Chapter 2 Judgments And Ambiguity

Investigations – Absence of Motive, the Mystery of Events, and the Horror of Consequences

The police car stopped in front of the station. The officer stepped out first and entered the station, greeted in the corridor by the police clerk.

Officer (walking briskly): Nasser has been taken to the detention room. Take the statements of Malek and Sofia.

Police Clerk: Understood, sir.

Nasser was escorted out of the police car by two officers, handcuffed, his wide red eyes staring downward.

Malek and Sofia were brought in a separate police car, accompanied by a police officer, who escorted them inside the station.

A police officer met them in the corridor.

Police Officer: We'll take your statements and then you can leave.

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Police Officer (calmly, looking at Malek): What did you see, Malek? And in your opinion, what could have been your father's motive for killing your mother?

Malek (broken, avoiding eye contact): I was in my room when I heard my mother screaming. I rushed to the kitchen to see what was happening. I found her lying on the floor-dead. My father was holding the knife, and Sofia was sitting next to her, crying.

Police Officer (thinking): There must be some motive. Do you suspect any reason behind it?

Malek: I don't... I don't know. That's all I saw.

Police Assistant (handing him paper and pen): Sign here, Malek.

(Malek signed his statement silently.)

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Police Officer (turning to Sofia): Tell me, Sofia... what exactly did you see?

Sofia (voice trembling, tears streaming): I was in my room. My mother was preparing dinner in the kitchen, and my father was in the living room watching TV, but he asked me to bring him a glass of water before I went into my room because he had a severe headache. Suddenly, I heard my mother screaming loudly. I ran to the kitchen and saw her lying on the floor, struggling to breathe. She raised her hands toward me, asking for help. Her clothes were soaked in blood, and my father was standing beside her holding a large knife. I sat next to her, but I couldn't do anything... she died staring at the ceiling.

Police Officer (investigator): Were there any arguments or conflicts between them before the incident? Did you notice any tension?

Sofia: No... on the contrary, they always treated each other with respect. There were no disputes or fights between them.

Police Officer (handing her the paper): Sign your statement, Sofia.

(Sofia signed silently, tears falling onto the paper.)

Police Officer (calmly): Thank you, Sofia. And thank you, Malek. You may leave now.

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Inside the Courtroom – Reality and Truth, Secrets and Emotions – The Verdict

Nasser was inside the courtroom cage, while his children, Malek and Sofia, were seated among the audience. Amal was also present, sitting beside them. Journalists and media personnel were in attendance. Everyone eagerly awaited the judge's entrance.

The court usher entered first, shouting loudly: "Court!" Everyone turned toward his voice. The judge entered with dignity, all eyes on him. Everyone stood in respect.

Judge: Sit down.

Everyone took their seats, tense and anticipating the verdict. The judge opened the file, pulled out a sheet of paper, and began reading aloud:

Judge: In light of the actions of the defendant, Nasser FelisHakimi Bradley-he brutally murdered his wife with no regard for her humanity or his own. He stripped himself of mercy and humanity, donning the cloak of a ferocious, savage beast that devours without restraint, as if we are in the heart of a jungle or among wild predators. He killed his wife before the eyes of their children, without any clear motive or wrongdoing on her part. He also refused to reveal any reason, if one existed, for committing this heinous act.

He murdered the woman who had stood by him throughout her life, endured countless hardships to bring their children to safety, played a major role in building his wealth, raising their children, and protecting the family and its honor. In light of all this... the court, after consulting the Grand Mufti, has sentenced Nasser FelisHakimi Bradley to death by hanging.

Court Clerk (loudly): The session is adjourned.

The judge stood and exited to his chambers.

Malek looked at Nasser, his eyes brimming with unshed tears, while Nasser stared downward in the cage. Malek's silent words screamed inside him:

"Why did you do all this, Father? We didn't deserve what you did. You killed my mother, and now you will die too. We are condemned to live without a mother or father. Have you lost your mind, or were you hiding a secret only you knew?"

A tear rolled down Malek's face.

Sofia and Amal wept, holding each other tightly.

Flash! Camera lights continuously flashed on Nasser. Everyone was capturing pictures of the man, each journalist eager to break the news first.

Amal led Malek and Sofia out of the courtroom. They walked quickly, avoiding the camera flashes. Journalists swarmed them from every direction, seeking a statement that could become an exclusive.

But no one from Nasser's family spoke a word, and they quickly got into the car, hiding from the intrusive cameras.

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Aunt Amal – Grief, Pain, Healing, and Instilling Hope in the Children

Amal, while driving: I know what happened is hard on you... and on you too, Malek. Losing both parents is a tremendous blow for anyone, but you must understand that you are no longer children. Life doesn't stop; we must move past this crisis. I lost my own parents... and today I say goodbye to Nasser. But this is God's will. A strong person is one who overcomes crises without letting them break him, who rises again without stumbling. We must never let anything stop us. Always think ahead, especially you, Malek. And of course, I will always be here for you. From today, you will come to live with me in my apartment.

Malek nodded silently, in agreement.

Tears rolled down his face, his expression heavy with grief.

Sofia remained silent as well, sadness etched across her face, tears slipping from her eyes.