“Yes, I’ll allow you to ask your questions.” Sticking his left index finger right under my nose the intensity in his voice rose while his volume remained the same, it was an impressive trick. “But I will not threaten him for you. You’ll have to deal with whatever new target you get all on your.”
He was getting dangerously close to the truth behind my real reason for working for Dempsey, and that was enough to send a shiver down my spine. After a couple of slow breaths I managed to make a reply, “Which is why I also have some questions I would like to ask you.” Why did I let my mouth run wild?
This time I saw the reaction that I had expected to see earlier. His eyes narrowed and once again he began taking stock of me as if he was hoping to find something wrong. I was beginning to wonder if this man was capable of doing anything else but measure people against his standards. That certainly wouldn’t leave him much time for anything else. As if sensing my thoughts he quickly put away those mental scales, folded his arms across his chest, and asked the logical question. “And just what kind of questions do you have for me?”
Before I could lose my nerve I quickly asked the two questions that I wanted… no that wasn’t strong enough, the questions I Needed to ask. “Well for starters, how did you stop the bullet? Not to mention how have you managed to hold me like a statue?”
His smile slowly spread across his face and a chuckle began to emanate from those separated lips. The effect was absolutely terrifying, which was what he intended I guess. But it lost some of its effect when he waved aside my questions and his smile became more genuine. “Whoa, whoa, just hold on for a second my little would-be-assassin. You’re getting way too far ahead of yourself.”
“What?” My eyes went wide and my words were thickly colored with exasperation. “What do you mean I’m getting ahead of myself?”
Ignoring my question, Alexis bent over, picked up the pen from the floor, and gave it a once over before muttering something unintelligible. He placed the would-be-weapon on top of the nearest table, brought his gaze back to me, and without emotion, explained my situation to me once again. “As I told you, your crimes are still pending boy. Just because Dempsey forced you into a bad situation doesn’t mean you get a free pass on attempted murder.
“Now I know I would have a hard time proving your guilt in a court of law, after all there isn’t even a murder weapon laying around.” He waved his hand over the pen as he finished the thought. “At least not anymore.”
Once again turning around to face me Alexis pressed on, “And that’s where my authority comes into play. After all, we both know the traditional legal system would have… a somewhat difficult time even holding you, much less actually punishing you. But to be frank, attempted murder is not your most egregious crime.”
“And what would that be?” I asked, hoping I was able to keep the fear from my face.
“Your worst crime was your use of forgery to aid in your attempt.” He quietly moved right up to my ear and spoke very clearly, “To us, that is the crime that cries out for your execution.”
Before I had a chance to object Alexis waved his hand slightly and, just like that, my jaw was immobilized, and he continued as if I hadn’t been about to speak. “Now before you can voice what I’m sure will be a very passionate objection. It is within my purview to put aside that judgment if I think you are willing, but more importantly are able, to learn from your mistake.” Alexis paused his somber explanation just long enough to let his words to sink in, he must have had plenty of opportunities to intimidate people like me. “Now you just expressed your willingness to learn from this mistake when you asked for permission to accompany me to face Dempsey. And while that is a very good first step, it is only a first step.” I could tell from his tone that this was not the time to interrupt him, which is probably why he had gagged me.
“I have yet to make a decision concerning your ultimate fate.” And with another pause I got the impression he was unhappy having to repeat himself yet again. “Rather, I have yet to change my initial judgment.”
He would never win an award for tact, but no one could doubt his honesty. “Now let me ask you this boy. Since there is still the chance that I might have to execute you, why would I teach you something that could possibly help you prevent yourself from being held accountable for your crimes?”
And with another wave of his hand I could feel that vice like grip that held my jaw slacken and finally melt away. Instead of rushing to answer his question, I forced myself to take a few moments to collect myself before speaking. “So if you do decide to let me live…”
This time instead of gagging me with a wave of his hand he just spoke over me. “If, and I strongly stress the word if, you manage to impress me to the point where I pardon you, I will let you ask your questions. In fact I may even see to your forging education myself.”
I mentally licked my lips at the thought of such an opportunity, I didn’t want to actually show him how desperate I was. When I got myself back under control I spoke in my meekest voice. “What do I have to do to convince you to let me live?”