{"sf1_id":544063,"sf2_id":"deP7K551","title":"Elephant Tears","author":"Shevvie Impala","words":5830,"posted_at":"2013-05-28T18:34:00.000Z","tags":["Clean","Crime","Elephant","Hypnosis","murder"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/544063-elephant-tears","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/deP7K551","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/5f/5e/5f5ee916-2645-4ab8-9782-70df63c60cbc","description":"This story won 7th place in zsisron's hypnosis story contest. Someone asked me to post it some time ago, and I'm finally getting around to it. :-) It's basically a crime drama using hypnosis to figure who was responsible for the massacre of an entire group of elephants.","content":"\u0026nbsp;\n\n**Elephant Tears**\n\nBy: Shevvie Impala\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Hugo sat uncomfortably in the tiny room, his eyes focused on the clock.\u0026nbsp; The chair under him was much too small, and creaked unreliably, as if it was going to fall apart any minute.\u0026nbsp; He was bound in a straight jacket, and had marveled that they had found one big enough for him.\u0026nbsp; Though the truth was, he could have flexed any portion of his large gray hide, and ripped it to pieces.\u0026nbsp; Such an action wouldn't help his cause any.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; They had filed his tusks and capped the ends with rubber padding.\u0026nbsp; His trunk had been bound into the straight jacket to keep him from flailing it about and injuring someone.\u0026nbsp; This made it difficult for him to speak, however.\u0026nbsp; Not that he wanted to.\u0026nbsp; Hugo had nothing to say.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; And as of yet, he didn't have to say anything.\u0026nbsp; His lawyer, a pure black jackal, who could have been the reincarnation of Anubis himself, had said everything.\u0026nbsp; And nothing.\u0026nbsp; \"My client is innocent,\" he kept repeating over and over.\u0026nbsp; \"You have no right to treat him this way.\u0026nbsp; It's inhumane, and we won't stand for it.\u0026nbsp; As soon as this is cleared up, my client will be bringing a suit against your entire department for these injustices.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The detective on this case, a diminutive hyena with a bad case of halitosis, snarled a knowing grin at the lawyer.\u0026nbsp; \"Mr. Giselly, if your client is innocent, then why was he the only survivor?\u0026nbsp; Why was he the only one to walk out of there, not only alive but completely unharmed?\u0026nbsp; You can't blame us for taking precautions.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Hugo had grown tired of this back and forth.\u0026nbsp; They were getting nowhere, and it he had been sitting there for hours, unable to defend himself.\u0026nbsp; At first he had tried to argue with the detective, but Giselly cut him off each time, repeating the same response that he spoke now.\u0026nbsp; \"We've told you for the hundredth time, he can't remember what took place.\u0026nbsp; But it makes no sense for him to kill off his entire herd.\u0026nbsp; His family!\u0026nbsp; Hugo Munson is not a murderer.\"\u0026nbsp; Giselly pounded his fist on the table, emphasizing his strong words.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Cut the crap,\" the hyena snapped back, standing up to glare into Hugo's distant eyes.\u0026nbsp; \"You're an elephant.\u0026nbsp; You're supposed to remember everything.\u0026nbsp; I don't believe for one minute you can't remember what happened.\u0026nbsp; Admit it, Hugo.\u0026nbsp; You're nothing but scum.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Hugo closed his large, black eyes, unable to look at the hyena.\u0026nbsp; How did a person prove they really couldn't remember something?\u0026nbsp; It was like proving whether a god exists.\u0026nbsp; Giselly also jumped to his feet, growling at the detective.\u0026nbsp; \"So, it comes right back around to it, doesn't it Detective Harris?\u0026nbsp; You're not getting a false confession out of my client, no matter how hard you push.\u0026nbsp; If these spurious accusations are what you pass off as detective work, then I suggest you find a different profession.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Harris smirked and turned toward the door.\u0026nbsp; \"Don't tell me how to do my job, Giselly, and I won't tell you how to do yours.\"\u0026nbsp; The hyena opened the door, and Hugo looked up again in time to see a zebra walk through.\u0026nbsp; \"Gentlemen,\" Harris said, turning back to them.\u0026nbsp; \"This is Doctor Morgan Scheckles.\u0026nbsp; She's an expert in the field of hypnotherapy, and we've called her in to get to the bottom of this.\"\u0026nbsp; He closed the door and glared at Giselly.\u0026nbsp; \"Unless you're afraid to allow your client to speak his own mind.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The zebra smiled, approaching the table where Hugo and Giselly sat.\u0026nbsp; \"Good afternoon.\"\u0026nbsp; Her voice was soothing, bringing Hugo back to the conversation as he watched her silently.\u0026nbsp; Giselly glared between the doctor and Harris.\u0026nbsp; Doctor Scheckles ignored the lawyer's less than pleasant demeanor, however.\u0026nbsp; \"Mr. Giselly, you have nothing worry about.\u0026nbsp; I'm here to help Mr. Munson.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Help him right into prison,\" Giselly grumbled, settling back into his chair.\u0026nbsp; \"I know how these things work.\u0026nbsp; You'll make a few suggestions, he will agree to them, and Harris will have his confession.\u0026nbsp; You should know nothing my client says under hypnosis will be admissible in court.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"You have the right not to participate, Mr. Munson,\" Doctor Scheckles said as she smiled toward the bound elephant.\u0026nbsp; \"But, I assure you, this could help you case if you are actually innocent.\u0026nbsp; While it's unfortunate that you're the only suspect in this case, you're also the only witness.\u0026nbsp; I can help you remember anything that might be beneficial to you.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; All eyes were on Hugo now, and he shifted uncomfortably in his small seat, making it groan. \u0026nbsp;He looked toward Doctor Scheckles and tried to pull his trunk up enough to speak without sounding like he had a gallon of cement inside it.\u0026nbsp; \"What if...I don't want to remember?\"\u0026nbsp; He still sounded stuffed up to his own ears, but at least he could be understood.\u0026nbsp; \"I know they're dead.\u0026nbsp; All of them.\u0026nbsp; What if I forgot for a reason?\u0026nbsp; What if I forgot because I'm...\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Giselly cut him off with a sudden growl.\u0026nbsp; \"That's enough, Hugo.\"\u0026nbsp; He stood up, gathering his papers to stuff into his briefcase.\u0026nbsp; \"I think we're done here.\u0026nbsp; We have nothing more to say.\u0026nbsp; Either you find some solid evidence, or you let my client go.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Please, Mr. Giselly,\" Doctor Scheckles smiled at him now and leaned on the back of the chair the detective had been sitting in.\u0026nbsp; \"It's entirely possible that your client has blocked out the memories because they were traumatic, rather than because he is guilty.\u0026nbsp; As you said yourself, anything he says under hypnosis won't be admissible, so what do you have to lose?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The jackal gave another low growl, but looked at Hugo.\u0026nbsp; \"I would advise you not to do this, Mr. Munson, but the choice is yours.\u0026nbsp; If you do incriminate yourself, there will be very little I can do to help you.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Hugo turned his eyes to the table, silent for a moment as he mulled over the possibilities.\u0026nbsp; If he were truly innocent, he would likely feel survivor's guilt, and if he were guilty, then he would deserve whatever punishment would come of it.\u0026nbsp; But not knowing one way or the other was driving him mad.\u0026nbsp; Finally, he looked up to Doctor Scheckles.\u0026nbsp; \"Will I remember what I say?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"You don't have to,\" Doctor Scheckles responded, her tone growing softer as she spoke to him.\u0026nbsp; \"But it will be recorded.\u0026nbsp; Admissible or not, the truth will be known to those of us here in the room.\u0026nbsp; What happens after that will be up to Detective Harris and your lawyer.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I want to remember,\" Hugo said so quietly, that it took the others a moment to realize what he said.\u0026nbsp; Then louder, more definite in his decision, \"I want to go through with this.\u0026nbsp; I don't think I could live with myself not really knowing.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Giselly grunted and sat back down in his chair, while Doctor Scheckles nodded sympathetically.\u0026nbsp; \"Very well.\u0026nbsp; Are you comfortable Mr. Munson?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Another creaking shift in his seat seemed to answer that question for him.\u0026nbsp; \"Not like this,\" he said, attempting to look down to the straight jacket.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Doctor Scheckles turned to Harris.\u0026nbsp; \"Is there somewhere here where Mr. Munson will be more comfortable?\u0026nbsp; And I don't think he needs to be bound up like that.\u0026nbsp; He doesn't seem to be a threat to anyone.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Detective Harris narrowed his eyes, looking back up at the large bull elephant.\u0026nbsp; \"Look Doc, I don't need him rampaging through the office if something goes wrong.\u0026nbsp; You're just going to have to make do with what you got.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"It won't work if he's not comfortable,\" Doctor Scheckles replied.\u0026nbsp; \"And I'll take full responsibility for his behavior.\u0026nbsp; I guarantee, once he's under, I'll be able to control him completely.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"That's what worries me,\" Giselly snarled.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Harris snorted from the other side of the room and flashed a toothy grin toward Doctor Scheckles.\u0026nbsp; \"If that's the case, then I think we can make some room in the Captain's office.\u0026nbsp; He has a couch that'll probably be a lot more comfortable for Mr. Munson.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"That will be fine,\" Doctor Scheckles replied, starting for the door.\u0026nbsp; \"Oh, and if you are both going to be present, I would ask that you turn off your cell phones.\u0026nbsp; I don't want any interruptions to break his concentration.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Fine, whatever,\" Harris grumbled, opening the door for the doctor and the others.\u0026nbsp; \"Come on, lardo.\u0026nbsp; Let's get this over with.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Giselly grabbed his briefcase and glared at the detective.\u0026nbsp; \"Your derogatory comments are unnecessary, and will only push you further down the hole, Detective Harris.\"\u0026nbsp; He looked at Hugo once more as he moved around the table.\u0026nbsp; \"And I still recommend against this, Mr. Munson.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Harris merely grunted as Hugo stood.\u0026nbsp; The chair groaned with relief as the large elephant gained his feet.\u0026nbsp; They would likely need to replace it before anyone else was subject to sitting there.\u0026nbsp; \"It doesn't matter anymore,\" Hugo replied to his lawyer as he started for the door.\u0026nbsp; \"Either I did it, or I didn't.\u0026nbsp; Want to know.\"\u0026nbsp; Though whether he would want to remember it after all was said and done, was another matter completely.\n\n\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The captain had not been pleased when the parade stopped in his doorway.\u0026nbsp; Such a request was highly unorthodox, but Doctor Scheckles eventually convinced him that it was for the best, and they would only be there a short time.\u0026nbsp; Grudgingly, the captain decided to take his lunch break, and hand over his office to the small group.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Hugo sat on the couch, taking up the entire surface, and Doctor Scheckles motioned to Harris.\u0026nbsp; \"Please remove his restraints, Detective.\u0026nbsp; I give you my promise he'll behave, right Mr. Munson?\"\u0026nbsp; She smiled kindly toward the elephant, who nodded as much as his trapped trunk would allow him.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Harris eyed Hugo for a moment, then sighed and did as the Doctor requested.\u0026nbsp; Giselly took a seat in the corner, watching everything with a stern look on his face.\u0026nbsp; Though their reasons differed, Harris and Giselly at least agreed that this situation was less than optimal.\u0026nbsp; Their arguments had been heard though, and there was little else they could do.\u0026nbsp; They would simply have to trust that Scheckles and Hugo would keep their promises.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Once free, Hugo stretched his trunk and arms out to get rid of the kinks that had built up within him.\u0026nbsp; Harris immediately reached for his gun, growling at the sudden movement.\u0026nbsp; Hugo looked toward him and let his trunk droop back down again.\u0026nbsp; \"I promised I wouldn't do anything.\u0026nbsp; Whatever you think about me, I'm an elephant of my word.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Yeah, well, you just better watch it,\" Harris grumbled back, relaxing slightly.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm keeping my eyes on you.\u0026nbsp; Don't think for a second you can get away with anything.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Please, Detective,\" Doctor Scheckles said in a scolding tone.\u0026nbsp; \"That's really not necessary.\"\u0026nbsp; She smiled back to Hugo and leaned against the captain's desk.\u0026nbsp; \"All right, Mr. Munson.\u0026nbsp; I want you to just relax as much as you can.\u0026nbsp; I realize this isn't the most comfortable of situations, but you really will need to keep as calm as possible.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Hugo shifted slightly on the couch, and glanced over to his lawyer who was busy fuming about his advice being ignored.\u0026nbsp; Then he looked back to the Doctor and nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm okay.\u0026nbsp; What's going to happen?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I can't tell you, exactly,\" Doctor Scheckles said in her soft, smooth voice.\u0026nbsp; \"The experience is different for everyone.\u0026nbsp; But, if we're successful, you should feel very relaxed and at peace.\u0026nbsp; The memories are there, somewhere in your mind. \u0026nbsp;You're simply going to let them come to the surface where you can retrieve them.\u0026nbsp; Do you think you can handle that?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Hugo looked down at his prison-issue shoes, thinking for a moment.\u0026nbsp; \"I...don't know,\" he answered finally.\u0026nbsp; \"I guess it depends on what's there.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"If you are having second thoughts, you don't need to do this,\" Giselly piped up from his corner.\u0026nbsp; \"I still don't think you should.\u0026nbsp; If you do, there may be very little I can do to defend you.\u0026nbsp; As it is, Detective Harris has no witnesses and no tangible evidence that you had anything to do with it.\u0026nbsp; The unknown in this case is your advantage.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Harris turned toward Giselly, the hackles on his neck rising at the challenge.\u0026nbsp; \"Munson was at the scene of the crime, covered in the victims' blood.\u0026nbsp; He was apprehended red-handed...\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Gentlemen, please!\"\u0026nbsp; Doctor Scheckles' raised tone was in such sharp contrast to the even smoothness she had displayed until now.\u0026nbsp; But it worked get their attention and she smiled, speaking more softly once again.\u0026nbsp; \"This is not a courtroom.\u0026nbsp; I'm sure you'll have ample opportunity to argue with one another later.\"\u0026nbsp; She returned her dark eyes to Hugo, speaking directly to him once more.\u0026nbsp; \"Now, it's your choice.\u0026nbsp; We can proceed or stop.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Hugo looked between the Detective and his lawyer.\u0026nbsp; Both had been fully chastised into silence, but their arguments had been heard.\u0026nbsp; He felt so very conflicted himself, the answer didn't come easily, but he finally made his decision.\u0026nbsp; \"Let's go on,\" he said quietly in his low, rumbling voice.\u0026nbsp; \"Whether I'm guilty or innocent, defense won't matter.\"\u0026nbsp; He understood that if he proved to himself he was guilty, he wouldn't mind what punishment was dealt to him.\u0026nbsp; If he was innocent, they would have no case.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Doctor Scheckles nodded and leaned back against the captain's desk.\u0026nbsp; \"Very well.\u0026nbsp; If you're ready, I'd like you to make yourself as comfortable as possible.\u0026nbsp; Feel free to lay back if you wish.\"\u0026nbsp; She waited a moment for Hugo to adjust himself on the couch, which gave a series of feint crackles.\u0026nbsp; Harris and Giselly watched silently, their protests already aired.\u0026nbsp; \"That's good.\u0026nbsp; Now, please focus on a specific point, maybe a decoration or coat hook.\u0026nbsp; Anything you can narrow in on.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Hugo did as he was asked.\u0026nbsp; His large, black eyes fell on a framed certificate the captain had hanging behind his desk.\u0026nbsp; There was a shiny foil seal in the lower right hand corner and Hugo allowed himself to stare at the round patch as the lights reflected off it.\u0026nbsp; \"Okay,\" he replied, letting the doctor know he had found what he was looking for.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Scheckles nodded once more.\u0026nbsp; \"Good.\u0026nbsp; From now on, I don't want you to speak until I ask you to.\"\u0026nbsp; She glanced over at Harris. \"Could you please lock the door, Detective Harris?\u0026nbsp; We don't need someone walking in at the wrong time.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Harris grumbled something under his breath, but made his way over to the office door to ensure it was locked.\u0026nbsp; Giselly watched him shrewdly as the hyena secured the door then wandered back to his seat in the corner.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Doctor Scheckles waited for Harris to be seated once more then drew in a deep breath.\u0026nbsp; She spoke again in her soothing tone, keeping her eyes on Hugo as she began the process.\u0026nbsp; \"Please listen to me very careful, Mr. Munson.\u0026nbsp; Hugo.\u0026nbsp; Focus on the point you are looking at, and listen to my voice.\u0026nbsp; You're going to slowly relax and go deep into your own mind.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"At the count of three, I want you to close your eyes.\u0026nbsp; 1...2...3,\" Doctor Scheckles began the process.\u0026nbsp; Hugo closed his eyes and focused on her voice, unsure whether this would really result in anything more than nap.\u0026nbsp; \"Concentrate on your breathing.\u0026nbsp; In and out...In and out.\u0026nbsp; Breathe in nice long, deep breaths then let them out very slowly.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Everyone's attention had turned to Hugo now as he sat on the couch with his eyes closed, and his chest slowly rising and falling with each breath.\u0026nbsp; The elephant tried to forget the others in the room and their purpose for being here.\u0026nbsp; Doctor Scheckles glanced at the cop and lawyer in turn, smiling as their arguments gave way to fascination.\u0026nbsp; \"That's it.\u0026nbsp; Please open your eyes again and find the focus point once more.\"\u0026nbsp; Hugo did as he was asked, and the doctor continued.\u0026nbsp; \"You're feeling it harder to keep your eyes open now, but concentrate on that point and focus.\u0026nbsp; Keep breathing slowly in and out.\u0026nbsp; When I count to three, close your eye again.\u0026nbsp; 1...2...3.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Once again, Hugo's eyes slid closed, blocking out the harsh reality of the police station.\u0026nbsp; Doctor Scheckles watched, giving a pause until his eyelids had settled.\u0026nbsp; \"Continue breathing slowly in and out.\u0026nbsp; Notice how your arms and legs are starting to feel very heavy as if you couldn't move them if you tried.\u0026nbsp; You're starting to relax now.\u0026nbsp; You have a deep feeling of peace and calm.\"\u0026nbsp; As she spoke, he could feel his limbs growing heavy and tired, much like the moments before falling asleep, and his doubts began to faulter.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Open your eyes one more time, and focus on your spot,\" she said softly.\u0026nbsp; Hugo struggled this time to open his eyes, and the doctor smiled as the hypnosis began to work.\u0026nbsp; \"It's harder to keep your eyes open now.\u0026nbsp; Harder to focus.\u0026nbsp; That's all right.\u0026nbsp; Go ahead and let your eyes close for the final time.\u0026nbsp; You should be feeling very relaxed now, almost as if you could sleep.\u0026nbsp; Your arms and legs are feeling numb; far away.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Doctor Scheckles allowed a glance to Harris and Giselly, who both seemed to be drifting as well at the sound of her soothing voice.\u0026nbsp; Both the jackal and hyena were falling into almost as relaxed a state as Hugo.\u0026nbsp; Whether they remained conscious would be up to them, but at least they had given up the argument.\u0026nbsp; She went on, returning her gaze to Hugo.\u0026nbsp; \"I want you to picture a doorway in your mind.\u0026nbsp; Through this door is a set of stairs, and in a moment you will be going through the door.\u0026nbsp; Once you step through and start down the stairs, you become even more relaxed.\u0026nbsp; When I count to three, you will move through the door.\u0026nbsp; 1...2...3.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Another pause was given to allow Hugo the time to mentally start on his journey.\u0026nbsp; His concentration was palpable, seeming to silence even the busy policy station outside the office.\u0026nbsp; He no longer heard anything but the gentle flow of the doctor's voice.\u0026nbsp; Scheckles continued once more, leading Hugo further into trance.\u0026nbsp; \"Now you're going to walk down the stairs very slowly.\u0026nbsp; With each step, you will become more relaxed.\u0026nbsp; There are ten steps, and I'm going to count down each one as you walk. 1...2...you are becoming more relaxed.\u0026nbsp; 3....4...you hear nothing but my voice.\u0026nbsp; 5...6...your body feels so very numb, as if it is no longer there.\u0026nbsp; 7...8...focus on your breathing.\u0026nbsp; Slowly in...and slowly out.\u0026nbsp; 9...10...you're in your own mind now, and as relaxed and calm as you can possibly be.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Doctor Scheckles took a deep breath before going on.\u0026nbsp; For Hugo, this would be where the real work began if the memories were still somewhere in his mind.\u0026nbsp; \"Take a look around your mind,\" Scheckles said softly.\u0026nbsp; \"What do you see?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Hugo had been following the zebra's directions precisely, as if he had no free will of his own, and now he saw himself standing in a dark place surrounded by a thousand doors.\u0026nbsp; From somewhere in the distance he heard the soft voice of Doctor Scheckles speaking to him.\u0026nbsp; Had she asked a question?\u0026nbsp; The atmosphere here was quiet and calm.\u0026nbsp; He didn't want to break that by speaking, but there had been a question and it demanded an answer.\u0026nbsp; He hesitated before finally speaking.\u0026nbsp; \"A...a room.\u0026nbsp; With doors.\u0026nbsp; Many doors.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Hugo's voice was low, barely audible if not for the quiet of the room.\u0026nbsp; But Doctor Scheckles heard it well enough and nodded.\u0026nbsp; \"The doors are your memories.\u0026nbsp; Every piece of your life is there, waiting for you to look inside and see them.\u0026nbsp; Most of them are unlocked; easy to access.\u0026nbsp; Go ahead.\u0026nbsp; Try one.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Hugo looked around once more at the mass of doors.\u0026nbsp; He was relatively young; just beyond juvenile in the eyes of his peers, but he had so many memories.\u0026nbsp; The only thing to do was try the first door he could reach.\u0026nbsp; So, he raised one of his dream-like arms, and pushed slightly on the nearest door.\u0026nbsp; It opened with no effort, letting through a brilliant glare from whatever was beyond.\u0026nbsp; He had to squint to see what was there, but soon it came into focus.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The scene before him was the vast open plains, and the sun was beating down overhead.\u0026nbsp; He was walking between the much taller, gray limbs of his family.\u0026nbsp; He was very young, and there were a few other calves as well; his cousins.\u0026nbsp; This was his first time traveling to the sacred grounds they would go to again and again, year after year.\u0026nbsp; There was so much excitement among the younger elephants, as the annual gathering was the only time all the members of their vast family came together.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; A smile spread across Hugo's face as he witnessed the feelings and sights of this long forgotten memory.\u0026nbsp; Giselly and Harris both looked at Doctor Scheckles, neither seeming sure what was going on.\u0026nbsp; The doctor smiled along with Hugo.\u0026nbsp; \"There are likely many wonderful memories behind those doors, and many other not so wonderful ones.\u0026nbsp; Your whole life is there, waiting for you to look back and remember it.\u0026nbsp; The secret is, nothing we ever experience is really forgotten.\u0026nbsp; It just gets lost in the crowd.\u0026nbsp; It's time for you to search the doors, Hugo.\u0026nbsp; Find the one that's locked.\u0026nbsp; There may be more than one, but you'll know the right one when you find it.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The expression changed on Hugo's face from pleasure to concern as he gazed at all the doors.\u0026nbsp; There were so many; they were countless.\u0026nbsp; And they all looked the same as far as he could tell.\u0026nbsp; He sighed and started walking between the floating doorways, occasionally reaching out to push at one of them.\u0026nbsp; Memories flooded his mind as he opened doors; things he hadn't thought about in years, old faces of long past relatives, places and events that he had experienced years ago.\u0026nbsp; All of them were there, but they weren't what he had been tasked to find.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; And then he saw it.\u0026nbsp; There, standing far in the back of his mind, was a door that glowed red around the edges, as if something inside wanted to get out.\u0026nbsp; He looked at it for a moment, hesitant to approach.\u0026nbsp; Did he really want to know what was in there?\u0026nbsp; Whatever it was had to be painful, perhaps even frightening.\u0026nbsp; But it could also help.\u0026nbsp; Hugo approached the doorway and raised his round hand to press on it.\u0026nbsp; The door was hot to the touch, but it refused to open.\u0026nbsp; He jerked his hand away again.\u0026nbsp; \"I...I don't have the key.\u0026nbsp; I can't open it,\" he said aloud in a quivering voice.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"It's okay, Hugo,\" Doctor Scheckles said quietly.\u0026nbsp; \"You can open it if you really want to.\u0026nbsp; You have the key with you.\u0026nbsp; Try looking in your pocket.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Hugo could feel himself shaking, though he had no idea if it was only the version of himself in his head, or if he was on the outside as well.\u0026nbsp; He was barely aware that he still had an outside and that there was an audience watching that outer-self.\u0026nbsp; The door remained before him, glowing and silent, taunting him with the secret hidden behind it.\u0026nbsp; He had come all this way to learn the secret thought.\u0026nbsp; To be free, or to be accountable.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The decision was made.\u0026nbsp; Hugo reached slowly into his pocket and felt something press against the pad of his hand.\u0026nbsp; He pulled it out again, and a small glowing dot the same deep red of the door, rested in the center of his palm.\u0026nbsp; Reaching out, he pressed the glow against the door, and heard an audible click as it unlocked. \u0026nbsp;He closed his eyes and pushed against the hot surface, feeling it give way under the pressure.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; On the outside, Hugo pressed his eyes closed tightly, and began to shutter as the doorway opened to him.\u0026nbsp; \"Everything is all right,\" Doctor Scheckles said in her calm tone.\u0026nbsp; \"You're not alone.\u0026nbsp; Let yourself see the memory.\u0026nbsp; Tell us what's there.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; No, he was not alone.\u0026nbsp; And he had come here for this purpose alone.\u0026nbsp; Hugo took a deep, steadying breath and forced his eyes open.\u0026nbsp; His outer, physical eyes also opened, but he stared blankly across the room, still under the relaxing influence of the hypnosis.\u0026nbsp; The red glow surrounded him as he looked through the doorway, and he realized it was not light, but the red of blood.\u0026nbsp; So much blood.\u0026nbsp; Then redness was drawn away from him, and he realized that the memory was actually flowing backward.\u0026nbsp; Silence turned into screams and motion, blurring in front of him too fast for him to follow.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The entire scene rewound until he was there, in the center of a crowd that was filtering into a deep, round valley.\u0026nbsp; This is where it had all began.\u0026nbsp; At first he forgot Doctor Scheckles request to tell them what happened over the over the mass of feelings the new memory brought him.\u0026nbsp; It took effort for him to speak of it as he relived it once again, but finally the words came through the dream-like haze.\u0026nbsp; \"I was with them.\u0026nbsp; The others.\u0026nbsp; Dozens of us.\u0026nbsp; We have arrived in the Valley of the Ancestors for our annual gathering.\u0026nbsp; Our family; mothers, fathers, siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Hugo's physical eyes slid closed once more as he recalled the events of the day, and his watchers listened in awed silence of the recovered tale.\u0026nbsp; \"It was hot; hotter than it had even been before.\u0026nbsp; I was late.\u0026nbsp; I had been traveling with Kurtis.\u0026nbsp; My brother Kurtis.\u0026nbsp; He had an injury on his leg.\u0026nbsp; He said...he couldn't remember how he got it.\u0026nbsp; But it slowed him down.\u0026nbsp; So we were behind many of the others, except the elderly matrons.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The elephant was fully inside the memory now, living it as if it were happening again.\u0026nbsp; Much to the relief of Harris, Hugo's body went motionless now that he had broken through to the truth.\u0026nbsp; \"I'd been to the valley many times over the years.\u0026nbsp; Everything was as I remembered it.\u0026nbsp; Green, lush.\u0026nbsp; It was hard to imagine that other families had gathered there at different times as well.\u0026nbsp; The place always seemed pristine.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Hugo lingered for some time simply marveling in the beauty of the valley.\u0026nbsp; It was the last pleasant thing he could remember, and he didn't want to lose it for what was to come next.\u0026nbsp; If he could simply freeze time here in the tranquility of this place and company of his family, he would do so.\u0026nbsp; But there were people waiting on the outside for the answer to questions all of them had.\u0026nbsp; Just like time itself, the memory wound on.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"We were going to be there for a week,\" he continued, his voice drifting lazily as he spoke about what he was seeing.\u0026nbsp; \"It was a time for saying goodbye to those who had past, and welcoming those who were new.\u0026nbsp; The eldest matron oversaw it all.\u0026nbsp; She welcomed everyone; mourned with everyone.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The others had little experience with the elephant's culture, and listened in awe as he described what had become custom for him.\u0026nbsp; There were few other species that had the closeness Hugo talked about.\u0026nbsp; But it was all about to go horribly wrong, and Hugo shuttered again as he realized just how close the painful memories were.\u0026nbsp; \"It...it happened on the third day.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Hugo paused, quivering slightly.\u0026nbsp; Doctor Sheckles nodded toward him, though he couldn't see the motion.\u0026nbsp; \"Go on,\" she coaxed softly.\u0026nbsp; \"It's okay.\u0026nbsp; The memories can't hurt you now.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The elephant heard her voice, but he knew she was wrong.\u0026nbsp; So very wrong.\u0026nbsp; They would hurt him all over again, deep to the core.\u0026nbsp; Maybe this had been a mistake.\u0026nbsp; He could have taken his chances that no tangible evidence one way or another would be found, and he would be let free.\u0026nbsp; But the nagging feeling of never knowing himself would remain with him.\u0026nbsp; That alone spurred him to continue.\u0026nbsp; \"It was Kurtis,\" he said softly, letting that rest in the air for a moment before he clarified.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"We need more than that,\" Harris growled from his corner of the room.\u0026nbsp; \"How do we even know this guy isn't just playing us?\"\u0026nbsp; Giselly glared at him, but said nothing.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Detective, please,\" Doctor Scheckles shot the hyena a cutting glance, silencing any further words as Harris opened his mouth to say something further.\u0026nbsp; \"You'll break his concentration.\"\u0026nbsp; She looked back to Hugo, but Hugo still appeared to be deep in trance.\u0026nbsp; \"Please, Hugo.\u0026nbsp; Tell us what happened with Kurtis.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Hugo gave a slight nod.\u0026nbsp; Tears were starting to leak from his closed eyes as he watched the scene in his head.\u0026nbsp; \"It was his leg.\u0026nbsp; An infection.\u0026nbsp; He had grown weaker over those three days, and passed right there in the valley.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Another long silence followed with the three listeners looking at one another.\u0026nbsp; When Hugo continued, his voice was so low, they could barely hear him.\u0026nbsp; \"We mourned.\u0026nbsp; Many tears were shed for his passing, as they would be for any other.\u0026nbsp; He was one of us.\u0026nbsp; He was of us.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Hugo's eyes opened then, and he looked directly at Doctor Sheckles, a sudden awareness in his dark orbs.\u0026nbsp; But his face and voice grew cold and emotionless.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm not sure why.\u0026nbsp; I had known my cousin for many years.\u0026nbsp; He was a little younger, more like a brother.\u0026nbsp; We travelled together in the same circles.\u0026nbsp; Something in me snapped.\u0026nbsp; Maybe someone said something.\u0026nbsp; Maybe I heard something in my own head.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; He was fully aware now, and looked down at his large hands as he finished the story for the others.\u0026nbsp; All the memories were there and there was nothing he could do to deny them.\u0026nbsp; They played out in his mind, looping over and over as he recalled the story.\u0026nbsp; \"No.\u0026nbsp; There were a thrumming.\u0026nbsp; Others who didn't know Kurtis as well were murmuring about how he should have stayed away.\u0026nbsp; He had corrupted the valley and the gathering by coming in that condition.\u0026nbsp; I couldn't tell where the voices were coming from.\u0026nbsp; They seemed to be all around me.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I lashed out at the nearest body.\u0026nbsp; I couldn't even tell you who it was.\u0026nbsp; That one action became a chain reaction.\u0026nbsp; I was struck back, it turned into a fight.\u0026nbsp; Some were defending the one I struck, while others had taken my side; they were as angry as I felt.\u0026nbsp; Emotions rose, and while some tried to hold us back, they merely ended up getting involved in the fight.\u0026nbsp; Soon, we were all fighting and screaming.\u0026nbsp; It was defend yourself or be killed.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Hugo swallowed and looked toward Giselly who was scowling more than ever that that truth had been laid out before them.\u0026nbsp; \"Somehow I was the last one standing.\u0026nbsp; My senses were gone.\u0026nbsp; There was only rage and sadness when I wandered out of that valley.\u0026nbsp; That's...that's all there is to it.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Insanity,\" Giselly said with a huff.\u0026nbsp; \"Innocent by mental incapacitation.\u0026nbsp; You have no case, Harris.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Detective Harris grinned and looked toward Hugo.\u0026nbsp; \"No?\u0026nbsp; You said yourself anything he admits to under hypnosis isn't admissible in court.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"If I may interrupt,\" Doctor Scheckles said, keeping her own eyes on Hugo.\u0026nbsp; \"Mr. Munson, are you completely awake?\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Hugo looked back to her and nodded again. \"Yes.\u0026nbsp; I had to wake up.\u0026nbsp; I couldn't stand being surrounded by that anymore.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Scheckles smiled and nodded in return.\u0026nbsp; \"Of course.\u0026nbsp; Then everything you just said about snapping and the fight; that was said with conscious effort, correct?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Yes,\" Hugo replied quietly.\u0026nbsp; He didn't like what was now in his head, but he couldn't deny it either.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Then, Mr. Giselly,\" Doctor Scheckles turned toward him.\u0026nbsp; \"It is my professional opinion not only as an experienced hypnotherapist, but criminal psychologist, that you are correct.\u0026nbsp; Mr. Munson was not in his right mind at the time of the incident.\u0026nbsp; My report on this case will state as much, and I will testify to that should this continue to court.\"\u0026nbsp; At that, she looked pointedly at Harris.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Harris growled and stood up.\u0026nbsp; \"That'll be up to the prosecutors,\" he said moving toward the door to the office.\u0026nbsp; \"In the mean time, Munson will continue enjoying our hospitality.\"\u0026nbsp; He opened the door and motioned for a pair of officers to take Hugo back to his cell.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Giselly stood up as well, nodding to Hugo.\u0026nbsp; \"Fine.\u0026nbsp; I will be back tomorrow to start working on strategy.\"\u0026nbsp; Then he looked at Doctor Scheckles, seeming to soften now that he had something to work with.\u0026nbsp; \"Thank you, doctor.\u0026nbsp; You've given Mr. Munson a fighting chance.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"No,\" she replied, shaking her head.\u0026nbsp; \"It was always in him.\u0026nbsp; I just helped bring it out.\"\u0026nbsp; She stepped over to Hugo, placing a hoof encouragingly on his hand.\u0026nbsp; \"There's still more to come, Mr. Munson. \u0026nbsp;But I think you'll be all right.\u0026nbsp; I'm so very sorry for your loss.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Hugo nodded and stood as the officers came to take him out of the room.\u0026nbsp; They recuffed his large hands, and started for the door.\u0026nbsp; Harris led the way out, and Doctor Scheckles and Giselly followed behind Hugo.\u0026nbsp; The elephant closed his eyes as he was taken away, a strange mix of emotions playing through his mind.\u0026nbsp; The rage was gone, but there was a deep sadness as well as relief that it was all out in the open now.\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Hugo took a deep breath and focused on the beauty of the valley as he had first looked upon it as a child.\u0026nbsp; There had been many happy times in this place.\u0026nbsp; He knew he would never return there again, even if he was freed.\u0026nbsp; So, he held onto this single image, feeling it would be the one thing that would keep him going.\u0026nbsp; He whispered a soft prayer to the lives lost there, and opened his eyes again, looking now ahead to the future, whatever it would hold for him.\n\n  \n  \n\n"}