Randall was reading the latest report from his doctor when his Annie presented the keyhole camera image. There at the door, he was surprised to see a police robot and what appeared to be a plainclothes police officer. He set the Annie down on his desk as he got up to answer the knock. Randall opened the door.
“Mr. Randall C. Benchley,” asked the officer as he showed his badge.
“Yes,” said Randall.
“I'm detective Jameson. Could I come in and ask you some questions?”
“Of course.”
“You don't mind my robot?” asked the detective.
“No, not at all. Is he one of those new ones with the narrow-AI built-in?”
“He's quite recent, yes, surprisingly smart too. The fastest thing on four legs, makes the old model seem a bit of a clunker.”
“Now Mr. Benchley, I believe you know Abram Jackson of 64 West?”
“Yes, an old friend.”
“Have you heard from Mr. Jackson recently?”
“Well, I met with Abram about six weeks ago, he asked me to look into a matter of law for him. Unfortunately, I haven't had the time yet, you know how you get busy sometimes.”
“Yes, I understand. Would you have any news about Mr. Jackson's health.”
“Well, I don't know anything definitive, but I would say that the last time I saw him he seemed in good health, especially for someone his age.”
“I see. Now Mr. Benchley would you know if Mr. Jackson had any people that, let’s just say, might not wish him well?”
“Abram! Goodness no, I can't imagine anyone having a problem with Abram. He's always kind and polite to everyone I've ever seen him interact with. He's opinionated, I mean he has views on most things that he will express if asked. But by no means is he pushy or argumentative for argument's sake. Please, Detective Jameson, won't you tell me why you are asking all these questions?”
“I have something for you and some unfortunate news. This is a letter that we found at Mr. Jackson's apartment addressed to you. It was the last letter he wrote before he died.”
“Died,” said Randall reflexively.
“Yes, Mr. Benchley, Abram Jackson died last night in his sleep. But we, that is the police, suspect it was not from natural causes. We will know more tomorrow after the autopsy.”
“Abram dead,” said Randall shaking his head, “and you think it might have been foul play, I mean I can't believe it.”
“Well Mr. Benchley, you’ve been in the field of law long enough so that I don’t have to tell you that appearances are sometimes not what they seem. We are awaiting the autopsy results but it appears that Mr. Jackson died from carbon monoxide poisoning. His environmental unit apparently malfunctioned. But there is no log on the central computer at that complex recording such a failure. And you know as well as I that it is almost impossible for such a failure as that to occur in this day and age without it being recorded somewhere. That is why I said it is highly suspicious.”
“Yes Detective Jameson, I have to agree. May I ask what I can do to help with the investigation?”
“After you read the letter if you can think of any parties that might be involved in the matter of law that Mr. Jackson asked you to look into it would be helpful if you informed us.”
“Of course, I’ll let you know immediately if I find such information.”
“Thank you, Mr. Benchley and good day.”
“Good day, Detective.”
Randall watched the detective and his robotic assistant round the corner of the hall, his mind a blank.
Back inside his apartment, he looked at the letter the detective had left. Leave it to Abram, thought Randall, only he would send a paper letter to someone instead of electronically.
He picked up the letter and opened it. Instead of another missive from Abram, Randall found a typed, short paragraph.
It said simply, “If you received this, Abram Jackson is dead. If you continue his crusade for the Asteroid Belt, you will be also.”
Randall put the letter down and stared at it for several minutes, he would have to contact the detective. Then he straightened his back. He whispered aloud, “I might die doing it, but the Belt will be free.”
Eventually, he picked up his Annie and finished scanning his health report. The last checkup showed no signs of the cancer. The doctor recommended they discontinue treatment and monitor the situation as usual.
Well, at least I won't die from cancer.
No comments:
Post a Comment