It's a Wonderful Death - Sarah J. Schmitt Page 0,56
If the Tribunal rules against me, maybe I can work for him. That’ll be payback. The thought almost makes me smile.
Chapter 22
“We are here to discuss the appeal of Rowena Joy Jones,” Azbaugh calls out over the din of the crowd. He says my name as if the words taste of ash, and I shudder under his direct glare.
There’s no question about how he’s voting. Slowly, he turns to look at Sal. Unlike the first time I met him, my representative looks like he’s ready for battle. His wings are extended slightly, giving him a wider stance, and when he addresses the Tribunal, his chin juts out just a little. His confidence rolls over him and I think some of it rubs off on me.
“I am prepared to present the actions Ms. Jones demonstrated during the test assigned to her by the Tribunal. I believe you will see her outcome far exceeds the concerns expressed in this very room when last we gathered.” He gives me a nod to stand and I’m on my feet in an instant.
You know that confidence I had a minute ago? Yeah, well it’s gone. Azbaugh leans forward, peering down over the dais. “You seem rather sure of yourself, my Brother. I guess we might as well adjourn, seeing as how you have already deemed her actions worthy of the complete reversal of history.”
The room is silent and I sneak a look over my shoulder to see if the room has emptied out. It’s still standing room only. Turning back, I see Sal’s wings dip slightly. Oh no. He is not allowed to buckle under the weight of Azbaugh’s scrutiny. I start to reach for the sleeve of his robe to show my support, but Sal surprises me when he raises his head and meets Azbaugh’s jeering eyes. “We are also prepared to present witnesses who will testify on RJ’s behalf.”
“You forget, Brother, it’s not for you to dictate the terms of this Tribunal. We are not a court of public opinion. That is a human concept. We will deal with fact and nothing else. All other information is subjective and thereby irrelevant.” Azbaugh looks at the other Tribunal members and I can tell by the way his chest puffs out that he’s expecting them to support him.
Instead, he meets with challenges.
“Actually,” Shepard says, “I, for one, am interested in what the souls have to say. Their reflections, though not completely objective, can be nothing less than the truth.”
“I will concede this point,” Azbaugh replies slowly. “But they are also champions of the girl. There is no one here to refute her value.”
Sal clears his throat. “I think that is an indication of the changes RJ has made. After all, her actions made it possible for one soul that harbored ill will toward her to repeat his own life-changing moment and as a result, the boy still walks on the mortal plane.” He looks down at me with a cool smile. “By saving him, she has already made a positive impact on the future of the world. The boy may be destined for greatness that would otherwise have gone unfulfilled.”
“Your sentiment is without proof,” Azbaugh scoffs. “It’s merely speculation, which is exactly why I think we should confine ourselves to what we know to be true.”
Marmaroth interjects, “This has never been about truth, Azbaugh. There is no doubt that this girl has been wronged. This Tribunal has been charged with determining if the positive impact of her return outweighs the negative. The history of the world has already been altered. The question is, will her return be worthy of what has been done. And that is not something that can be judged by truth alone.”
“Since the souls in question currently have access to both timelines of memory,” Zachriel chimes in, “they will be able to provide us with reliable information about changes to her character. This will lend credibility as to her future motives.”
Hold up. Does this mean my Grams has to take the stand and answer questions about how I was in the first timeline and how I am now? I feel a lump form in the pit of my stomach. I don’t think I can handle hearing what she, or Madeline for that matter, has to say. I’m not the only one who’s surprised by this suggestion. Judging by the quick glance Sal gives Zachriel, this is news to him, too.
Azbaugh has that puppy-kicking look again. “This is ridiculous,” he says, the muscles