Category : Stories

Sub Category : Romance

The old man died.  The idea that my attack on the man had caused the death weighed heaviest on my heart.  Did I have to hit him so hard?

The police station was very cold, the blanket they had given me was not helping the matter.

The place was busy.  Officers and civilians buzzing about the place like a beehive.  It felt like I was sitting in the eye of the hurricane; The weather  swirling around me. I think I might be sick.

“Good news.  Between your statement and the rest of the witnesses, we have a complete picture of everything that happened.  There’s no reason to keep you here any longer.’

I look up at the officer who had just returned to his desk.  The man was tall and very fit. His uniform and demeanor demanded respect, yet somehow he seemed happy to let me go.

”I, I killed a man.“  I stutter.

The officer sits down.  ”I see. Okay so let’s look at the situation.  Did you set out this morning to kill him?“

”No“ I shake my head.

”When he attacked your girlfriend did you want to kill him?“

”Well, no, not really.  I think I just wanted to stop him.“

”Now that he is dead, are you glad that he is?“

”Absolutely not.  I feel horrible.“

”This is why you are not dealing with charges.  There was clearly no intent and injuries sustained during the commission of a crime are certainly not the fault of the person coming to the defence of another.  The facts are, had you not acted when you did he would have had a defenceless woman to attack. She fell unconscious when she hit the floor.“

”But a man is dead.“

”And thanks to you that is the only death in the situation.  You did the right thing, if you feel like you need to speak to someone we can help you find a grief counselor.“

”I will think about it.“

”Did you need a lift home?“

”Home? Oh wow I didn’t even realize I was not at the cafe.  Do you think I could actually get a lift to the hospital where they took Eve?“

”I would be happy to, except, we just got word that she refused medical help as soon as she woke up and discharged herself.  She has already gone home.“

”Oh, that seems strange.“

”That was my thought to, but there is nothing illegal about it.  I suggest that you try calling her.“

”Okay, is this the station at citadel hill?“

”Yep.“

”Then, I appreciate the offer but I think the fresh air will do me some good.“

”Then let me show you out.“

The officer showed me to the street and I began to walk.  In no particular hurry I wandered in the direction of the commons.  The conversation I had with that man a few days before kept replaying in my head.  

Looking back you could say yes the signs were there.  This man might have a grudge that would cause harm. In the moment though, could I say that I thought he might hurt her? No most likely not.  He could have easily just been confused in advanced age, or as a result of his condition; besides, is it really possible that she took so much of his life from him?

More questions than answers it would seem.  A salty breeze reminds me of my beautiful city and I look around.  Surrounded by friendly folks that have no idea I was a killer. That was one of the wonderful parts of my home.  Everyone was so willing to take you at face value and be as friendly as they could bear a stranger. All you have to do in exchange is smile.

At the end of the day I wonder if I am worthy of them and their kindness.  Somewhere among them was someone hurt by the taking of his life. They may never know who was responsible since the police went be charging me.  I wonder if they will find peace without justice, or if in their grief they will see that I never intended to kill him. I’ll have to live with this for the rest of my life while he gets to rest in peace.  Is there justice in that?

The feeling of grass beneath my feet brings me back once more.  The commons. Such a pretty park in the middle of the city. It’s well kept grass, the new oval and those ball diamonds as old as the park itself.  A great place for a walk. People bring their children here to play in the safety of the park while they watch from a distance. I wonder to myself if I should leave.  They probably would think differently if they knew a killer was here.

A few blocks pass and I approach my self appointed jail house.  Society may not deem me worthy of punishment but I am undecided.  I approach the steps and find a woman standing in my way. I look at her confused to see a stranger on my porch.

”My sister never wants to see you again.“

”Your sister?“

”Eve!  Your the reason she was attacked, we will never let her be hurt by you again hunter.“

”I think you are mistaking me for someone else, My name is Justin, not Hunter.“

”Lying scum!  You arranged that hit on her!“

”If that was true then why did I kill him?  Answer that!“

”Wait, what?“