The attorney general decided not to prosecute Jerry. The defense attorney succeeded in convincing him that Joey was the chief instigator of the failed attack, and media reports of the forlorn brother who had lost his twin raised public sympathy.
As soon as he got out of the hospital, Jerry contacted Snakefoot/Stalwart. "What have you got for me?" Jerry asked.
"Since the big attack failed, let's go small this time," Snakefoot/Stalwart said. "Let's start by taking out a few prolific abortionists -- see if that doesn't send some kind of message. Let's start with this one." Snakefoot/Stalwart gave Jerry a file on one of the most active abortionists in the area. "Study this. Study his movements, his habits, his family. We've got to plan this one better than the last one. We don't want any slip ups this time."
Jerry took the folder back to his apartment. He got a beer and turned on the TV. There was a news report about a man who was forgiving his daughter's murderer. "If I can forgive him," the man said in the video clip, "maybe there is hope for peace."
"And maybe the Easter Bunny will become president and turn the ocean into cotton candy," Jerry said.
There was a knock at the door. Jerry wasn't worried. The cops weren't looking for him. When he opened the door, his mother stood there.
"What do you want?" Jerry asked abruptly.
"Can I come in?"
"What for?"
"I have to see you."
"You have eyes. You're seeing me."
“You’re face is scarred.”
“His was scarred by you.”
"We need to talk."
"Maybe you do. I have nothing to say."
"Oh, Jerry! It hurts so bad! I love you! I miss you!”
“I can’t help you.”
“You never let me explain!”
Jerry closed the door in his mother’s face.
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