Confrontation

or

Obsessions of a Nutty Inspector

I had got him this time. He could never escape me now. My thoughts were confident and triumphant a I strode quickly down the Rue Madeleine. For all my excitement I should have been running, but I do not display emotion, even when there is no one present to witness it. The law never sleeps. I am the law, and the law does not posses human weakness.

Finally I spotted his house down the street, a light shining in one of the upper windows. Even I could not quell the leap my heart gave at the thought of finally catching up to prisoner 24601.

After what seemed like an eternity I reached his front walk, the gate wide open. I walked up to his door with a spring in my step and a gleam in my eye.

As I neared the door, I reached my hand into the inner pocket of my coat to make sure it was still there. The reassuring touch of cold metal met my fingers and I smiled. It would end tonight.

Furiously I banged upon the door. "I know you're in there, Valjean. Open up!"

When no answer came, my excitement overcame me and I broke down the door with my shoulder.

Looking about I saw the house was dark though I could see that it was in utter disarray. Drawers were open, papers were scattered everywhere. Furniture was knocked over. Trying to make a quick getaway, I'd warrant. Had he eluded me again?

"Valjean! I know you're here! Come out, Dammit!"

A sudden light and rustling from the stairway caught my attention and, remembering his superhuman strength, I silently cursed myself for neglecting to bring some constables with me, in case he should resist.

I turned toward the stairs to see Valjean standing there, fully dressed.

"I've got you now, 24601"

"Javert? What on Earth-"

"Not a word! There is no place for you to hide. I have you cornered. Now we come to it at last!" The insane gleam in my eyes doubled as I reached into my breastpocket and pulled out the cold metal piece.

His eyes widened, "No-" He breathed.

"Yes!" I said wickedly, "I believe you dropped this," my mouth widened into a malicious grin.

"My pocket watch! Javert, where ever did you find it?"

"You dropped it at the court trial. I've been trying to find you for days." I said with an edge to my voice.

"Thank you! I've been looking for it everywhere. I had almost given up hope of ever finding it!"

"Here you are." I placed the silver watch into his outstretched hand.

"Good evening, Valjean." And I walked back down the Rue Madeleine with a satisfied smile on my face. I had finally gotten prisoner 24601.