51

Three years on, Agnes discovers an unexpected blue folder behind Aunt Lydia’s usual speech drafts at the Hildegard Library. The file details Paula’s first husband, Commander Saunders, not killed by his Handmaid as claimed, but murdered by Paula, who framed the Handmaid using threats, false maps, and coerced testimony. Evidence includes photos and interrogation transcripts showing the Handmaid’s innocence despite a torture-induced confession.

Agnes realizes at least one Aunt knew the truth and did nothing, leaving Paula unpunished and the Handmaid executed. She wonders why the file was given to her, whether it was a warning, manipulation, or explanation for the collapse of her arranged marriage to Commander Judd, and even questions whether Tabitha’s death was natural.

Over the next two years, more color-coded folders appear: blue for Wives, black for Commanders, gray for professionals, striped for Econopeople, dull green for Marthas. They expose forced crimes by Handmaids, conspiracies among Sons of Jacob, bribery, framed adulteries, baby thefts, poisonings, and sham trials built on torture and false confessions. Agnes concludes that beneath Gilead’s piety, corruption is endemic.

A thick black file on Commander Judd details the fates of his previous Wives: a staged fall breaking a neck, two engineered childbirth-related deaths when he blocked lifesaving care, and a slow poisoning via cadmium-laced paints. Agnes recognizes she narrowly escaped becoming his next victim and offers a conflicted prayer of thanks, also fearing for Shunammite.

Agnes reflects that the Aunts collect and weaponize secrets, waiting to use them for hidden objectives. She sees the path before her: returning from Pearl Girls service to wield such knowledge herself. Disturbed yet drawn by the promise of silent judgment and retribution, she acknowledges a vengeful urge she cannot deny.