XIV.

Gemstone Key Together read the billboards, the bumper stickers, the signs in store windows, and the placards strewn about the city in the weeks following the fire. In some ways, it was the truth. In other ways, it was not even close.

A TV news broadcast from that time summed up many of the prevailing sentiments:

“Good afternoon, Gemstone Key,” said Adam Blackwell somberly, “I’m Adam Blackwell. With me, as always, is Nona Friedolph. And this is the Daily Herald.”

“Thank you, Adam,” said Nona Friedolph on cue, “The city continues its mourning after the tragic fire at the downtown library. Last night, a candle vigil was held just outside the burn site’s grounds, with hundreds showing up to pay their respects. Pictured here are several of the victims’ families, overtaken with emotion, and yet, supporting one another in their grief.”

“It’s a heartwarming testament to our city’s compassion seeing all those gathered there together.”

“It truly is, Adam.”

“In related news,” said Adam Blackwell, turning in his chair to face a different camera, “the mayor has been under some scrutiny as of late due to his seeming inaction after the tragedy struck. Many have called for more stringent security at all government run locations in our city, including schools, the inner city museum, the parks, the beaches, and the opera house, in the event that another such attack be attempted again. Some of the victims’ families have gone so far as to file law suits against the city in an attempt to put pressure on the mayor’s office. Earlier today, the mayor called a press conference to address concerns.”

At the press conference, Mayor Prince Douglas stood at his podium, speaking in his usual, musical cadence to the camera and crowds, “We, the people of Gemstone Key, each and every one of us, we are all in a state of shock over the transpirings that have occurred in our great city. Nobody, but the victims and their surviving families, has been more touched, more affected by what happened, than me. It is then with extreme discomfort that I stand here before you all today, forced to address unruly demands in the wake of such an occurrence. In the midst of a healing process, emotions are ramped high, reason goes by the wayside, and reactionary tactics are desired. But we as a city must not succumb. I, as an elected representative of the people’s collective interest, must not succumb. And I will not. And we will not. No, we will hold firm. We will stay steady. We will unite in this, for only united, will we as a people move past this moment, and heal.”

“Strong words as always from the mayor there, Nona,” said Adam Blackwell.

“I agree, Adam,” said Nona Friedolph. “We unfortunately turn our attention now to Gemstone Key’s local conspiracy community. Within days of the tragedy, several members of the online Truth First forum had posted several so-called theories as to the true events surrounding the fire. Several of the victims’ families have already been harassed under accusation that they are part of some staged event or government operation. We read now some excerpts from the forum (with usernames blacked out):

“Says one: The spread of the fire occurred too quickly. According to reports, the whole library was consumed in flame in under six minutes. Yes, the books and shelving would have helped the fire move, but that fast? The only way this works is if multiple perpetrators are setting fire at different points of the library at the same time. But we’re being told there’s only one perpetrator, this Irene Kayne lady, who’s obviously just a patsy for what really went down. What I think happened is a group of military types went in and did this to sow discord in our city and they escaped before anything happened to them or anyone really took notice.

“Says another: Even though I’m with you on the multiple perpetrators, I’m not tracking with you on the societal discord angle, guy. If you look into some of the documents I shared in the post above, you’ll see that several big business interests had their sights on the library property but the government couldn’t sell it due to its historical value to the city. Now, nothing is preventing them from unloading the property for millions which I’m sure will be pocketed by local politicians.

“One more: I’m with you both on one thing. There’s no way this could have been done by one chick, who was a former burn victim herself, probably all debilitated. I don’t care what that librarian says, she’s probably just an actor or paid off or something. I don’t know about all the government connection stuff, maybe you guys are right, but I’m wondering if it’s maybe not just some local liberal group that wants to start up a revolution or something. What if they launch more attacks to keep escalating tensions and encourage more restrictions on our privacies and rights? Just a thought. Let me know what you guys think.”

“Disturbing, Nona,” said Adam Blackwell.

“Yes, and most disturbing of all,” said Nona Friedolph, “is that these ideas are allowed to spread, swallowing up the minds of our kids.”

“And speaking of the mind, Nona, we have in studio with us our good friend and recurring guest, the psychologist Dr. Stephen DeHaven, here to help us better understand Irene Kayne. First off, Dr. DeHaven, how are you?”

“I’m doing well, Adam. Nona, good to see you,” said Dr. DeHaven.

“Good to see you,” said Nona Friedolph. “Though we wish it were under better circumstances.”

“Yes, yes,” said Dr. DeHaven, nodding and smiling. “But it’s moments like these, where, in accordance with my theories, humanity is best able to display its resilience.”

“Of course,” agreed Adam Blackwell. “Now, doctor, you, a mental health professional of twenty years, have stated openly that not only was Irene Kayne working alone, but it’s all together likely that she had isolated herself from the world for some time.”

“That’s right, Adam. We know that Irene, after the loss of her family, went off the grid completely. None of her friends or surviving family heard from her at all. This is typical of a person who cannot appropriately process grief.”

“I see,” said Adam Blackwell, “and what, in your clinical opinion, would have aided her in her grieving process?”

“Contact with people. Finding something to invest her time in. Support and love from a community of like-minded individuals.”

“Yes, that rings true,” said Nona Friedolph.

“So, doctor, what do you say to those who believe more attacks are incoming or to the conspiracy community who believe this was the work of multiple perpetrators?” said Adam Blackwell.

“All of that is alarmist nonsense,” said Dr. DeHaven, “What we as a city must focus on now is learning from Irene. We cannot lose ourselves, as she did, in our grief. And we must insure we do not do anything reactionary we may later regret.”

“Wise words, doctor,” said Adam Blackwell.

“Wise words, indeed,” said Nona Friedolph. “I wish we could speak more, doctor, but we’re coming up against a break. Thank you so much for being with us.”

“You’re welcome, Nona. Adam. And thank you for having me,” said Dr. DeHaven.

The broadcast went then to commercial.