The Evil Inside

9. Getting Out Of Dodge

     As Max had promised, it took less than a few days for him and Hugh to complete the paperwork before submitting it to the courts. Prosecutors and even the feds looked over it for a few days before agreeing to it and signing it. As much as they wanted to nail John to the wall and bleed him for every drop of justice they could get, they fully understood that a trail would be costly to the taxpayers. As Max had also pointed out, he could have won the man his freedom and that would have upset the public even more. The idea of spending that kind money just to watch the bastard walk because of a technicality would have caused riots in the streets. This was the right way to go, the safest route for all involved. The deal would send him to a psychiatric facility to monitor his progress as a new man was better than nothing. If the killing stopped, that would make it a price worth paying.

     The judge refused to lift the gag order and emphasized to all parties, especially the Sheriff, that any breach or leak of this deal would meet with sweeping, devastating sanctions. The judge also threatened to resign his bench just so he could lead the prosecution of those who breached it himself. That was a serious threat as the judge used to be a prosecutor, so everyone knew he meant every word of it. Even the Sheriff understood that he was dead serious and had no intention of breaking any of the rules his honour had just leveed upon them all. His honor was also adamant about the fact that if even a whisper of this got to the press and the deal they made, the mob would no doubt call for all of them to resign. So for the protection of the people as well as their own careers, this case would remain under seal and remain that way for a very long time if the judge had his way. Nothing stays a secret forever, but the hope was that no one would find out the truth about the Reaper until almost all parties were involved had passed on.

     Max had no intention of breathing a word of what he had just done, as well as the deal he just negotiated. There was a part of him that was ashamed that he even defended someone who could be so evil, but at the same time, John wasn't that man. The person who committed those horrible crimes was gone and not murdering women anymore. As long as it remained that way, John has a very good chance of making a very valuable contribution to society. It was everyone's hope that his memory never returned as society was safer for it. The feds were determined to make sure John was monitored so it never did happen, making sure their man was watched during his stay at the mental facility they had agreed to.

     John remained at the hospital for a few more weeks as the doctors wanted to make sure he had a few more tests before being released. Max and Hugh arrived early that morning to pick up their client. Both men were wearing clothing that was less formal. Max had blue jeans and a t-shirt while Hugh had kakis and a tie free dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up, which was about as casual as Hugh preferred to be. John was there in the room, sitting in a wheel chair as they walked into the room.

     "What's wrong with your legs?" Hugh asked.

     "Nothing," John answered, "The staff insists this is a tradition, so I don't want to rock the boat. Not after how nice they've all been."

     "That's not a bad idea." Max said as he got behind the wheel chair and grabbed both arms. "You all packed and ready to go?"

     "Just one bag," John replied, "I don't have anything else."

     "I'll grab it." Hugh said as he walked over and picked up the light bag without any trouble.

     "What about anything I was wearing at the accident?" John asked.

     "I'm afraid the courts are keeping it all as evidence." Max replied, "I checked the stuff myself, there was nothing of real value there and since you have no memory it's all just useless junk. Most of it was badly damaged in the accident."