave the case to me. Anyway I’ve got it now so I need your help with one of the witnesses.

Oh! Which one, Anna?

She was just filling Walker in on the details when a slim, studious looking figure with long hair, beard and tortoiseshell spectacles approached, his arms full of fat files.

A.D.A. Hernandez afforded Detective Sergeant Maxwell a broad and friendly smile, but finished her sentence to the Negro before asking,

When do you guys have lunch, or don’t you?

When we get the chance, Walker grinned, You wanting to take me out to lunch, Anna?

Maybe some other time, Hernandez replied smoothly, I promised Maxwell here a Cuban sandwich at Cafecto’s and if you don’t mind, I’ll take him off your hands for a while right now.

Walker tried not to register his disappointment and returned, Cuban eh, alright, well go and enjoy then.

As the duo left him, the Englishman asked, So what’s so special about this sandwich then Counsellor.

The ingredients I guess; rear rump of pork, mustard, pickles, sliced boiled ham, Swiss cheese slices, fresh Cuban bread, butter and a whole lot of seasoning in just the right quantities, are you game"?

Certainly, as long as I see to the bill.

I get the tab, Detective, I earn a great deal more than you and anyway it was my suggestion, I want to discuss some decorating arrangements with you while we eat, alright?

We’ll see.

Later he had to admit, Yes this is one tasty sandwich. So what do you want to discuss with me about the decorating. You’re not backing out are you?

No, Detective, I won’t back out. Before I go shopping for supplies though I want to know if you’re giving me a totally free hand with the colour scheme. I mean I don’t want to do a reasonable job only for you to hate my choices. After all, I’m a girl.

Yes Counsellor, He smiled, I have noticed that you’re a girl.

Well you’re a man.

That’s also true, I can’t argue with your logic.

She chuckled at his irony but pressed on, Well colours women like aren’t always the same as those men choose. Take that colour you’ve painted the hall and the lounge.

You don’t like it?

It’s a bit dark for an interior.

He asked, So what did you have in mind for the bathroom then?

For a bathroom, I know you’re going to think hospital here, but I don’t think you can beat white.

I agree, so that’s settled, do the bathroom white.

Wow, that was easy. So the bedroom, the master-bedroom. It’s going to be where you sleep right?

What did you have in mind then, he nodded. Pastel shades are fine.

After looking at an empty room last night, I’m thinking pink, with red bedding and curtains, although you’ll have to get a bed of course. Where are you sleeping by the way?

On that old brown leather couch in the lounge, it’s very comfy, but I will be getting a bed eventually. Go with pink, as long as it’s very pale and I’ll have red bedding and curtains too.

Surely?

Really.

What about the carpet?

No need you can paint the floorboards black. Let me know haw much the materials will cost and I’ll see you right.

A black floor will look pretty good thinking about it but some of the floorboards are damaged when heating was put in and you did the electrics, am I to replace them because I’m not much use at carpentry?

Just paint them, the floor can look stressed. I want to keep the budget as low as possible in case I’m only over here for a year.

Please let me pay for the materials as part of my gift to you?

I don’t think so, Counsellor, just how far does this debt extend? I was, after all, just doing my job.

Please, Detective".

Her look was so pleading that his resolve buckled almost at once, he observed,

Very well and thank you very much, but once you’ve done that, then we are straight, you no longer owe me a thing, is that a deal?

Surely, I can accept that proposal, Detective.

She held out her slim hand and he took it and shook with her. At that instant, looking into her lovely brown eyes, so filled with sincerity, he felt a sudden pull of attraction and fought to keep it in check. She was a beauty and he was of nothing more than average looks and the chances of them becoming romantically engaged was very unlikely indeed.

Seemingly unaware of the effect that she had just had upon him, she enthused, Right, come the weekend, I’m going shopping for supplies.

The weekend! He gasped, It’s only Tuesday. What’s wrong with going shopping from work and starting on the bathroom this evening. I’ll make you some dinner.

I’m a bit tired and my arm aches from yesterday, she complained.

Exercise will stop it from seizing up. I want the place done a.s.a.p. Then I can start to build my rig and go around the flea markets for more furniture.

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Rig?

Audio system, I’m missing my music.

Which do you want first, the bedroom or the bathroom?

The bathroom will be easier, if it’s all white you won’t have to watch your joins. Then if you have some emulsion left over you can do the bedroom ceiling with it.

I was going to suggest doing the ceiling in Brushed Satin Nickel?

What sort of paint is that?

Tin tiles, not paint.

That sound brilliant, but expensive.

No, she lied, My uncle has a plant, I can get them cost, please don’t worry, they’ll be cheap, but I’ll need you to make a substructure to nail them to.

It sounds intriguing so let’s do it. So, Counsellor, I’ll see you this evening and hungry, deal.

I’m always open to deals, she smiled with a certain amount of irony.

Several hours later however, she was not smiling. Rather she was exhausted, covered in white emulsion and her hair and make-up were awry.

Good news, he had popped his head into the room, Come and get dinner, say you’re making great progress Counsellor.

And once I’ve eaten I’m doing no more this evening, she told him, I’m bushed and I’ve a deposition to prepare before morning.

Come on then something warm inside you will cheer you up.

I don’t know how you do this, she confessed some minutes later, You’ve been working in here and managed to make this delicious dinner both at the same time. When it’s my turn to cook we’re having take-out.

She fell silent then realising she had said something which caused them both to reflect, covering the silence lest it stretch to embarrassing proportions, she asked,

So do you have any siblings back in England, Detective?

He nodded, Two brothers, one elder, one younger, what about you?

She shook her head, There was just me, I had a sister but she died when I was little, I can’t remember her at all. What are your brothers called, in fact, I don’t even know your first name do I?

The elder brother is called Grant, the younger Lee, our father is something of a history buff as those names would indicate.

"So what’s your first name, Robert or Ulysses"?

He laughed, I never use it, don’t like it.

So am I supposed to call you Detective for ever?

The way you say it I like it. Just as when I say Counsellor instead of Anna, it has a personal meaning to me, maybe to you.

She looked thoughtfully at that revelation, but said nothing, until asking,

What does your older brother do then?

Something demonic in the city, he makes money somehow, I don’t profess to understand, but suspect he’s in league with Lucifer himself.

The dinner, did you really make it from scratch when we were decorating?

"Well, I did a bit of sneaky Yorkshire cooking but yes, from the base ingredients.

Ah, you’re from York-shire (she pronounced it like the Hobbits did in Lord of the Rings), I don’t expect you see the Queen overmuch then?

Dear old Liz, he lied, I don’t get to have tea with her as often as I’d like, the Palace is a bit of a trek.

"Dear Old Liz, she chuckled, And how can the Palace be a trek in that tiny country of yours. I think you’re teasing me, Detective".

Verily maid thou thinkest that I do not speak thee true, I am wounded by thy incredulity

Why are you speaking like Shakespeare now? She asked, smiling.

Why verily Shake and I are of one mind when both we do dine on sumptuous fare and fine wine.

You cannot know Shakespeare and why do you shorten his name?

Methinks the lady doth protest too much. To people as he reckons he is Shake and me, he reckons. Now I’m going to inspect your work while you help yourself to cake.

I’m not sure I should have cake again.

Ma-am I will fill you with cake until you cannot eat another crumb, saying that he strode out of the room in an affected flounce while she continued to find the entire performance eccentrically British.

When he returned he admitted, For someone tired and with little experience you’ve done a totally acceptable job, Counsellor.

Acceptable.

As my Aunt Margaret used to say, Always leave room for improvement. I once contradicted her and never again".

Why what did she do?

She wrote a scathing poem about me, it wounded me greatly.

Is that all, just a poem?

Hey, you never read it.

You seem to be more English this evening, Detective, Hernandez observed with a grin.

"More English? How can one be more English, Counsellor"?

More idiosyncratic, sort of kooky, like the English are.

That’s just a perception by you loud and demonstrative Yanks, he rejoindered.

Not all of us are loud and demonstrative, she noted, But I take your point on that one, many are. Right it’s time I was on my way, I suppose I will have to be here again tomorrow?

Please, Counsellor, but you can’t drive back to your place covered in paint like that.

I’m going to, she announced firmly, When I get in I’m going to have a good long soak in the tub, then I’ve the deposition to do before I can get some sleep.

She picked up her keys and headed for the hallway, then hesitated almost imperceptibly, was he supposed to shake her hand, make a kissing noise next to her cheek, or kiss her? He hesitated and she waved and was gone, the moment and opportunity missed.

FIVE

N O, MOTHER IT’S great to hear your voice, it’s just that I’m looking at a very busy day, Hernandez explained.

Alright if you don’t have time to speak to your dear old Mom I understand. They had been through this routine more than once in the recent past. It caused the daughter to suddenly take a seat in her favourite chair and admit,

You’re right Mom, I can talk for ten minutes, it won’t kill me.

The talk consisted of mainly listening on Hernandez’ part but at the end of it came the usual enquiry,

So Anna, have you met any nice professional boys over there in Chicago, is there any possibility of a grandson coming my way in the next year or so?

For once Hernandez could not give her the stock reply. She was forced to admit honestly,

I’ve met a cop from England recently and I’m helping him decorate his house before he furnishes it. Our friendship is not a conventional one though Mom.

Not conventional you say, is he gay then?

Hernandez smiled at that and replied, I don’t think so, it’s just early in our friendship Mom and I’m not sure that the spark is going to ignite, it’s a slow burner. It might not amount to anything actually, I’m not fully certain how I feel about him, and I’m not sure how he feels about me. He’s a bit different from the usual men I meet, but mainly in a good way.

Then what’s the problem doesn’t he know my little girl is beautiful and very bright?

I think he does, he pays me compliments, but he might just be acting polite. It just might be that we are divided by a single language. He corrects me when I don’t use adverbs.

He sounds like he may be a drag, Hernandez mother observed, Dump him Anna, like so many others.

But that’s just it, Mom. The thought of not seeing him any more would make me sad. I enjoy his company.

Then take him to bed and be sure to use protection. If he’s a stud, change anything about him that you don’t like. You’ll never meet a perfect man Anna.

Mother! Hernandez did not need to feign shock. I think I’d better go, or I’m going to be late, speak to you next week.

The two of them made kissing noises down the phone and snatching up her keys, Hernandez vaulted for the door. It was the morning of #CPD68242 State of Chicago versus Xisner and the work Maxwell and Walker had done on some of the witnesses were going to ensure that Shortbeam secured a conviction and the crime lord would be locked away for a considerable period. Anna was second chair, which was important as she knew as much about the case as the D.A.

Once she got into the court however she had a disquieting feeling from the commencement of the trial. Every time she glanced at Xisner, he was already glaring at her, his eyes boring into her in what she could only imagine was a malign way. The evidence thanks to maxwell and Walker was overwhelming, but strangely the counsel for defence put Xisner himself on the stand.

It seemed the defendant wished to make some sort of statement,

You want to explain the reason the crimes, for which, you are accused, took place, Mister Xisner?

His counsel prompted him.

I do, though there will not be many in the court as will understand, Xisner pointed out.

Tell us anyway?

"It began when I visited the Rangoli Classic, in the 2421 West North Avenue. I was