The Simple Truth

It was no coincidence, it was intentional, was McKe

When I got wind of Michael Fiskes murder, I jumped on it only because it was at the Court. When I discovered Rufus was co

Absurd speculation, you mean, Jordan Knight countered. From your own words, its obvious you have some deranged vendetta against me. I find it outrageous that youve come into my home making all these accusations, particularly after Ive had a man try to murder me, forcing me to kill him. And other than Detective Chandler, who has to investigate this act of obvious self-defense, I want the rest of you to get the hell out of my home.

McKe

Get the hell out of here. Now!

Im going to read you your rights now.

Ill have you in the FBI equivalent of Siberia by dawn. You have no proof of anything.

Actually, Im basing my arrest on your own words. While everyone watched, McKe

Jordan was furious. That is completely illegal. Theres not a judge in this city who would have given you a warrant for that. Im not going to prison, you are.

We didnt need a warrant. We had consent.

Bullshit! Jordan roared. He looked like he was about to attack the agent. I demand you give me those tapes immediately. Youre an imbecile if you think anyone will believe that I gave such consent.

You didnt, Jordan. I did.

The blood drained from Jordans face as his wife stepped into the room. She didnt even look at Perkinss body. Her gaze remained fixed on her husband.

You?

I live here too, Jordan. I gave that consent.

In Gods name, why?

Elizabeth held his gaze for a moment, then touched the sleeve of Rufus Harms. This man is why, Jordan. This man is the only reason strong enough to make me do what I did.

For him? Hes a child killer.

Its no good, Jordan. I know the truth. And damn you for what youve done.

What Ive done? All Ive ever done is serve my country. He stabbed a finger at Rufus. This man never did shit for anything or anybody. The bastard deserved to die.

Moving faster than his bulk would seem to have allowed, Rufus reached Jordan, his big hands encircling the senators neck as he slammed him up against the wall.

Damn you! Rufus screamed. His grip tightened and Jordan started turning red. McKe

Jordan, Elizabeth screamed.

Rufus, stop, Sara yelled. Jordan was nearly unconscious. Fiske stepped forward. Rufus, Rufus? Fiske took a quick breath and then just said it. Josh didnt make it. Rufus instantly loosened his grip on Jordans throat and stared at Fiske. Hes dead, Rufus. We both lost our brothers. Fiske was visibly trembling and Sara put a hand on his shoulder. If you kill him, youll go back to prison and Josh will have died for nothing. Rufus relaxed his grip even more as tears wound down his face. You cant do it, Rufus. Fiske took another unsteady step forward. You just cant.

As the two bereaved men looked at one another, Rufus simply let go, and a gasping Jordan Knight slumped to the carpet. *����*����* Jordan did not look at his wife as he was led away in handcuffs by McKe

So how much did you know about the truth, Buford? Fiske asked.

Some of it. McKe

Why? Sara asked.

You two were getting close to the truth. That meant you both were in danger. McKe

I dont think it accomplished the last part, Sara said with a shiver.

Well, he didnt count on you losing his surveillance team either. Once McKe

So Justice Knights quick thinking probably saved my life, Sara commented. Chandler nodded in agreement. When everything went down, McKe

I want to see my brother.

Chandler nodded. I can arrange that.

Ill go with you, Rufus, Fiske said. As they walked to the door, Elizabeth Knight met them in the hallway.

Justice Knight, you did a very brave thing tonight. I know how painful it was for you, Chandler said. Elizabeth reached out her hand to Rufus Harms. It cant possibly be worth anything to you after all you have suffered, Mr. Harms, but I am so sorry for everything. So very, very sorry.

He took her hand gently. Its worth a lot, maam. To me and my brother.

As they headed out the door, Elizabeth Knight looked at them all and said with finality, Good-bye.

The group headed to the elevator. When the three men stepped on the elevator car, Sara hesitated. Ill catch up with you later, she said. As the elevator doors closed, she raced back to the apartment. Mary opened the door.

Wheres Justice Knight?

She went into the bedroom. Why

Sara flew past her and burst into the bedroom. Sitting on the bed, Elizabeth Knight looked up at her former clerk. The justices hand was clenched in a fist; a prescription bottle lay empty next to her. Sara walked slowly over to her, sat down and took her hand. She opened it and the pills spilled out. Elizabeth, thats not the way to deal with this.