Chapter 25

Hunter looked out at the courtroom and the number of news media that was present didn’t surprise him. So far none of the major players had arrived yet and he wondered just what was going on. The DA and Defense attorney were also missing which was causing a stir in the media section too. It really didn’t seem right, to have so many reporters in the court, but his Honour had agreed to it, in the hope that the viciousness of the attack would come out and that maybe, just maybe people would take note of the brutality and maybe start adjusting their thinking.

He had admired the Judge’s stand in forcing the DA to prosecute the case but he was worried. There really wasn’t any solid evidence in the case, other than the eye witness and he was sure he knew how Zachariah Smith was going to attack that one. He would certainly portray the witness as having designs on his client, and when rebuked, he concocted this insane story. The jury would buy that, but even that was still undecided. The defense team had yet to make their choice known in this matter, after all it was only a preliminary hearing and they could opt for ruling by Judge over a Jury being empanelled. 

Assuming it was Trial by Judge, then maybe the DA had a chance of getting the case to trial, but then what? Surely the defense would have a Jury Trial and it would be extremely difficult to get any type of conviction on the evidence the DA had. Maybe the police had come up with something else but by the discovery documents filed just this morning, there didn’t appear to be anything new added to the DA’s case. In some respects he kind of thought the DA was dragging his feet, the police certainly seemed to. Why weren’t they investigating this Westbrook character more? Why weren’t they trying to tie him to the crime through other sources instead of relying simply on the eyewitness and the dying declaration of the other assailant? 

                  Victor stared at him and he was thinking what a pompous ass Smith was, but he had to give him credit, the guy was smart and yeah, maybe after the election he’d find a way to bury this slime ball, but then again, it wouldn’t be his problem then either, but some other assistant DA                                                                                        

Hunter entered the courtroom and began to place the necessary papers on the Judge’s desk and at the same time he tried to survey the full courtroom. He saw the two Paramedics and the ER doctor sitting at the back, and then up right behind the DA’s table he saw the witness. His eyes looked glazed and he wondered if he was high on something, but then he recalled that the man was an ex-monk and was a leader in the local gay community, advocating safe sex and even had successfully lobbied the city council for funding of a needle exchange program. No, he couldn’t be high, but he certainly looked like someone who was on the edge, almost as if he was in a trance even. Could be the stress of his friend’s condition and of witnessing such horror but something about him made Hunter shiver a little.

Off from him sat the Marine captain and another officer. Judging by his lapel and collar, the man was a Priest and he wondered what his purpose was here? His take on religion was a bit tainted these days, especially in having to deal with the missionary types like Jerry Hartwell and his wife. What a pair and he surveyed the crowd, still uneasy as he wondered why they had yet to materialize in court along with the DA and the defense team? Something was going on, he could feel it in his gut and he was sure that Judge Stilton would not be happy about whatever was being hammered out.

As his hands deftly shuffled the papers and organized the top of the work area, his brown eyes swiveled around and he could see the police contingent seated off to the right of the ex-monk. Strange, they looked so subdued, almost as if they were resigned to some defeat. Once more he shivered and he wondered if the air conditioning was on the blink again, because he really shouldn’t be feeling this cold, not with all these people in the room. Off to one side he saw a short well-built man enter the courtroom and he saw the man looking straight up at him. 

Stephen Lanier was the assistant DA that Victor had working with him and Hunter could see in his eyes a look of absolute disgust. He grew even more concerned as the man simply stared at him and then cocked his head to one side, as if he wanted Hunter to meet him outside of the courtroom. It was highly unusual but something inside of him told him he should do just that. He nodded discreetly and then finished his work and returned to the inner sanctum of the courtroom. As he closed the door he saw Stephen Lanier leave from the back door and he hurried to go out to the far side, where another door opened onto the vast hallway of the courthouse.

Opening the side door to the chambers, he waited, watching the bustling people going by and he spied the wolf pack of reporters that stood guard over the main doors to the courtroom. It really was a circus, but in some respects he could understand it. After all not everyday you got to see a tarnished preacher and the accusers in the same building. He surmised that most of the reporters were hoping for them all to arrive together but somehow he doubted if that would happen. Mind you, he did know that both Reverend Hartwell, his wife, and their chief aide were in the building. They still hadn’t showed up so it was possible that the press would get its wish.

He almost jumped as Steve Lanier came walking up. His soft face was etched with many lines today and Hunter felt a slight pang, because he rather liked Steve, he seemed to be an honest sort, at least so far. He just didn’t seem to have the same view on how to play the game, and it was obvious in his eyes that something was up.

Steve “Hunter, this is a mess.”

Hunter “What is a mess? And hey, where is your boss? He should have been in the courtroom by now.”

Steve “That’s just it, he’s meeting with Smith, they are cutting a deal I think.”

Hunter “WHAT? Are you sure?”

Steve “Yeah, and I don’t like it Hunter, thought I’d tip you off, but good old Victor seems unwilling to take this any further.”

Hunter “What kind of deal is he proposing?”

Steve “He didn’t tell me.”

Hunter “Shit, if he crawfishes on this, is he nuts? He’s sure as hell isn’t going to score any political points settling this without a trial.”

Steve “I think he will actually, he’s got me to take over the case against the paramedics too, so he can devote his full energy against the Hartwell’s.”

Hunter “Really? He’s going to go after them?”

Steve “Yeah, seems that the one in hospital, he kept negatives of pictures that Mrs Hartwell and her ex took. It is pretty damning evidence by itself, and the older one, Paul, has told Victor that he will testify to their accuracy as well.”

Hunter “That has to help, but still, it is going to be awfully hard to convince a Jury. The question of why it took so long, and all that, it will weaken the case I think.”

Steve “I don’t know, he is like a rocket off the pad on this one, he sees it as his ticket to being the next DA, but I don’t know, I wish I could just do the job we are supposed to do, instead of worrying about the political ramifications.”

Hunter “Tell me about it.”

Steve “Yeah, guess things are pretty hectic with your man being nominated, and it looks like he could make it too, you must really be excited.”

Hunter “Yeah it… shit, I just thought of… uh look Steve, thanks for the heads up on this, I need to go talk to Judge Stilton, maybe we can get together for lunch or drinks one of these days?”

Steve “Okay, yeah sure that would be nice Hunter, catch you later.”

Hunter really didn’t wait for much more as he quickly closed the door and rushed to the inner sanctum and the Judge’s chambers. It hadn’t dawned on him until the end, but if the DA and the Defense made a deal, it would tend to reflect on the Judge’s decision to push the DA into laying charges. Christ, that bastard Victor could use that as a possible excuse for even dropping the charges, but that would be insane. No way would he do that, it would be bad enough to settle for a reduced sentence or lesser charge, to just let the guy walk? No, there were enough decent people in this city that it would seriously affect his run at the DA’s job and yet, something was nagging at the back of his mind, something that he knew he should know.

Victor stared across the table at Zachariah Smith and his clients. Just by looking at Mrs Hartwell, he could see how she could indeed do the things alleged by her son Paul and her other son Terry. God, how could she have allowed her ex husband to do such things, never mind actually participate in them? It was sick and he was looking forward to prosecuting them, but right now he needed to focus on the matter at hand.

He glanced over at the manacled defendant, Adam Westbrook and he stared into his eyes and he could see that the young man had no remorse for his actions. Victor was certain of Adam’s guilt, but like Norm had pointed out to him, he wouldn’t be able to make it stick as long as Westbrook had a Zachariah Smith in his corner. Maybe if it was some rookie PD (Public Defender) he might, but it would most likely get overturned on appeal anyways.

Norm was right, cut his losses now before he got trapped in a long legal quagmire for no gain. Besides, he could lead a recuperative charge by taking on the indifference of the two paramedics as well as taking on the bigotry and abuse by two high profile characters, in Jerry and Janice Hartwell. Norm also had it all worked out how he could weasel his way out of this, first by claiming that the Judge had unduly forced him into this position, second by claiming that the police themselves had failed to properly investigate the case so as to insure him of some chance of success in a trial.

It really was a win win situation for him with Stilton too. If Stilton won the nomination, then he could campaign as the man who stood up to a Supreme Court Justice, if Stilton lost, then he could claim being the reason for it, for holding to the law and not letting politics interfere. Either way he had a good lead, and besides, he wasn’t ending the investigation, merely delaying it until the Police could uncover more evidence. It was a smart ploy, and given all the publicity that had already been generated, this could get him at least a solid 10-point lead for the primaries.

Victor “So, that is the motion, you of course don’t have to associate yourself with it, but you’d look like a fool if you don’t.”

Zachariah Smith “It doesn’t stop you from laying charges later on, it really isn’t that great of a deal, if we proceed it’ll be tossed out and you can’t re file.”

Victor “Maybe, maybe not, but you can’t proceed if we withdraw our charges, it really doesn’t need your approval, and you know that.”

Smith “You are planning to re file the charges later, after the election perhaps?”

Victor “I couldn’t say, it will remain an active case of course, and who knows what the police might finally come up with, they might actually vindicate your client or not, that’s not my concern right now, what is my concern is to see that justice is served here, and it can’t be reached by going to trial, so there you have it.”

Smith “Well I suppose we can live with that for now, but what about his honour? He was most insistent that you pursue this case, what if he refuses to accept your decision?”

Victor “Well that could happen, but in order for him to press ahead he would also have to remove himself as presiding judge, after all by refusing a joint motion such as this, he’d be seen as being biased against the defendant, so no, I don’t think we will get any opposition there, maybe some more of his holier than thou shit, but nothing else.”

Smith “Yes, I suppose we can shovel our ways out of that, well I still feel this is not a fair deal, but we’ll agree to join you in your motion.”

Victor “Excellent, I knew we could work this out, well, I’ll adjust my remarks accordingly then. Guess we should head into the courtroom.”

Smith “Yes uh, one other thing, I understand you are going to be handling the prosecution side against my other clients, the Hartwell’s?”

Crafty bastard that Smith, all he’s trying to do is circumvent the Grand Jury process or at least taint it for the trail. Well two can play the innocent game.

Victor “Prosecution of your clients? Sorry Zachariah, but at the moment there are allegations against your clients, that if proved to be sufficient in evidence to warrant a charge, then one will be issued, but at the moment, well it is still early in this to say who will be prosecuting who if anyone.”

Damn, he was sure the smug asshole would let it out of the bag, but guess he was a bit smarter than he looked or had acted so far. There was no doubt he had rushed into this case for political points, but the facts weren’t there, but give the shit credit, he was going to come out of this smelling like a blasted rose. 

Smith “Well, I suppose I’ll just have to accept that statement, for now. Okay, well I need to talk a little with my clients here, so I’ll see you in court.”

Victor “Yep, see you there Councilor.”

Victor left the conference room smiling and there was a distinct bounce to his walk, as if he had just convicted America’s Most Wanted criminal when in fact he was actually about to release a ticking time bomb back onto the streets. He didn’t see it that way, though he knew the possibility existed, but instead he chose not to see the truth of things. Victor was only out for one thing, that was to better his chances in the upcoming primary.

He glanced down the hall and saw the bevy of reporters jostling for position as they waited for the arrival of the major players. He smiled to himself, knowing that what he was about to do would set off a media frenzy, one that wouldn’t exactly be favourable to him, but if he played it right, most of the blame was going to fall far away from him and that would help keep him as a viable candidate. Also, if he played the cycle right, he could erase all this bad press tomorrow by holding the preliminary hearing against the two paramedics, and then the next day, drop the grand jury indictment and he should be out and running by then. 

Looking at the press, he smiled to himself amazed at how easy it was to manipulate them like a well trained chorus or something. Feed them a scrap of dirt about someone higher than you and they were off like a pack of dogs on the scent of a fox. It never ceased to amaze him at how bloodthirsty the press was to bring someone down, especially if they had a rather good record. Seemed that people like Judge Stilton demanded and got respect, but man if they could pin him for something wrong, they would only stop to lick their chops, not giving a single thought to whether or not the person had acted out of conscience or not. All they cared about was grabbing the headlines and running with it, speculating no end until the victim was hounded and harassed to the point that they ceased to be a factor.

He had the urge to simply walk up to them and let them in on his plans, but he knew it would be a lot more effective if he appeared elusive and unapproachable. It had a tinge of mystery to it and heightened the bloodlust that seemed to come over most reporters when they smelled a juicy story. Instead he opened the side door, and calmly and quietly walked inside, moving quickly to his position at the Prosecutor’s table and sat down.

No one really noticed he had come in, which was just fine with him as he opened his briefcase and looked over some papers, appearing to be readying himself for a battle when in fact, he was looking over the papers for the preliminary hearing on the two paramedics. He knew the fire department was opposed to this hearing, but it was a perfect forum for him to show the people that no one was immune from justice, and those two poor victims deserved justice, or so his opening arguments would claim.

Zechariah Smith had watched the door close and he smiled to himself. He had just won an easy case and a hefty fee for really doing nothing. His mere presence had forced the case out of court, which was fine with him. He might even consider bringing a civil case against the County for their malicious prosecution of his client, which would net him and his associates even more money, something he thought the Reverend Hartwell and his wife would be in need of, in order to pay his fee for their own case.

He turned his attention to them now and he could see the tiny beads of sweat on the good reverend’s forehead but his wife, now that was another matter entirely. She was as cool as could be, sitting there with an impassive expression, almost as if she had been bored by the whole process, but he knew that really wasn’t the case. She was an extremely sharp woman, and he was certain that she was planning something.

Smith “Well, that went better than I had expected, don’t you agree?”

Janice “Yes, but I don’t like the fact that he can still bring charges at a later date.”

Smith “True, but if he does, well it would mean he had more reliable evidence than he does now.”

Janice “I suppose”

Janice turned in her seat to stare over at Adam Westbrook who was sitting quietly in the far corner. He had barely said a word and he had this stupid grin on his face now, as if he had won a great big victory, but he didn’t have the sense to understand that the DA who just left would indeed be bringing the charges back, if he could, not out of a sense of justice but out of a political need to further his own ambitions. Men, it was typical of them, always trying to puff up their image instead of tending to the details. 

She didn’t understand why her husband had rushed so quickly into this whole mess, had he contained his enthusiasm they might not be in the mess they were in now. The idea of jail didn’t frighten her, but it wasn’t exactly how she planned to spend the next few years. Looking over at Adam Westbrook an idea came to her and she turned back to face the pompous moron that her husband had hired for them.

Her eyes were like dark burning embers as Zachariah Smith found them turned onto his own face. He actually blinked and leaned back in his chair as the force of her look was indeed overpowering. No wonder Reverend Hartwell seemed to always bow to her wishes. It was as if she had all the answers and there was no mistaking her look either. She wanted to talk, but without Adam being present, which really was a good idea. He nodded to the Bailiff and said some mild words to Adam who was quickly led away to await his summons to the courtroom.

It was too bad that he hadn’t met Janice Jamison before the good reverend did, she would have made an extremely perfect mate for him, with her intelligence and the way she thought, he would most likely have reached higher than even he could imagine. Strange, to sit here and think of her like that, but then again, she did have that way about her that simply exuded confidence and even awe. He didn’t see how she would avoid jail time but somehow, in the back of his mind he did have this notion that it would be an interesting ride none the less, and that if anyone could squirm out of this predicament, it would be her.

Smith “Well, one down, and I suppose your case is next?”

Jerry “Do you really think the DA will bring charges?”

Janice “Of course he will Jerry, don’t be so naïve, he has a political agenda, we are to be his stepping stones, right Mr. Smith?”

Smith “Please, call me Sam, Zack, but Mr Smith is too formal, and yes, I think you are right Mrs Hartwell.”

Janice “Janice will do Zack, question is can he make a case?”

Smith “I expect that he will have a grand jury indictment before the week is out, most likely day after tomorrow.”

Janice “That soon? Yes, it would make sense, he has the opening arguments in the paramedics case tomorrow, so yes, it would figure he’d want something for the following day, to keep the news cycle.”

Smith “Exactly, whether he gets a conviction or not is not relevant to him, it’s the publicity that he’ll garner that counts to him right now. He is expected to be the nominee for DA in the upcoming election for the Republicans.”

Janice “Doesn’t that just figure? Now, I wonder Zack, if maybe that could be changed?”

Smith “Changed? I don’t follow you.”

Janice “Well, what if we gave him something else? Something of equal value perhaps to hang his political aspirations on?”

Smith stared at her and he could really feel her power. God she had such a quick mind and already he could see the wheels turning. He also knew exactly what she was proposing, that they give Victor Adam on a silver platter in return for no prosecution of her or her husband. Christ, she was smart, and she wasn’t that far off, Victor was only interested in political points, this would be one he could really whoop up in the press.

Smith “It has possibilities, but if he does bite, how does he extradite himself from your case? It is a powerful case on its own, and there is Paul to consider, he won’t just quietly let it fade it away.”

Janice “No he won’t, but that is something we’ll just have to take in stride, make sure we have sufficient answers on hand at all times to deflect his accusations, maybe even suggest it his sick lifestyle that is forcing him to turn on his mother and step father. I think we can do sufficient damage in the media that his position will be negated or rendered harmless.”

Smith “I see, well yes I suppose that could indeed work, but we are still left with the issue of providing Victor with an out against you both.”

Christ she was going to have to spell it out for the old fool too? Why the hell did she have to always be surrounded by such absolute idiots? Couldn’t she have at least one person at her side that could think on the level that she did? Always it was up to her to bail everyone out, and where was the appreciation for that too? Her husband did show some, but what about all those hanger ons like dear Deacon Childs? He really was a disappointment to her, but she would deal with ‘him’ later, right now she had to concentrate and extradite herself from this mess, then she could attend to Deacon Childs and the others.

Janice “Yes, but perhaps there is a way, after all Paul got the information from Terry, but there is no direct evidence to say that they are the actual negatives, after all Terry can’t attest to it, and hell, by the time this did get to trial he’d be long buried and forgotten, so he could use that as a potential excuse, along with how time has passed, how he can’t proceed without finding where the biological father is, that too could cause at least his delay or willingness to delay.”

Christ she was ruthless, the way she could so easily talk about her son being dead and no longer a factor to the case, it really was something to watch. He didn’t know if this was what he wanted, but he had to admit, sentimentality was not for those accused of the crimes she was.

Smith “Well sounds like its worth a shot anyhow, but how can any of us serve up Westbrook?”

Janice “Deacon Childs here can, for starters, as a witness to Adam’s confession, and there are others we could get, some of those witnesses that haven’t come forward yet, plus, well let us just say we also have another witness who helped Adam and his friend after the attack. He too can testify but he’d want immunity from prosecution.”

Smith “Hmm, yes that would indeed cinch his case, but would make it impossible for me to handle his case too, after all there would be the appearance of conflict.”

Janice “Naturally, but your role is finished now, as far as Adam Westbrook is concerned. If the DA elects to file new charges against him he’ll have to find himself another lawyer, wont he?”

Smith “Yes, that he will.”

Janice “Also, you know running for any political office is a costly affair, I doubt if our friend Neilson has all that much money so he’ll need some hefty campaign contributions.”

Smith “True, he will.”

Janice “My husband and I have some rather extensive resources, some of which could be made available to Mr Victor Neilson and his campaign through third parties, which would insure their was no, shall we say, collusion?”

Smith “That certainly will sweeten the pot, won’t it? Just uh, how much are we talking about?”

Janice “Well, let’s not be cheap here, shall we say a half a million from oh, maybe 10 or so unrelated third party supporters by the middle of next week? And then maybe a further million by additional third party supporters at the start of the actual election campaign? I think that should more than wet his appetite, of course there has to be a few strings attached, such as the case against myself and my husband are dismissed.”

Smith “Naturally.”

Janice “So? Can you make this work or do we need to get someone else in?”

Smith “Oh I can make it work, there is one small question that remains unanswered though.”

Janice “What is that Zachariah?”

The use of his full middle name wasn’t lost on him. God she was one shrewd lady and he knew she could indeed bring this off, just on sheer will but given the greed of Victor Neilson and his desire to become DA, there was a very good chance of her plan working.

Smith “Well, if this goes to trial, my fee would be around 7 or 8 million dollars by the time it was all over, so…”

Janice “Yes, your compensation, well if this deal gets done, to my satisfaction, I am sure your compensation wouldn’t be any less than had we gone to trial, does that help answer your one small question?”

Smith “Oh yes, that it does.”

Janice “Good, then you better make sure you get to Victor long before he gets that grand jury indictment, don’t you think?”

Smith “Yes, and I know just how and who to approach, I’ll make the arrangements for a discussion now, if you’ll excuse me?”

Janice “Certainly.”

Just thinking of paying this phony that kind of money was nauseating but then again, if anyone could get the deal worked out it most likely was Samuel Zachariah Smith. She just wished she didn’t have to think of everything herself, but then, if she didn’t she certainly wouldn’t have the resources she had now, though when this was all through they would be greatly diminished, thanks to that ingrate son of hers, Paul. Just where did that little shit get such balls all of a sudden? And Terry, what the hell was taking him so long to end this nightmare? He should be dead by now, and yet the fool still hung on as if anyone really cared.

There was no doubt in her mind now that she would have to pay closer attention to the Ministry as well, thanks to the obvious weak kneed attitude of John. Damn that one hurt, she really had thought he would never be anything but a devoted follower, of hers. Well that too would be taken care of, but not right away, let the prick twist a bit before pulling the plug, it was what he deserved.

He paid off the taxi and stood upright, turning to face his two friends and then the steps that led up to the court house itself. It really was an impressive building, and yet something was nagging at the back of his mind as he stared at the white building, the tall columns that rose up to create a most impressive Romanesque type façade.

It really was an impressive building from a distance, but the closer you got, the shabbier it did become. He could see the cracks along the tall massive pillars and he felt a bit sad. There just wasn’t anything being done to maintain the old building and he had heard they were planning a new modern building, but would that really cover up the cracks? Maybe it was being naïve but he had always thought that the justice system was above politics, above the pettiness but the more he delved into it the more he found how wrong he really was.

He even had a notion that Justice really was served in these old hallowed halls, and maybe at one time it really had been, but today, well today he doubted if much consideration was given to what was right as to what was politically expedient or worse, what would hold up on appeal. The whole system seemed geared not to obtaining justice for the victims, but in to furthering political reputations. He sighed, knowing he was being pessimistic, but his ideals of obtaining justice had faded early on in this entire mess. Paul did have to give his mother credit though, she certainly was a tough fighter but somehow, he just knew that her time had come.

There was no explaining it, but deep in his heart he had this burning knowledge that the truth would come out, that despite her manipulations, justice would actually prevail in this instances, only trouble was, he also knew that while the truth may set him and Terry free of their grief, it would also bring pain and sorrow to others. Meeting with Victor Neilson had left him feeling cold and unsure, but he could see how the prosecution of his mother and step father would further the man’s career, and as long as that was possible, then he was certain the case would proceed. Strange, justice was now based on how much it could help a man’s career, not whether it was the right thing or not. Maybe that was why he had refused to let Victor Neilson keep the original negatives?

Just looking at him standing there, gazing up at the courthouse made his heart thump just a little harder. Was he really gay? Did he really dare to think that someone like Paul could actually care for a drunken vagabond like him? Christ he wished he wasn’t so afraid, so fearful of taking that leap of faith, but he knew too well the sorrow of rejection, and he still wasn’t so sure if this was for him, even though his soul and heart seemed eager to try for it. Too many doubts, but then, if he really thought about it, well, maybe he was being shown the way? Could all this be a sign for him? Was he really loved by the ultimate father or was it just one more illusion?

Rob “Scary isn’t it?”

Paul “Huh? What does?”

Rob “All this, I mean, I don’t know, it is kind of like being put on display or something, like everyone is a freak for the people to glare at.”

Paul “Yeah, but we have no choice, do we? We can’t let these things happen, keeping quiet doesn’t work, Christ do I know that now…”

Rob “It wasn’t your fault Paul, you were doing what you thought was best.”

Paul “Haha, yeah right Rob, that’s what I always told myself, but was I really? Or maybe I was just covering my own ass like so many others?”

Rob “Maybe both, but maybe it wasn’t the time back then? Maybe there is a plan or something; I mean even if you had spoken up earlier, done things differently, would it have prevented all this? Would Terry have been spared or would it maybe have happened long before now?”

Paul stared at Rob and he could feel that distant ache returning once more to his heart. How did someone like Rob manage to work his way under his protective shell? It really was amazing how from the first time he had seen Rob that he had this desire, this urge, to know more about Rob and in all ways too. Sure, Rob was a hot looking young man, standing at a good 6 feet in height and there was no way he weighed more than 150 pounds or so, yet it suited him too. His whole demeanor was one that made you just want to know him, but there was much more to Rob Mathews than what most could see. 

He could feel the hesitation in Rob, and yet he also could feel his desperate need for love and affection, a feeling no different than the one’s that raced thru his own body each time he stopped and thought about Rob. Funny, Terry had told him that one day he would find love, and he even told him that it would come from the least likely source too. Was Terry getting physic or just being a smart ass?

Paul “I don’t know, maybe you are right, but it doesn’t help much, does it?”

Rob “I suppose not, but at least we have Terry back, surely that has to count?”

Paul “Count? CHRIST YES, sorry, yes it does count, I never, I mean…”

Rob saw the tears forming at the corners of Paul’s eyes and his heart leapt forward as his own heart felt the pain and the joy that was now running thru Paul’s tired body. He could see the rippling muscles shake as a deep sob took hold and out of instinct, he just reached out and placed one hand on Paul’s shaking shoulder. With his other hand, he reached up and wiped away the starting tears, looking deeply into Paul’s eyes.

It was sort of like being hit by a semi trailer truck, the way the bolts just seemed to pass from his eyes to Paul’s and from Paul’s back to his. His whole body shook a little and he could feel his own chest starting to heave a bit as his breath became shallow and his heart pounded while his pulse raced faster.

Rob “Paul, I… shit, I mean…”

Shit, how can I not try to be with him? Fuck, even just having his hand touch my face makes me want to just haul off and grab him into my arms and smother him in kisses, but what if he runs? What if it isn’t right for him and me, then he gets hurt even more and how can I do that to him? Hell, just look at him, I can feel his own fear and yet I can’t stop the way I feel for him, but I have to be strong, I can’t rush this, I have to let him be sure, but damn it, I want him next to me so much.”

Paul “It’s okay Rob, I understand, and well, one thing at a time, there has been enough pain already, I don’t want to cause anymore.”

Rob “Pain? Yeah, there has, but you haven’t caused any of it, really you haven’t.”

Paul “In some ways I have Rob, I just, I don’t know, all this, it is sort of, well daunting I guess, but, well, I don’t think I could have gone this far, if it wasn’t for your support, and well…”

Christ it isn’t an illusion, he really does care about me, I still don’t see, well yeah I guess, shit this is so confusing, but I know I really do enjoy being next to him, feeling his heart beat next to mine, but I can’t figure out why, or maybe that shouldn’t matter? Maybe I should just let the reasons be whatever they are and just enjoy the friendship he is offering?

Rob “I guess all we can do right now is just take it one thing at a time, but Paul, I mean, well, I know it’s been tough for you, hell just reading about all that shit… I know you aren’t comfortable in talking about that shit, but uh, well, whenever you want, I’ll be here, okay?”

Paul “Thanks, you are right, uh, I guess I am sort of running from that still, but right now I just want to make sure Terry and Marvin get justice, that well, I don’t know, I guess its naïve but I am hoping that if this Adam guy gets a hefty sentence, well maybe it’ll wake some people up, I don’t know, kind of foolish huh?

Rob “No, not at all, and maybe you are right, maybe if they do give that shit a long sentence, maybe it will stop more of this crap, I sure hope so.”

Ashley had half been listening and watching but his mind was elsewhere as he too looked up at the courthouse. Only trouble was that each time he stared at the tall white building, the huge impressive columns, he didn’t feel hope but instead he had this feeling of impending doom. He should be happy, Terry was at least returning to him, or so it looked and deep inside of his heart, the faith and hope he had for that was stronger than ever. 

To have just held his hand and feel its warmth for a change was enough to make him smile deep within his body. It was like waiting for someone to be born and he knew he would need patience, but standing here, in front of a building that was supposed to inspire faith, inspire confidence, he felt desolation instead. There was something wrong and he knew it, but he couldn’t say what it was, but he knew all he wanted was to be alone on his island with Terry, to share with him his love and his passion and to ignore the world that had almost taken Terry from him.

Ashley “Do you think that anyone in there really cares what happens?”

Paul and Rob both turned towards the direction from where the soft voice had come from. Paul was shocked to see Ashley’s face, as it looked so white and haggard looking. For an instant, it looked as if he had just received word that Terry wasn’t going to make it, and yet he knew that wasn’t the case. Paul felt a slight chill in his bones and he shivered as he studied the despair on Ashley’s face.

Paul “Not many perhaps, but there are some… that judge, he cares I think.”

Rob “Yeah, and there are others, I mean what about Connor and Bruce? They care, and well…”

Ashley “Yes, I guess there are still a few who do care, but is that enough?”

Rob turned and stood close to Paul and he too stared at the tall young blond that had really been their guiding light. He couldn’t imagine Ashley in any other way than as someone who defied the laws of nature, had single handed made him believe that there was more to life than just a daily grind, and yet here he was, looking as if the world had ended. He shivered as he leaned into Paul and felt Paul put his arm around him, pulling him in close and he felt safe at last, knowing that Paul was close at hand.

Feeling Rob next to him, he could sense the comfort that his closeness brought to Rob, which in turn seemed to make his own heart calm down. Ashley looked so fragile right now, and yet he had been the one person who had never doubted that he would be with Terry again, whether that was to be here on earth or elsewhere, his faith had never wavered and yet now it seemed like he had no more faith left.

Paul “I don’t know, but it is all we have, isn’t it?”

Ashley “I suppose.”

Paul “Well, then it will just have to be enough won’t it?”

Ashley “And if it isn’t?”

Paul “Then I guess we lose this round and get ready for the next, but whatever does happen in there… well, we can at least say we did our part, who knows Ashley, maybe it just isn’t meant to be now, maybe it’s for later, but either way, we can say we tried, and hell, if we have to, well I guess a few more fights left in me, how about you?”

Ashley turned away from the towering white columns of the courthouse and looked closely at both Paul and Rob. He felt a strange easing around his heart and once more he could hear the happy chatter of dolphins in his head and he knew that maybe his and Terry’s island had room for two more. Maybe it was all he could hope for, and maybe that was enough to make it all seem worthwhile.

Paul was right, at least he could say that he had tried, and that did count for something. Maybe that was why he was being given this second chance with Terry? He knew that the days of darkness weren’t over but he also knew that those days weren’t filled anymore with just blackness, that light was slowly weakening the hold so yes; he guessed he did have a few more fight left inside of him.

Ashley “I think we lost this round before it started, but you are right, it is easier to accept knowing we tried, and well, yeah, I to do have a few fights left, not easy, but.”

Paul just smiled at Ashley and held is other arm open. Ashley saw the thin smile and he too smiled back as he walked closer to let Paul wrap his other arm around his body and pull him in close. He could feel the love and caring that Paul now signified and the pain in his heart let up for a bit, still feeling heavy and anxious, but at least it knew that it wasn’t alone in its struggle with the world.

They hugged briefly at the bottom of the long steps and then with Paul’s arms around them both, Ashley, Paul, and Rob began the climb up the steps towards whatever destiny had in store for them this day. Paul felt at ease, knowing that he only beginning his real fight for independence, and for a life that he had shunned for almost an entire decade.

Rob felt like whatever he might think, deep in his heart was something new and strange that at least promised him a chance at happiness, and after all, what more could you ask for than to at least have a chance?

The dread of what was at the end of their climb still clutched at Ashley’s heart and soul but he felt the comfort of knowing that he would face it with two friends. He could feel their comfort and more than that, he could feel the way they were slowly becoming more than just friends.

Stan Lawson sat in the same row as Carl and they had nodded to each other as he sat down. He saw the way Carl was looking and he wondered if Carl had finally crossed over from being HIV+ to being an actual AIDS case. The way the sweat was pouring down his face, which had a strange ashen look to it, had startled him. He knew Carl was taking this attack on Marvin and Terry hard, hell the rumours in the bar had been flying about it, and each time that Carl heard any, he seemed to just tense up and get this strange look on his face, just as he had now too.

It was very unsettling for him to look at Carl and he turned away, to take in all of the circus that was a courtroom just prior to the start of a sensational case. He noticed the three empty seats roped off just behind the Prosecutor’s table and he knew that had to be for Terry’s brother and for Ashley and Rob. What a time those three seemed to have and as he continued his journey around the courtroom he noticed another three seats roped off just behind the defense table. He assumed that two of them would have to be the Reverend Hartwell and his wife, who it seemed, according to the news, were not as saintly as they liked to portray themselves.

He chuckled a little at that, because he really loved it when scandal rocked the self-righteous right and lately, the Reverend Hartwell had almost been preaching in support of gay bashing. It was like he had suddenly aligned himself with those who were violently opposed to what others were doing. Not just gays but abortion clinics, hell he had come out against women who even thought about abortion even when raped. It certainly was going to be an interesting trail, and he wondered if maybe he would try to catch some of it, after all, he really didn’t have much to do during the days, other than attending to a few old time clients.

The cameras rolled and he heard at least a hundred or so clicks as a Bailiff entered the room with a handcuffed person, which Stan recognized as Adam Westbrook, the defendant in the case and for a split second he felt like just reaching out and hitting the smug bastard in the face. Looking at his face he didn’t see fear either, which only made him angrier. How could that puke walk in so confident, so full of himself as if he knew that he would not be convicted.

Stan could feel the hatred inside of him as well as all around him as many on this side of the aisle were patrons of the bar, and friends or acquaintances of either Marvin or Terry or both for that matter, like he was. His heart grew cold as he found himself reaching into his jacket, but his rage was quickly cooled as he realized that he had nothing to reach for. There was no hidden gun or anything, but if only, he thought, if only.

As the court settled, now waiting for three more of the main players to enter the room, he once more glanced over at Carl, and he drew back as he could still see the hatred in Carl’s face. It was all twisted and there seemed to be an unholy smoke coming from Carl’s eyes as they held steady and fast to Adam Westbrook’s body. If he had any doubts about the reality of hatred, they were dashed by that one single glance at Carl Hardy. Stan shivered as he averted his eyes once more, to the side door that was now opening and he watched in awe as Reverend Hartwell and his wife entered the room.

Both of them stopped momentarily as the cameras whirred and flashed and then as if they were on a Sunday stroll in the park, they came the rest of the way, to stop briefly to talk to Adam Westbrook. He saw Janice Hartwell bend down and kiss him on the forehead while the great Reverend Hartwell slapped his shoulder. It was almost enough to make him want to shout out, to curse them both along with Adam but his rage had stilled his voice, and instead he found his fingers digging hard into the soft flesh of the palms of his hands.

Then a third person entered the room and he was stunned. His eyes blinked several times and his jaw hung open in disbelief as he watched the third man walk in and he too stopped to talk with Adam. Then he moved to the chair next to Mrs. Hartwell who leaned over and patted his arm as she whispered something to him. It was too much for him and he wiped the top of his forehead, feeling the sweat being soaked up by his suit jacket sleeve.

The man was John Childs, a client of his for over 10 years now, a man who supposedly was in the import/export business but now he could see that the story was all a lie. John Childs worked for or with the Hartwell’s, and he cringed as he realized at the enormous wealth that was at their beck and call, all thanks to his work. How could he have been so stupid as to not realize that John Childs was a phony? 

He leaned back into the seat, wishing he could denounce the man right now, but then, as his rage cooled he wondered if maybe there wasn’t a way for him to put a monkey wrench into John Childs and his friend’s plans? After all, he knew where the accounts were, how much was in each of them, and he had the key too, the magic phrase and password that opened access to all of the accounts that he managed for John Childs and JJJ Operations llc..

The cameras were in full swing as they covered every nuance, every move that the four made. Adam was basically just moving his head around and as Stan spotted him, he saw him smile as if he really did think he was going to get off on the charges. Stand wasn’t much on law, but he sure as hell knew that having an eye witness as well as a dying declaration was pretty good evidence to have. How could he be sitting there, almost gloating each time he looked over to those sitting in the prosecution side, with such a carefree attitude? Maybe he really was nuts?

Chaplain O’Malley couldn’t stand the look he saw on Adam’s face and yet he couldn’t quite put his finger on why. It was almost as if the man had a secret, knew something, and that whatever it was, it didn’t bode well for the prosecution side. He glanced over to see DA Neilson stare at Adam and then turn his attention towards the Hartwell’s. For some strange reason when he looked at them, his eyes seem to come alive, which shouldn’t be, he should be getting himself ready to deal with Adam first, or was he missing something?

He shook his head and turned to see the anger in Captain Hollis’ face too and he wondered what it was about some people? How could they get so angry in such a short time and he watched the inner struggle taking place with Captain Hollis and he felt ashamed. He himself felt no anger, just disgust at Adam’s behaviour, and that troubled him. Should he not feel anger? Should his rage be any less than Captain Hollis’ or perhaps Carl Hardy?

The thought of Carl made him seek him out and he could see the pure hatred that held dominance now over Carl’s face. For a second he recoiled from the sight and then he felt like he should get up and talk to Carl. In fact, he was beginning to push himself up when he felt a tap on his shoulder and found himself staring into the eyes of a bailiff.

Bailiff “Sorry to bother you Chaplain, the defendant would like a word with you before court starts.”

Chaplain O’Malley “Oh? Uh, well, is that permissible?”

Bailiff “I don’t see why not, his lawyer isn’t here and he’d be the only one who could really complain.”

Chaplain Mark “Well, okay I suppose so.”

Chaplain O’Malley stood up and started to head towards the defendant’s table when he turned for an instant and once more looked into Carl’s face. He was suddenly quivering as he saw flashes of pure hatred reaching for him, and not just Adam Westbrook. It was almost as if Carl was associating him with Adam, not even stopping to consider that as a priest, he had an obligation to answer anyone’s call for his services. It was what Chaplains and Priests did after all. Who knows, maybe Adam wanted to confess to him again or maybe ask for his help in arranging some plea bargain? Stranger things have happened.

The glare of Carl’s eyes and the feeling that almost overwhelmed him frightened him terribly. His heart was beating hard and he knew that his pulse was racing out of pure terror. He had seen that look before, the look of someone bent on vengeance and he looked around the room, wondering if anyone else had noticed what he had?

His movement towards Adam faltered and he could see the quizzical stare that he was getting from the Bailiff, but he didn’t know how to explain what he saw, or even if he really did see what he thought he did. To him, there was no mistaking the look of death and it was that which he saw in Carl’s face and it made him turn and look once more at Adam, and there too he saw the glazed look, not of death but of some secret exhilaration, some secret knowledge of something important. 

Chaplain O’Malley felt disgust as he walked closer to Adam, but what really troubled him was the look on Carl’s face. He had taken this whole episode personally, and Mark O’Malley knew that it was weighing heavily on his soul, but as he came closer to Adam, he prayed silently for God to help ease Carl’s burden and keep him safe. It was a heart felt prayer, and he wondered if God would listen or would once more there be more tragedy borne out of Adam’s sickness and twisted sense of what was God’s will?

Zachariah Smith waited impatiently for Norm Cochrane to get off his cell phone. Court was due to be called into session shortly but he wanted to nail this down first, it would be the climax to a perfect day, a double win for him and a hefty deposit of $10 million dollars to help savour the moment for some time to come. There was no doubt in his mind that both Adam and Janice Hartwell deserved to be in jail but it was his duty to insure they got justice, and yet even as he drummed his fingers on the wooden desk, he couldn’t quite make out why getting them off was serving justice, after all wasn’t justice supposed to be where the bad buys got sent away, not plea bargained out to freedom?