Bill of Human Wrongs

Jonathan was at the news studio. They had a mic attached to his blazer. He was able to see the clock from where he sat, each minute seeming like an eternity. His news buddies were giving the latest about the rebels. But the viewers had also been told that a call was to come in from Eve Hart, the traitor that was responsible for the outbreak of fighting.

Martin Scromski broke into the broadcast, and began the show most people were waiting for.

“Hello and good evening. Tonight is going to be a whopper. If you haven’t heard, Eve Hart is set to call into the studio tonight.” The newsman turned to Jonathan. “I have here with me Jonathan Hart who of course, needs no introduction. Jonathan, how long has it been since you spoke to your wife?”

“Oh, Martin. It seems like weeks ago, but it was actually last Thursday. We had a dinner party that night, but of course, you know what happened after that. Everything was going well. We had company for dinner, but soon after we ate, she just snapped in front of me and my friends. She took the car and drove off never to be seen again.”

“This must be hard for you, I mean for her to be missing and then find out that she’s the one that turned you into the police. The Latino Town police, I might add.”

Jonathan blew a breath of air from his mouth and nodded, “My life has been turned upside down since she left, but you know, Martin? I don’t care. I miss her and our boys miss her. We just want her to come home again so we can be together and heal. I mean, not just us, but this whole situation. I believe that we’re all fighting over a misunderstanding. I mean, the reports and video don’t lie. That dead woman was found on the bus. But, you have to understand, my Eve was friendly with her. And since she’s been under a lot of stress lately, I think that’s why she contrived this ludicrous story.”

“Jonathan, if I could. I am sorry to interrupt, but I’m being told that the call is coming in. It’s being broadcast via a computer line, but we have it coming through speakers so we can all listen in.”

“Jonathan?” He could hear her voice, he wore his best acting face to appear compassionate to the viewers.

“Honey, is that you? Are you ok? Eve, honey, where are you?”

“Where are my boys, Jonathan? You told me they would be with you.”

Jonathan’s earpiece sounded off with a voice telling him that he needed to keep her on longer, that they were close to having her coordinates.

“Jonathan, tell the people the truth, that you saw Conchita in the street and covered up the murder. That you made up the story about Sandy driving her to the bus. Please just tell the truth. Maybe we can stop this war if you try to make amends with the Latino police.”

“Eve, you need help. Tell me where you are so I can come get you and give you the help you need.”

“I’m pregnant. Your partner raped me.”

The shock was startling. Jonathan showed his viewers the sting he was feeling. Martin immediately took over, calling the interview done.

“I’m sorry folks. This interview has gone terribly wrong, and I can’t let my friend do this anymore. Jonathan, if you need to leave, I’m sure that everyone will understand.”

“Yes, I believe I’ll take advantage of your offer. This is all so shocking that she would go to such lengths to hurt me. I love her and just want to help her. Thank you, Martin, for trying to make this work for us.” He lowered his head and left the studio.

In the next room, Jonathan went to the technician. “How’d we do? Did you get what we need?”

They looked up and smiled. “The police are on their way, Sir. We should have her in custody within minutes.”

***

The truck pulled up to the address they’d been given and six uniformed men hopped out, guns in hand. They were a special team used in cases like this. Eve Hart was a wanted woman, a traitor. Slowly, they surrounded the premises. One of the men, the one wearing a mask used the butt of his gun to break through a window and toss a gas canister inside. He went around the side of the building and repeated his efforts.

They waited for her to come out.

After several minutes, the other men were issued gas masks, and they stormed into the house. Frantically, they charged through the entire structure, room by room. When they were satisfied that it was empty, they backed out to the street to watch the fireworks. The firemen had arrived, their task was to burn the house down.

The neighborhood had been abandoned. Ron had sent the message to the Latino police chief, letting him know that he’d be sending these thugs to his home.

When the flames erupted in the house, the men cheered. What they didn’t know is that the Latino police had barricaded off the exit at the border gate. Troops waited on the other side of the access for what would become a bloody battle.

***

Martin was finishing his show when he was given the word that Eve Hart had been killed while fighting off the police. “This is a sad day when a woman strays so from her mind and good life. On behalf of me and the people of this station, our condolences go out to Jonathan Hart and his boys. If you’ve been watching us through this entire broadcast, you know that Mr. Hart was with us, but had to leave. He’s agreed to come back tomorrow during this show so we can learn what we can about this poor woman, Eve Hart and why she lost her way. We’ll have renowned psychologist here, Dr. Brink. I hope that it will be a discussion that will indeed help our dear friend begin his healing process. Until then, thank you all for joining us.”