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Simon Blackquill is a murderer; everyone in the country knows that. It was one of the most shocking trials in history: the trial of a prosecutor accused of murdering his mentor. It was also one of the shortest trials seen in the courthouse, for the very simple reason of Simon’s confession. Despite what young Athena Cykes tried to plead to the court (talking a lot about the voices of peoples’ hearts and crying her eyes out) about Simon’s innocence, he repeatedly and consistently admitted that he had murdered Metis Cykes, and to just send him to prison already. So it surprised no one when he was sent to prison.
But… Bobby Fulbright isn’t quite sure if he believes all of this. It happened five years ago and Simon still insists he murdered Dr Cykes if anyone brings it up… but Bobby just doesn’t know. He only recently got assigned to handling Simon rehabilitation (the Chief Prosecutor wants Simon to prosecute in court one day, but he has to be rehabilitated first), but when he looks at Simon… he doesn’t look like a murderer.
“Do not be ridiculous, Fool Bright,” Simon snaps one day when Bobby dares to bring up his concerns. They are in a car, driving to the prosecutors’ office. “I confessed and was found guilty. I murdered Metis Cykes and no matter how much a pathetic police officer has gotten it into his thick skull that I might be innocent, that doesn’t change the facts. I am a criminal. End of story.”
Bobby flinches. “I… understand, sir.”
“Hmph,” Simon huffs.
But part of him wonders if Simon is lying. When he reads the case file and looks at Simon, it just doesn’t seem right.
And he vows to rehabilitate Simon Blackquill, so one day he can go free.