Judge, Jury, & Executioner

Prologue

Of all the things that could've happened. Ben thought as he shifted in his seat. Jury duty was perhaps the most unpleasant things, to most people, anyone would have to endure. Forced to sit and listen to the trial having to decide what happens to the defendant. Unless your not in criminal court in which case things are usually much simpler and depending on how things go, usually less life threatening.

Yet, here he was. Forced to help the other eleven jurors, decide the fate of the young man accused of murdering his father-in-law. Ben couldn't blame him. His father-in-law was almost a millionaire and he wouldn't let Ben touch a cent of it. Even though he'd been faithfully married to their daughter for over fifteen years. At this point, he highly doubted he'd ever find someone better than her.

Still, his father-in-law, Peter they call him even though his real name is Richard, treated Ben like he was going to fail every time he stepped outside. In fact, Ben had grown to envy the poor man sitting on the opposing side of the courtroom. The man's name was Carter Pine. He'd been found by his father-in-law's body, covered in blood. Pine had been so shocked, he couldn't move. The prosecutor, Greyson McNaughton, had made the argument he was frozen with guilt. Ben couldn't see it though. If he killed his Father-in-Law he'd probably go out for drinks afterwards.

He'd probably even brag about to his friends. Confess the second he got arrested and enjoy every minute of knowing the old man got what he deserved. Ben found himself smiling at the thought and he quickly straightened his face and returned his attention to the closing arguments. It wasn't like there was even much to discuss at that this point. Carter's defense wanted you to believe he was innocent, the prosecution believes he's guilty.

The murder weapon didn't have any prints or anything. The only evidence was the fact he was there over the dead body and had no alibi and the murder weapon was found in his trash. There were literally hundreds of ways to tear apart McNaughton's argument. And yet at least eight of the jurors believed the man was guilty. Ben just didn't see how Pine would be remorseful. Considering the old man he supposedly killed was bitter, distrustful, and an overall jerk.

Basically Ben's father-in-law. And Pine looked so normal and he even shed a few tears during the trial. As his wife sat, practically frozen as the Prosecutor recited his conclusions once more. Ben rested his head on his hand and reluctantly listened as the man continued on. Pine's wife was not particularly beautiful, but he could see how she was definitely a catch. Definitely one anyone guy'd be fortunate to have.

The whole room remained silent as the prosecutor finished. Pine's defense attorney had given his final argument first and as far as Ben could tell, he had probably just lost. They excused the jury to deliberate and Ben stood up. It had been such a long few days. Ben followed them through the doors and the officers led them into the room. He walked to the farthest chair, the chair he'd sat in the last few evenings.

As he sat down, he felt something under him. He reached down and pulled out a phone. It wasn't his phone. They were forced to leave their cell phones with the security station in the front of the courthouse. As he stared at the phone, the other jurors sat down. The phone buzzed and a text appeared.

Unknown Number: Ben. I need you to ensure this trial ends now.

Ben gulped and unlocked the phone. It was from an unknown number. He looked around the room and no one had even noticed him. They were all too busy condemning Pine to death.

Unknown Number: Ben, no time to waste.

The phone buzzed again and he jumped. Whoever this was, could see them. But how?

Unknown Number: I don't think you want your wife to die today.

They were threatening his wife! He stared at the phone and then glanced back at the table. Everyone chatting and discussing the case back and forth. Ben reached somewhere down inside himself and texted the man back.

Ben: What do you want me to do?

Unknown Number: Kill the Jurors, or your wife dies.

Ben found himself staring in shock. Kill them! Kill them and expect myself not to get arrested? He looked at the jurors and then back at the phone.

Ben: How?

Unknown Number: There's a gun taped to the table by your chair. Pull it off and use one bullet per person. You only have twelve shots.

The phone shut off and he placed it in his pocket. Carefully, he leaned forward and felt around under the table. He felt the gun and he winced. You have to do it for Jenny. Undoing the tape, Ben pulled the gun out, keeping it below the table and out of sight. Twelve bullets. One of them looked at him. His name was Ian. He had two high school age girls and was getting ready to spend a week with them in Colorado. Only now, Ben was going to killed him. Somehow.

Ian looked at him, and Ben kept his solemn expression to himself. Then he saw Ian stand up out of the corner of his eye. This was it. To save Jenny he was going to have to kill all these people. He took a deep breath and then flung himself up. Raising his gun, he closed his eyes as he pulled the trigger on Ian. And then the next and the next and so on. Each time he made a perfect shot. And each time the screams more horrific than the next.

He pulled the trigger for the eleventh time at the eleventh juror and then he opened his eyes. They were everywhere. Some of them motionless some of them screaming in agony and then he heard the door knob rattling. And he realized in that moment, in saving Jenny, he doomed himself.

He looked down at the gun and remembered the twelfth bullet. It had been their plan from the beginning. Ben placed the gun to his temple and closed his eyes. Pulling the trigger, he whispered Goodbye to Jenny.