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MURDER BORN
by Robert Reed
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Robert Reed tells us that the genesis for his intensely powerful new story comes from the following: “In Nebraska, murderers are executed in front of small audiences that include members of the press. (Transparent justice and all that.) I know quite a few people who work for the newspapers, and some of them have witnessed executions. More important, these same people have interviewed the families of victims and the convicted alike. The executions carry huge consequences, even to the grieving parents and siblings of murdered girls, and in the end not even the most Old Testament of these souls are left happy, or even at peace. Years ago, after one undeniably heinous character was electrocuted, I asked myself what would make the state-sponsored murder into the only moral response. What would have to happen for the public to celebrate, shamelessly and without doubts, the death of someone who had stolen an innocent life? I wrote a novel proposal on the subject. Modern publishing was less than excited by my vision. This is the same essential story, chiseled down to the bone. There is one plot element added to the original tale, and everything that the editors wanted taken out has been shoved forward and made obvious. I guess this is my bid for transparent justice.”
Three men occupy a circle of harsh white light. The youngest sits in front, his brown hair and beard just beginning to grow out. Soulful eyes and a wry little mouth point at the camera. His happiness is guarded, skeptical. By contrast, the men standing behind him are simply and enthusiastically thrilled. A striking resemblance links the three faces, but...
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