FLEMING

1

"Monsters are real, and so are ghosts:

they live inside us and sometimes they win."

The judge kindly requested the people present in the courtroom to take their seats. Once everyone obeyed, he took the envelope containing the verdict and began to read it aloud: "The State of Oregon versus Hell Fleming, case number 86005. The jury declares the defendant Hell Fleming not guilty of the charge of second-degree murder, a crime committed against Anthony and Elizabeth Fleming..."

Upon hearing the verdict, Hell experienced a sensation of cold and calculated triumph. Instead of feeling relief or gratitude, her heart filled with delight at having outwitted justice and escaping punishment for her crimes. Although her face remained impassive, inside she reveled in the fact that her cunning and manipulation had once again prevailed.

As the judge continued to deliver the case resolution, Hell became immersed in her own thoughts. The magnitude of what had transpired began to settle in her twisted mind.

Despite being exonerated, she couldn't help but feel the intensity of accusatory glances piercing her back. Disapproving murmurs echoed in her ears, judging her character and questioning the justice of the verdict. She knew that, even though it had been pronounced in her favor, those glances wouldn't easily fade away. For Hell, that was something that not only didn't affect her but granted her a peculiar power; she felt perverse satisfaction in noticing the impact she caused on people, the fear and intrigue she stirred. These reactions only served to fuel her twisted ego and strengthen her conviction that she stood above the norms and restrictions society attempted to impose on her.

While leaving the courtroom, she scrutinized the people in her surroundings. Some watched her with disdain, others with fear, and still others with a mixture of disbelief and fascination for the mysterious woman who had been acquitted of such serious charges. Although the verdict had been pronounced, Hell knew that her reputation and past would closely follow her, fueling her aura of danger and mystery.

With firm steps, Hell crossed the threshold of the courtroom, the sunlight receiving her and momentarily blinding her vision. Outside, hundreds of journalists awaited, thirsty for a statement that could satisfy their appetite for sensationalism; their voices blending into a dissonant chorus as they sought answers were a constant reminder of the magnitude of her case and the public interest it had generated. Hell knew that her face would be on every media outlet, and every detail of her appearance, behavior, and words would be scrutinized and judged meticulously.

For Hell, facing the press meant exposing herself to inappropriate and provocative questions that could trigger unpredictable reactions and jeopardize her carefully constructed image. Despite her ability to manipulate others, she was aware that journalists were skilled in the art of persuasion and could find ways to undermine her confidence or reveal details she preferred to keep hidden. She sought refuge in her lawyer, Augustus, who, along with two security guards, made way to the waiting car.

Hell slipped into the backseat, feeling the gentle embrace of the leather against her skin. Fatigue and tension accumulated in her body, mingling with the discomfort she had always felt in the presence of Augustus. She knew that he had successfully defended her, achieving the exoneration of the daughter of the beloved Senator Anthony Fleming, despite overwhelming evidence against her. The triumphant gleam on Augustus's face was understandable.

"How do you feel?" Augustus asked, seeking validation of his success. The triumphant smile on his face expected a response in line with the outcome achieved. But Hell couldn't unleash a single emotion at that moment. Although she felt a pleasurable relief at not being behind bars, she also carried the weight of accusations and the distrust the verdict had sparked. "Undoubtedly relieved," she responded with a faint smile. But when she met Augustus's gaze, noticing the glimmer of disdain in his eyes, she understood that her reaction hadn't convinced him. She supposed that anyone in her situation should be jumping for joy, but something inside her prevented her from doing so.