The Darkness of the Past on Trial (Part 3)
The DARKNESS of the Past
on Trial

Part 3: Inner Confrontations

When it was time to return to the courthouse, Angie grew very nervous again because she remembered Dr. Worth calling her the night of that accident.
Entering the room where the parole hearing took place, Dr. Peter Worth, head physician of Mason City Hospital, and Sheriff Ronald Webster were sitting behind the prisoners, ready to testify about their roles in this terrible situation.
Barbara Williamson and her fellow members of the parole board came in and took their seats at the front of the room. She grabbed the gavel and said, "This parole hearing is now back in session." She then noticed Angie's aunt in the room. "Oh, I didn't know we had an extra person here."
Rita stood up. "I'm sorry. I'm just here to give my niece some emotional support. Is, um, that wrong? If so, then I'll—"
"You don't have to leave, ma'am. It's okay to be here for the emotional support. However, the same rule applies to observers in terms of behavior."
"I understand. Thank you." Rita then returned to her seat in the back.
"Now," Williamson said, "will Sheriff Webster please take the stand?"
The sheriff of Mason City, Ronald Webster, was a 18-year veteran of his job, protecting the citizens of the city and surrounding rural areas. He took his seat and removed his hat.
After being sworn in, the head of the board said, "Now, please tell me what you remember about the night of the terrible accident."
"I remember," he started, "I was out on patrol around the 12th Street area when I got a call from the dispatcher. She explained there was a severe automobile accident with life-threatening injuries. I turned on the lights and started heading for that area immediately. When I got there, five additional units were already on the scene, along with fire department and paramedic units. The fire department put out the flames, but we had to use the jaws of life to get the couple out. Although they were badly burned, we actually thought they could still have a chance, so the paramedics wrapped them in burn gauzes and immediately took them to Mason City Hospital."
"Now, what about the two drivers, Harry Rogers and Bradley Fallon?"
"At the scene, Mr. Rogers was very distraught and upset, but he came up to me and said, 'I'm one of the people who caused this accident. I didn't mean to do it, but I'm partially to blame for what happened.' I asked him to wait in the back of my cruiser when I saw the other man on the ground. Rogers explained to me that the other driver wanted to start a fight with him and not allow him to try to help the couple. When that man finally awakened and saw other deputy sheriffs and myself, he tried to run away. We were able to overpower him and make him fall to the ground. He was placed in handcuffs and taken in a different cruiser to the nearest station. I took Rogers with me, since he was visibly upset at what he had done. Both men were placed in individual holding cells and charged with vehicular assault. If the two victims were to die, though, it would be changed to vehicular homicide."
"When did you find out it was too late for both victims?" Williamson questioned.
"I found out about an hour later when Dr. Worth notified me by telephone that the two victims did not survive, probably after the moment the car had exploded. I then went and told both prisoners what had happened. Rogers was beside himself in grief because he didn't mean to do it, but he sobbed out something like, 'I killed them. I took innocent lives because of my anger.' As for Fallon, he was totally defiant, saying, 'Doesn't matter, it's not my fault! I want to call a lawyer!' I couldn't believe two individuals reacted with enormous contrast over the deaths of two innocent people."
"Then what did you do?"
"I called the county coroner, who got to the hospital in about 20 minutes. It was his job to help identify the bodies. It took him about two hours because all the identification they had was burned to a cinder in the car. He had to go to dental records to identify the bodies. Afterward, he gave me a call and told me who the two victims were."
"And," Williamson said, "who were the two victims?"
"Mr. Robert Jacobs and his wife, Nancy Jacobs."
Hearing those two names caused Angie to break into tears without wailing, but her heart was hurting badly because it was exactly what the sheriff said at the original trial before.
Observing from her special perch on the tree, Marshall the shifter felt the pain in her soul. :The poor Butterfly. This nightmare has haunted her since the dreadful night, but she won't let out that pain and anger. One of the drivers she blindly wants to forgive while the other she wants to throttle because he's not taking this very seriously. Her testimony tomorrow will be very difficult.:
Williamson then asked, "What did you do for Angela Jacobs when she was notified this had happened?"
"Well, I was able to keep a good watch on her, but Ashley Brighton did a much better job, since she knew her best friend was emotionally hurt."
"As for the two drivers themselves?"
"Both Harry Rogers and Bradley Fallon were charged with first-degree vehicular homicide because their road rage led to this horrific accident. The bail at the time was set for $250,000. Neither were able to pay that much money for the bail."
"Very well, Sheriff Webster. You may step down now."
The sheriff took his hat and put it back on his head as he stepped away from the stand. He looked and noticed Angie's very sad face. In silence, he mouthed, "I'm sorry, Angie."
The female magician gave a light smile and nodded at the sheriff, who had been a wonderful friend to her since the time of the accident.
He then took his seat next to the doctor.
Williamson then looked at her file. "Thank you for you testimony, Sheriff Webster. The board now would like to call Dr. Peter Worth. Please take the stand."
The head physician, who had medium-brown hair and hazel eyes, approached the bench with some nerves because he, too, could not get the memories of that fateful night out of his mind.
As soon as he was seated, Williamson then questioned him. "Dr. Worth, at the time of this terrible crash, you were the emergency attending physician at Mason City Hospital, correct?"
"Yes, I was. I received a call from paramedics who were at the scene of the crash, telling me there were two victims severely burned with life-threatening injuries. They took the victims here, covered in burn gauzes, and we hoped we could save them. However, they were announced D.O.A. when the ambulance arrived. We couldn't save them in time."
Marshall was a bit confused. :"D.O.A."? What is that?:
"They were dead on arrival," Dr. Worth noted.
:Why do doctors have to be so dad-blamed technical? All he had to say was, "They died when they got to the hospital." Sheesh! I can't stand all that techno-jargon.:
"Yes," said Williamson, "that was stated in the original trial as well. Now, what did you do afterward?"
"My job was to find any type of ID on them, but when we found the purse and wallet, everything was too far burned for a possible identification of the two victims. I then notified Sheriff Webster and asked for a coroner as fast as possible. The coroner arrived 20 minutes later. I had explained I wasn't able to identify the two victims because there was no concrete information. The coroner then started examining the teeth by taking photos of the victims' dental structures. We then used the nationwide database in our computers to see if we could find a match for the two individuals. It took us a total of over 2 hours because we had to examine all the burn marks as well, find out what the exact cause of death was.
"The bodies were identified by approximately 10:20 p.m. They were in fact the bodies of Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs."
"When did you decide to call Angela Jacobs to tell her about her parents?"
"I called her 15 minutes later, at 10:35. When I gave her the news, she thought I was lying. She abruptly hung up on me while I kept trying to tell her the truth. Needless to say she was very distraught, and I can't blame her for being that way. She showed up at the hospital about an hour later with her best friend at her side. The coroner wanted her to see if the two people were her parents, and sure enough, she sobbed in realization. It was very hard for her to take, but the facts could not be denied. Her parents were killed as a result of road rage."
Fallon's face became angered. He stood up and shouted, "Yeah, well it's not my fault!"
"Sit down, Fallon!" Williamson yelled. "One more outburst and you won't be here for the decision! Do I make myself clear!?"
Fallon sat down and sulked.
The doctor then continued. "We honestly thought there could have been a chance, but we were wrong. This was one of the hardest times I had as the emergency physician. It's still a painful memory."
"I understand, Doctor. You can step down now."
As Worth stepped away and back towards his seat, Fallon looked in Angie's direction. "I know you'll get us out of here, my sweet magician."
Angie did not listen to what he had said or even faced him. She was able to tune him out thanks to a meditative exercise she learned from Ace. She continued looking at Dr. Worth and not Fallon.
He became infuriated. "Did you hear me!?" he whispered angrily. "You're getting us out!"
She continued ignoring him.
Rogers tried to stop him. "You idiot! You're gonna get us both in trouble if you don't stop this. Her celebrity status will not have a part in this, so just live with it!"
Marshall was surprised at Angie's non-reaction to Fallon's comments. :Wow, she's actually being a little stronger against that guy. She's keeping her focus on the hearing and not on him. Very clever, Butterfly, but your time is coming, and you won't be as strong as you think you are.:
Williamson started steaming anger towards Fallon. "Mr. Fallon, I'm getting rather tired of you and your comments."
She then noticed there was enough time for one more person. "The board would now like to call Mrs. Cassandra Rogers to the stand, please."
Mrs. Rogers walked up calmly and took her seat. She looked in Angie's direction and sighed because she knew both she and Angie would deliver the most important testimony of this matter: the emotional impact.
Williamson then looked at the person on the stand. "Mrs. Rogers, how long have you and your husband been married?"
"We've been married for almost 12 years now."
"Tell me what happened to you and your family when you learned the news of what had happened."
"Well, it started at approximately 8 p.m. that night. I had dinner set up for him at home and wondered why he was late. However, I didn't make much of it at first because, like Harry, I knew that night was the deadline for parents to pick up the corsages for proms coming up all over the city. I assumed he was stuck in traffic, so I was okay with it at the moment.
"As 9 p.m. came, though, he still wasn't home yet, and I had put the children to sleep already. Then, I heard my phone ringing. When I answered, it was Harry, telling me he was in jail for vehicular assault. I didn't understand what he was talking about, but he said he was involved in a road-rage incident. I thought about going to see him, but I couldn't leave the children by themselves. He understood as he told me to take care of the children first and then see him at the first opportunity."
Angie started shedding more tears because she knew this was hurting that family. How can I forgive myself if Mr. Rogers goes back to prison? Maybe I shouldn't testify after all. Maybe this will give him a fighting chance to be with his family again.
Marshall was not very pleased with Angie's plan. :What!? Are you crazy? Angie, I know you want to do what you believe to be right, but you're blinding yourself just because Rogers does have his family. And what about that other guy, Fallon? If both get that parole, that means Fallon will have the freedom to do whatever he wants, including getting himself involved in another road-rage case if—I mean, when—opportunity arises. I've got to find a way to knock some sense into her, but how?:
Mrs. Rogers continued with her testimony. "I thought things couldn't get any worse until I saw the breaking news about the two victims dying in the accident. What really shocked me were the names of the two victims: Robert and Nancy Jacobs. I had known Nancy through the volunteer work we would do every month at the blood bank. I was devastated at losing a great friend, but I became further overwhelmed after realizing my husband actually was a factor in their deaths. I realized Harry wouldn't be coming home that soon again.
"With Barry only 3 and Emily just 1 at the time, there was no way I could have told them at their ages."
Williamson nodded. "Okay, Mrs. Rogers, when your husband was sentenced to life in prison, how did you take it?"
"Not so well. I had actually considered giving up Barry and Emily for adoption but then realized I shouldn't. Harry would want me to be strong for myself and the children. He said I could visit him whenever I needed to. Harry has been a model prisoner, never causing trouble or anything, including that riot that broke out four years ago."
Angie did not even know that had happened, since she was in college at the time. Oh, my God. Now I know Mr. Rogers doesn't belong in prison anymore. I just don't know what to do, though.
"Mrs. Rogers," Williamson began once more, "how has this affected your family life?"
"Well…I waited until Barry and Emily were old enough to understand to explain just what did happen to their father. Barry kept asking where Dad was every day, and I just couldn't find the inner strength to tell him the truth. Then, when my son was 8, I figured that would be the time to tell him where his father was. After explaining he was in prison for causing the deaths of two people by road rage, Barry didn't take it very well at all. He felt his father did not deserve to be in prison, and his behavior has been on a downward spiral…out of control. I feel as though I'm losing my son."
Marshall was saddened by Mrs. Rogers' words. :The poor thing. She's trying as hard to be strong, just like Angie, but her situation is different from the magician's. She has tried to be strong, but Barry's misbehavior is causing her to be close to the end of her own rope of sanity. Barry does not understand his father did commit a crime, and that Harry Rogers is willing to pay the price for his actions.:
Mrs. Rogers continued her testimony, although she was on the verge of tears. "Barry has gotten into trouble numbers of times at school, not obeying teachers, starting fights, you name it. I have tried everything to help him, but all he can think about is having his father be home. Unfortunately, I don't know if Harry's coming home will change the behavior patterns or not…if Harry does come home at all."
Barry stood up and shouted, "Mom, he will come home! It's Angie Jacobs' fault for him being there!"
That comment caused Angie to become emotional enough to broadsend an image of the moment she learned of her parents' deaths into the minds of all in the room, including the sheriff, Dr. Worth, Fallon himself, and both Barry and Emily.
:Oh, no!: Marshall thought in alarm. :Angie's emotions are getting out of control. I've got to try to shield the minds of the others fast!: Using her ability to dreamwalk, she tried to calm the souls of all in the room. :Please relax, all of you. What you have seen is a haunting scene from Angie's past, but you must remember she is a magician, capable of doing almost anything now. You must not try to react to what you have seen from her or heard from me. Doing so will only create more confusion for her.:
Everyone in the room (except Angie) heard the mysterious voice and decided to do as it told without any second thoughts.
Williamson then directed her attention at Barry. "Young man, this is not a trial for Angela Jacobs; it is a parole hearing for your father and Brad Fallon. If you will not behave yourself, I will have you removed from this room. Is that understood?"
Harry turned to face his son. "Barry, please. Just do what she says, and don't accuse Angie of putting me in prison. I did that to myself when I went into road rage. Please, just behave yourself."
"But, Dad, you don't belong in prison; she put you there! She should be there!"
"Young man, you stop it, now, or I'll ask Miss Williamson myself to remove you from this. It's your choice."
Barry decided to walk out of the room himself in complete anger. "I don't believe this! You want to stay in prison forever!? Fine, you're not my father!"
Harry frowned at his offspring. "He's got to understand it wasn't Angie's fault."
Angie then became concerned. "Miss Williamson, will Barry be all right out there by himself?"
"Don't worry, Angie. Policemen are out in the hallways. They'll make sure he's okay. He just needs time to cool down and gather his thoughts. Right now, this situation is not allowing him to think clearly."
Angie nodded in agreement, but something bothered her. Hmm, I get the feeling I did something, but I'm not sure what.
Marshall was very surprised. :Amazing…Angie hasn't the slightest idea she had enough emotion to allow everyone to see the most haunting image from her own mind. I'm glad I told everyone in the room not to react, otherwise she would think she's gone crazy or something. Angie's shields are deteriorating rapidly through this mess.:
Back inside, Williamson looked at Mrs. Rogers. "You must have told Emily about this situation as well. How has she taken this?"
"Emily has been saddened by this fact, but she regularly talks to me about it. She knows Angie is not to blame for Harry being in prison. She knows what's been going on in this situation and said she'll never hate Angie if Harry doesn't get the parole."
Angie felt very grateful for little Emily. She reminds me a lot of that ghost I met, Jennifer Starlee. She's been very strong about this situation, just like Jenny was, determined not to give up in finding that lost arm. Emily will become a great person when she grows up. I know it.
Marshall agreed with Angie. :Emily is a very strong little girl for her age, but the way the times are now, it wouldn't surprise me if she's far stronger than Angie right now. Angie's composure is failing rather badly.:
"I've taken my family to see Harry once a month for visitors' day, and we can spend the quality time together. He's still the loving husband I married, and I will always love him, no matter the outcome."
"It is a comfort to know you are trying to be strong, Mrs. Rogers," Williamson concluded. "You can step down now."
After she did so, the head of the board said, "Seeing that it is almost 5 p.m., I motion we stop for today. Only Ashley Brighton and Angela Jacobs remain for testimony, which means we should be able to come to a decision by tomorrow afternoon. This hearing is adjourned until 9:00 tomorrow morning. Thank you for coming. I know Sheriff Webster and Dr. Worth will not return tomorrow, so I expect all of you to be here."
Mrs. Rogers stood up and said, "I will try to keep Barry under control, but it won't be easy."
"If you want, Mrs. Rogers, there's a room where he can watch TV without causing trouble."
"Thank you. I'll take that into consideration."
As soon as Williamson sounded the gavel, everyone left, except the prisoners.
Rogers looked at his fellow prisoner, who had a look of anger on his face. "What's the matter with you? You want to rely solely on Angie's celebrity status to get you out of prison? It's not going to work. In fact, I won't be surprised if our parole gets denied because of your attitude."
Fallon faced Rogers angrily and grabbed his garb. "Listen, softie! I don't care what you think or say; Angie Jacobs is the key to our freedom! I swear, if she doesn't get us out, I'll make her pay!"
The bailiffs had to restrain Fallon again. "That's enough, pal," said one of them. "You're a serious psycho, you know that?"
Rogers was asked to return to his cell for the night, and he obeyed without incident. Fallon was a struggle for the bailiffs.
Marshall quickly took off from her special perch and flew quickly back to Brighton Estates. She still had no hunger yet after the pigeon meal for lunch. She would wait until Angie and the others returned to eat dinner.

On the way back to their home, Mrs. Rogers decided to take a little shortcut.
Barry reacted angrily to the matter. "Where are you going, Mom? I wanna go home!"
"We're going to a place where maybe you'll understand what's going on with your father."
She soon stopped the car at a cemetery and took the children out.
Noticing that Angie was standing at one particular grave site, the mother said, "Let's wait a few minutes. Then, I'll explain everything about this."
Angie placed a bouquet of roses into the cup just above the grave site. "Mom, Dad, I'm trying to be strong, but I'm not doing so well."
Barry noticed and tried to run towards her. "I'll make her pay for putting Dad in prison!"
Mrs. Rogers grabbed him by the arms. "No, Barry, stop! You don't know what you're doing!"
"Let me go, Mom! She's the one who belongs in prison!"
Meanwhile, Angie continued looking at the grave. "I don't know if I can ever forgive myself for any of this. I just hope things work out all right for Mr. Rogers. Well, I have to go back to Ashley's. I'll see you tomorrow."
As soon as Angie was out of sight and back in Ashley's car, Barry reacted in irritation. "Why did you let her get away!? It's her fault!"
"Come here, and I'll show you what this is all about."
She took Barry and Emily up to the grave site where Angie had laid the flowers. "Barry, Emily, this is the reason your father is in prison."
On the burial plate were these words:




Robert Gordon Jacobs Nancy Elizabeth Jacobs
Loving Parents
Loving Couple
Loving Friends
Their lives will not have been lost in vain,
for we shall forever cherish their memories.



Emily sobbed into her mother's arms. "Oh, Mommy," she cried.
"It's all right, honey. I know it hurts you, but it hurts Angie even more." Mrs. Rogers then looked at Barry. "We're lucky. Your father is still alive. He may be in prison, but he's still alive. We can see him in person. For Angie, though, it's a lot tougher. Her parents are dead, and she can never see them again, least not until she joins them in Heaven one day. All she can hold on to are the memories she has of her parents. Didn't you notice that quick flash in your mind and what the voice told us it was? It was the terrifying moment of truth, when Angie found out her parents would never be coming home ever again."
"Yeah, I saw the flash," Barry said, "but she's a magician, too. She could have easily made that up."
"No, Barry. One thing that can't be made up is the realization of losing those you love. Remember what that voice said, it was her most painful memory we saw from her mind. What we have to deal with is nothing compared to Angie's pain. Think about this: How would you react if your father and Fallon were here instead of Angie's parents? How would you feel?"
"I would feel…angry, upset, and sad."
"That's exactly what Angie's going through herself. She's had these feelings for years, and this parole hearing is making her relive that nightmare. Do you understand now?"
"A little," Barry said sadly. "I had no idea it was this hard on her."
"For Angie right now, her celebrity status is the last thing on her mind. Her parents are at the forefront right now. Her emotional testimony could prove the difference in freeing your father or not."
Emily faced her older brother. "Mommy's right. Daddy did do something wrong, but he admitted it. Even though Daddy's in prison, his love is still with us."
"See, Barry? It's the same way for Angie. Her parents are not with her physically, but she holds their love close in her heart. That's one thing that will never die between parents and children, no matter how old the child is."
"Can I…be there tomorrow?"
"Only if you behave yourself, okay? Now, I know change doesn't happen overnight, but I hope this has at least opened your eyes to reality."
"It…has, Mom. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." He then ran to his mother and gave her a hug of pure love.
"I know, Barry. I know. There is one thing, though. If your father does not get the parole, will you still be angry with Angie?"
"Maybe a little, but not to the point of…total hatred."
"It's okay. There's no way you couldn't be angry about your father's imprisonment. Come on, let's go home. We've got probably one more day to deal with this."
The mother and two children returned to their car, all having a better understanding of the entire situation.

Later, at Brighton Estates, Ashley looked outside at the red-tailed hawk who had been around their home all day, or so she thought. She then noticed the mouse coming out of its hole. "Oh, boy, that mouse isn't gonna have a chance against the hawk. That predator should strike any second now."
Marshall laid eyes on the mouse and quickly swooped down. :That pigeon at lunch left me very full still. I think all I'm going to eat is this mouse, and then call it a night for food.: After feeding on the little mouse, she added, :That's it for now. However, I've got to maintain vigilance on Angie, find out what she will go through as she sleeps.:
As for Angie herself, she could barely eat her meal because she already knew she was going to have to testify the next day. She had her doubts, though. I'm not sure what to do. If I do testify, there's the likelihood they won't get the parole. If I don't testify, they'll both get out, but Fallon will have a chance to cause trouble again. If only this one rule didn't apply, this would be so much simpler.
She decided to go to bed early to save her strength for the following day.
Unfortunately, her sleep was anything but comfortable, as in her mind, she saw Brad Fallon, being as defiant as ever.
"Well, baby," said Brad with a smirk on his face, "you're gonna get me out, aren't you?"
Angie looked at him angrily. "If you think I'm going to let you get that parole so easily, you're off your rocker, jerk!"
"You have to get me out, Jacobs! I don't deserve to be in prison!"
Angie became even angrier. "On the contrary, Fallon. You need to stay in prison. In fact, you're now in my prison!" She then went into a spin and shouted, "Magic Force, reveal the power within!" She quickly emerged in her crimefighting costume, but her face was still filled with anger. "Now, Fallon, feel my wrath!"
She first stared at him and surrounded him in a circle of fire, which caused him to become somewhat scared. "Now," she spoke in a near whisper, "let's see you be so cocky when the circle becomes smaller and smaller."
He started sweating in slight fear. "C'mon, you wouldn't do this," he said nervously. "I mean, you're not like this."
"Normally, you're right, but in this case, you've gone entirely too far for my liking, so I'm going to dish out some punishment on you!"
"Please, stop!" he yelled in fear. "I can't stand fire!"
"Really? You sure didn't seem that way when my parents' car exploded!"
Outside, Marshall slept soundly in her hawk form, but her human form was in dreamwalking mode. :I wonder how Angie's doing right now.: She then heard Fallon yell in fear, so she went to check out the situation. To her shocking surprise, she saw Angie purposely trying to harm him. :Oh, Light,: she said with wide eyes of trepidation. :I don't believe what I'm seeing.:
Strangely enough, Angie's parents were also able to observe their daughter's rather destructive actions.
*No…* said a very concerned Robert. *Angie…is making efforts for that man to suffer. Why is she doing this?*
:It is what she wants no one to see,: said someone neither parent had heard before.
Nancy swirled around. *Who—who said that?*
The young girl in her human form walked up. With her lenses reflecting both parents, she introduced herself. :I am Marshall, a friend of Angie's. I am also a dreamwalker.:
Nancy was curious. *I've heard of dreamwalking, but I never thought we would meet someone who could do so. How do you know Angie so well?*
:We met when Ace Cooper went to the East Coast on a spring tour a couple of years ago. I live in Electro City myself, in a place known as the House Sanctuary. I am also called a shifter, able to change from human form to different animal forms. Angie found our existence rather shocking at first, but she's been able to accept it very well. However, since this parole situation developed, I've become very concerned about her soul. I fear the buried pain and anger may not stay subdued for too much longer.:
*Who is that man she's fighting?* the mother asked calmly.
:That creepazoid she is "playing with" is Brad Fallon, one of the gentlemen responsible for your demise. He believes her celebrity status will get him out of prison, but Angie is angered by how lightly he's taking this whole thing. Sometime tomorrow during the hearing, I'm going to, um…say a few things into his head, and believe me, I'm really looking forward to it.: She smiled wickedly at her plan.
*I see. But…why is Angie trying so hard to hurt him?*
:There are over seven years of rage and terror in this version of Angie you have never seen before. In this dream, she is privileged enough to enact her own revenge on him. The law sentencing both him and Cassandra's husband will either free them or return them to prison. Feeling it is not fair to her, Ang is taking out her own pain and misery at the one she knows deserves to stay behind bars.: After a sigh, Marshall added, :She had enough emotion to broadsend today in court; I managed to shield everyone, but her soul is a wretched mess right now.:
*I can see the anger in her eyes,* Robert noted with a sad face. *It's like she's releasing all this aggression at once.*
As for Angie, she still had the fury within herself. "Now, let's see what happens when you can't move!" She created four very sharp metallic playing cards in her right hand and instantly threw them at Fallon's arms and legs, pinning him against the wall.
Fallon's fear was eminent at this point. "Please, I beg you! Have mercy on me!"
"Mercy?" she asked in a low tone of voice. "You killed my parents, and you now plead for mercy!? How dare you even consider that option, especially after you showed absolutely no mercy for helping to cause that accident, you worm!"
Marshall noticed the cards Angie had used. :Ah, the Jack, Queen, King, and Ace…of Hearts. How strangely appropriate.:
Robert and Nancy were very shocked by their daughter's behavior—or, misbehavior.
*This is the anger and pain she's buried away within herself,* Robert stated.
:Yes, but it's only part of the problem. When she hides those feelings, she'll see herself as a failure because of these feelings. She thinks she's completely let go of the guilt, but it's followed that line of thought really well. She's scared to let the self have control, mainly for the fact she can see only the destructive potential. She doesn't know she's killing her soul this way.:
When Angie approached the felon, she put his hands around his throat and started strangling him! "You took my parents…so I'm going to take away your breath!"
Fallon quickly started struggling for air. "I…I can't…breathe!"
Angie's face became more wicked every second. "I want to see your face turn blue! I want you to feel the pain I've carried all these years! I want you to feel what it's like not to be able to take in fresh air, like what Mom and Dad went through in the car, filled with engulfing flames and deadly smoke! I want your head, worm!"
Nancy realized just how right Marshall was in this situation. *Oh, my God,* she said worriedly. *Marshall, what can we do for her?*
:For the moment, I'm afraid there is nothing you can do for her. When this is over, and we return to Electro City, I'm going to try to reason with her concerning the true state of her inner being. Of course, I don't know if she'll accept it or not. The truth of the matter is she fears love because she believes she doesn't deserve to be loved, not after what happened to both of you. She also feels she doesn't feel worthy of being with Ace, especially if he ever saw her…"dark self." I should know, since I went through that kind of period in my own life.:
*Will…will she be all right?*
:Until she can embrace all parts of herself, I'm afraid the answer is no. She is still to testify tomorrow, which could decide the fate of Fallon and Rogers. I will keep a close watch on her. After all, she doesn't know I'm here.:
Robert looked straight at the dreamwalker. *Marshall, please take care of her through this. You've got to make her see the light.*
:I will try, Mr. Jacobs. That's all I can do.:
Angie continued making her squeeze tighter and tighter. "Asphyxiation, a unique concept, isn't it? Well, that's what Mom and Dad went through, and so will you!"
Suddenly, the female magician awakened with a jolt. Breathing heavily, she looked at her two hands. "What? What was I doing? I was strangling someone? No, I couldn't do that…could I?" After thinking it over, she said, "I have to testify. I may not win one way or the other, but for the sake of Mom and Dad, I must take the stand and tell how I've been feeling." She calmed herself back down and went back to sleep.
Outside, the hawk knew immediately. :Yes, Ang, you could do that, but you'll continue to keep suppressing your inner fury until it's too late. You may sleep well for the rest of the night, but when tomorrow comes, we'll see if you can stop yourself from strangling Fallon in reality. Good luck, Butterfly, because you will need it.: