Chapter 26

Judge Stilton put the phone down once more and this time he had a small smile on his face. Things finally had come together after several furious minutes of calls and gentle chiding but he had what he needed and he felt satisfied. It was really amazing how much politics played in the pursuit of justice, and he wondered if it really was any less up on the bench? Was the ultimate ruler of the country, the Supreme Court, any less affected by the politics of the times or was it really beyond that, as many people seemed to believe?

He shrugged his shoulders because as of this moment in time, his own nomination to the highest bench of the land was still up in the air. Seemed that many across the aisle didn’t like his stance on certain popular programs, but as his nomination guide told him, the White House didn’t want him to temper his views, in fact they were encouraging him to speak out, to answer the charges so that a solid dialogue could be achieved outside the political arena. They were surprisingly candid too that such action would hamper his chances but that the President was tired of all the politically correct nonsense, and he wanted to start his term off by being true to his own beliefs.

In a very candid discussion with the President, he felt that he was quite prepared for many defeats in congress, but then, maybe it would also spur debate on the real issues instead of the same old political crap that had gone on for the last 8 years or so. He admired the concept but he was also a pragmatist and knew that he was fighting an uphill battle. Well, it would be nice to end his career as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court but it would be more enjoyable if the courts really did administer justice and not just the cold narrow line of law tainted many times by the ugly face of politics.

               Chaplain “Of course I believe it, Adam that is what Christianity is all about, it isn’t about stoning sinners or casting ourselves into the role as judge, jury, and executioner, that is not what our savior died for on the Cross, can’t you see that?”                                                                                                   

He waited for Hunter to return, as he had decided to add to the expectations by letting everyone know that court would not get into session as scheduled, but would be delayed by 30 minutes. The news of the deal that Hunter brought to him wasn’t surprising, but Hunter’s astute political savvy also tweaked on how Victor would try to use it to further his own ambitions by placing his failures onto others and that had gotten Judge Stilton’s blood pressure boiling. Well, thankfully he had gotten the heads up because now he had his own bombshell to drop on smart assed Victor Neilson and that holier than thou defense attorney Smith.

Hunter “You look happy, did the Democrats concede your nomination?”

Judge “Haha, no that won’t happen, but then again, thanks to your friend, I think we’ll be giving them something to think about, along with our ambitious friend out there. How did he take the news about the delay?”

Hunter “Oh like a trooper, he really is smug, but you should see the defendant, man is he ever smiling, like a damn Cheshire cat.”

Damn insolent pup, and all done under the guise of religion too, yet that seems to be the way of the world. How many innocents have died because someone thought it was God’s will? Who were these people that had such ego’s as to think they had a secret insight into God’s plans? It really irked him, and now one more might have escaped to wreak more havoc if circumstances hadn’t conspired against him.

Judge “Yes, I can imagine, well fortunately we have a few tricks left up our sleeves, I don’t think he’ll be smiling after I rule on the motion.”

Hunter “So, your friend in Justice was able to help?”

Judge “Oh yes, he in fact was very willing, seems that there are certain provisions in the Uniform Code of Military Justice that give him the grounds, after all he was AWOL.”

Just looking at the Judge he felt a sense of ease. Man he sure did act fast too when he presented him with his thoughts about what might really be behind this deal. He had never seen the Judge get so silent, so menacing and it had scared the shit out of him as he saw a thin smile cross the Judge’s face, and then he became nothing but a whirlwind of action. He really was something, and he could see the fire in his eyes still and for some reason he didn’t feel any pity for Victor Neilson or the defendant.

Hunter “Is that going to be enough?”

Judge “Enough to arrest and confine him, and then he’ll have his day in court, one that Mr Smith won’t be able to manipulate nor Mr Neilson.”

Hunter “I saw that Captain who appeared earlier, is he going to do the honours?”

Judge “Haha, no, the base adjutant, Major Collier and some MP’s are on their way, they will do the honours immediately after my ruling on Mr. Neilson’s motion.”

Hunter “What about the police?”

Judge “That has also been dealt with. I don’t think the Chief is all that happy about being blamed for this either, funny, Victor should realize that he may need the Chief’s support if he really wants to be the DA.”

Hunter “Well I don’t think our boy Victor is all that savvy, he’s focused too narrowly.”

Yes Hunter old boy, he is indeed too narrowly focused, focused solely on what is best for Victor Neilson instead of what is best for Justice and this time he will find out that Lady Justice may indeed be blindfolded, but that she still has teeth, very sharp teeth that will leave a lethal mark on dear Victor, at least if he has anything to do with it, and seeing as he does, well this might very well be Victor’s swan song, only he doesn’t know it yet.

Judge “Yes, too bad, he could have made a good prosecutor too.”

Hunter watched as Judge Stilton donned his robes and they looked at each other, both of them aware of the importance of what was about to occur. They both knew that politics was a part of the criminal justice system, yet today, justice might just win out over politics, or so the hoped as they headed to the courtroom.

Chaplain O’Malley couldn’t believe it, there just was no way that what Adam was saying was even possible, was it? After all, this was America not some third world country but yet the sheen in Adam’s eyes and the way his voice was so upbeat, it had to be true, even though his mind couldn’t fathom how.

Adam “Don’t you see Father? He has protected me, after all I really was doing his work for him, don’t you see it?”

Impossible! There is no way that the prosecutor would do this, how dare he, even if he doesn’t think he has a chance of winning, he certainly should at least try, after all, this isn’t just an ordinary assault, my God a young boy is dead and another is barely clinging to life, how could he do this to them?

Chaplain O’Malley “Huh? Sorry, my mind, Adam are you certain of this? I mean the DA over there, he really said that he was going to withdraw the charges?”

Adam “Of course, I wouldn’t make that up Father, you know that.”

Chaplain “Yes, that is true, I am sorry, I just didn’t think he would dare do something like that.”

Adam “Maybe normally he wouldn’t, but don’t you see? It wasn’t his doing, it was God’s doing, God is proud of me, and he has come to protect me, just like Reverend Hartwell said he would.”

Chaplain “Now Adam, this isn’t God’s work, surely you can’t really believe that God would condone what you did?”

Adam “Why not? I mean, those types, they are evil, them and Jews and the Blacks, they all are Satan’s tools, and it is up to people like you and me, true God fearing people to help keep the world safe, isn’t it our jobs?”

Chaplain “No Adam, our jobs as good Christians is to show mercy, not to judge others, and to always offer a helping hand, no matter who is asking, that is our obligation under God, not to murder, not to do harm simply because we don’t accept their colour, religion or lifestyle.”

Adam “I know you have to say that Father, I mean to keep up the pretence, but you can’t believe it, can you?”

Adam “NO, No that can’t be right Chaplain, you are wrong, can’t you see that what I did was a blessing? I helped to rid the world of vermin, of those who want to infect us because we are true believers, can’t you see that?”

Chaplain “No, no one wants to infect us, they don’t care if we become Jewish, in fact the Jewish faith is the hardest one to convert to if you aren’t born into it out of all the established religions and from what I know about gays, they aren’t interested in turning anyone gay, they just want to have the same rights, the same respect that we have, and blacks, last I heard you can’t change your skins pigments, and that is how God made it Adam, these are all his children, he doesn’t play favourites.”

Adam “That isn’t true, a non believer cannot enter heaven, Reverend Hartwell told me so, and that those who don’t enter heaven are doomed to eternal damnation, that’s in the bible too Chaplain, don’t you read your scriptures?”

My God, how can he believe all this? Has religion and the true word of God been so corrupted that no one can really know the truth? How does a man like Hartwell get away with this sin? Why don’t you come down and do something? Why are you leaving your children so vulnerable like this? Isn’t it enough that we suffer from all the other sins of this mortal world and then have to endure the uncertainty of your own love? Dear God what are we to do?

Chaplain “More than you can know Adam, I wish I could help you, but until you seek the truth that is within you, I am afraid for you, I truly am.”

Adam “Reverend Hartwell said you wouldn’t understand, you don’t have to be afraid for me Chaplain, I am in God’s hands and he is looking after me really good, that’s why I am going home after this, back to the Navy.”

Chaplain “So you say, well I wish you well Adam, I really do but not in the spirit that you may take that to mean.”

His heart was heavy as he turned away from the pimpled smiling face of Adam Westbrook. How could today’s society still be as archaic and narrow minded as it was back in Christ’s time? Was there no learning from the past? His feet felt heavy and his soul was dragging, as if there was a real sense of dread upon it and he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was much more to come in this saga.

Candice West came in behind the mad crush of her fellow reporters and she was feeling a bit sick to the stomach as she saw how the frenzy was already in full force There was no denying that Paul’s arrival had only added to the fires, his refusal to say anything other than he was he was here to see that Justice was done for the attack on his brother, and for the murder of another innocent person, who’s only crime was that he was gay.

They had tried to get him to comment on his charges against his parents, but he had refused any further comment and the two young men with him had also refused comment. One she recognized as being the lover to the victim laying in a coma back at the hospital. The doctors hadn’t given him much of a chance of every coming out of the coma, in fact the odds of him surviving were something like a million to one, and yet somehow all three of them seemed to have hope that he would recover.

People were strange in that way, how they could hear the cold facts of science and yet cling to that one chance as if it was the real number, that the numbers opposing his recover were nothing but fantasy. She sighed a little as she watched the horde continue to flash their cameras and thrust their microphones into all three faces and yet, the three didn’t even seemed phased by it at all. 

She watched as they entered the courtroom and moved up the aisle towards their reserved seating, just behind the Prosecutor who had turned to watch them enter the room. Hell everyone had turned to watch and she could see the Reverend Hartwell and his wife staring too. For a brief second she was certain she had seen a killing glance by Mrs Hartwell as she looked at her eldest son walk in. The reverend didn’t look all that happy either and yet the defendant seemed almost glad to see Paul, Rob, and Ashley coming in. It was like he couldn’t contain his glee and she noticed too the blank stare of the prosecutor, almost, but no, it wouldn’t be possible, not even Victor Neilson could be that stupid, but she suddenly felt very apprehensive as she continued to watch the procession and the flash of cameras.

Candice had been covering the courthouse for a short time, and many of her colleagues considered her just a pretty face trying to climb up the media ladder. They really weren’t all that supportive either and at the beginning she had made some pretty good blunders, until she came across Judge Stilton. He had become her favourite over the year, mainly because he had helped her out when no one would even give her the time of day. 

There had been a tough case 9 months back, and everyone had wanted an interview with the presiding judge who had been forced to let a convicted rapist go free on a technicality. Judge Stilton had been that judge and out of all the hounding members of the press, he had granted one interview, and that was to her. It made her, so to speak, and from that time on she wasn’t constantly being humiliated or shunned. She had stature because she had got the hot interview then, and she wondered if she would be able to accomplish that again? After all Judge Stilton was a hot topic and she had approached his clerk, Hunter Mathews and he did sound promising.

If she could just get that interview nailed down, especially while this trial was going on, she could write her own ticket with her bosses. Hell, she might even make anchor at the station if she pulled this off. Somehow though, all of those dreams seemed to suddenly pale as she continued to watch the defendant and now his attorney as well, as they seemed almost jovial, as if the whole thing was merely a walk in the park. She couldn’t understand their demeanor and she turned her attention to the others seated in the courtroom.

There was several people that drew her interest, but one seated next to the JAG officer really got her blood pressure rising. He looked almost as if he was ready to burst a blood vessel or two. His face was so constricted by hatred and anger, and she could see that he couldn’t keep his eyes off the defendant either. It scared her a little and for one of the few times, she was glad that the courthouse had electronic screening for all entering the building. Sure the police had guns, and it did look like the military guy did too, but that was okay, just as long as the ordinary folk didn’t and that was what the scanners were for.

A strange chill went up her spine as she saw that there wasn’t any extra Bailiff’s either and she couldn’t explain it, but that made her feel even more nervous as she scanned the crowd, constantly returning to the one person that had so captivated her attention. The guy was tall and formidable looking and she suddenly let her jaw fall open. That was the guy who had identified Adam Westbrook as one of the assailants and now she felt the sweat beading up in the palms of her hands.

The clerk called the court into session for the third time and finally this time around people began to listen to him. The media grudgingly backed off to their assigned spots in the courtroom and the loud rustling noise began to finally subside so that voices could actually be distinguished from the general hub bub.

With a soft tap on the door to the Judge’s chambers, the clerk once more stepped forward and spoke up bringing those seated to their feet as Robert Stilton, clad in his long black robes, entered the courtroom. His eyes sparkled as he walked up the three steps to his raised podium and he quickly glanced to make sure all the papers were there. He had to smile inside, because he knew they would be there, but he didn’t like taking things for granted.

With a gruff ‘be seated’ he busied himself glancing at the papers and shuffling them around, heightening the already tension filled room. Well, it would get a lot more tense in a short time, that he was certain of. He really felt disgusted, that his lady justice was being so ruthlessly used, but she wasn’t always a lady. She had teeth too and if someone had the balls to get them bared then look out and he stared over at the defendant’s table.

The beaming face of the defendant was almost enough to make him throw up but then again, he knew something that the defendant didn’t and that brought a smile to his 63rd year old face. He was sure that Victor had seen that smile too and he turned his attention towards him, letting his contempt for the man show on his face. He saw Victor recoil a little but then get that smug look of his, well, so be it thought Judge Stilton and he finally gaveled the court into session.

Judge “Mr Prosecutor?”

Victor “Your Honour, at this time the state wished to offer a motion to the court.”

Judge “Oh? Very well, proceed.”

Victor “Uh, thank you your Honour, I would like to state for the record, that this motion is joined by defense council as well.”

Judge “Is that correct Mr Smith?”

Smith “Yes it is your honour”

Judge “I see, well proceed Mr. Prosecutor.”

Victor “Thank you, I would like to add for the record that I do not make this motion lightly, however circumstances leave the State no choice, in fact, I would also state for the record that your Honour has contributed most heavily to this decision as well, by your insistence that…”

Judge “Excuse me councilor, is this a campaign speech or do you have a motion to present?”

Victor “I am getting to that your honour, however I feel that given the nature of the motion and of the attention this case has drawn, that the DA’s office should be allowed to explain its motion.”

Judge “I see, well you can do that after you present the motion Mr. Prosecutor, in your argument for it.”

Victor “Yes, well if your Honour will state that we shall have that opportunity, then of course I…”

Judge “If I what? Mr. Prosecutor is there some reason that you feel it necessary to attack this court? You are very close to outright insubordination, and that Mr. Prosecutor is not acceptable in my court.”

Just the fact that it was a joint motion had peaked everyone’s attention and you could feel the tension as it rose high in the courtroom. Many people now leaned forward, studying the two lawyers and the defendant. Dismay rose in many as they could see that the defendant was in a very exulted mood. 

Victor “I would respectfully say to his Honour that I am not attacking the court but I can understand how his honour might feel that way, given his rulings so far in this…”

Just look at his smug face! He thinks he has pulled one over on me, that he can attack me and the police and come out of this smelling like a rose, his own political dreams intact, well he is in for a fight he didn’t expect. God I wish for the time when we can serve Justice and not political ambitions, maybe this can be one of those times.

Judge “MR PROSECUTOR, I would urge you to control your ‘thoughts’ before you find yourself in contempt of this court, now do you, or do you not have a motion to present to this court?”

Victor “Yes your Honour, may I proceed?”

Judge “Yes you may proceed to present your motion, the grandstanding you do not have permission to proceed with, Mister Prosecutor.”

Victor “Yes, well, due to the Court’s own decision to have the charges against the Defendant…”

Judge “I am warning you Mr. Prosecutor, no more of that nonsense, this court did not make up the charges, it suggested a guideline for the State to follow, one which you accepted without hesitation if my memory is correct.”

Damn but you are a feisty one Stilton, but it won’t help you one fucking bit, I got you and there isn’t shit you can do about it now. I am going to bury you old man, you and your dreams of sitting on the bench, that is all going to go down the drain while I will ascend. I’ll teach you to try and make me look weak or incompetent.

Victor “None the less your Honour, your suggestion was most forceful, as the State’s representative I felt I had no choice but to bow to your suggestion, as you call it.”

Judge “You had the option to refuse, you also had the option to request the matter be held over, so Mr. Prosecutor don’t blame this court for your rush to judgment, or maybe I should say perhaps your lack of preparation for this case?”

Victor “That is not fair your honour, I’ll have you know that my office has spent countless hours on this case, we were prepared for our case, not one you forced on us.”

Judge “I forced nothing on you Mr. Prosecutor, it is my duty as the presiding judge to point out matters of law to you, it isn’t my fault if you can’t interpret them properly, now do you or do you not have a motion to present? If not, then we can proceed.”

Victor “I do have a motion, if your Honour will allow me to present it.”

Judges “Please… go ahead Mr. Prosecutor.”

Victor “Thank you… your Honour. As I have been saying, due to certain factors forced upon the State in bringing forth charges against this defendant, the State has come to the painful decision that those charges could not be sustained during even a preliminary hearing, and as the Police have failed as well to pursue obtaining further evidence, the State reluctantly must inform the court that it is withdrawing all charges against the defendant…”

The courtroom erupted as if a bomb had suddenly gone off. Everyone was on their feet yelling and some of the voices penetrated the general outcry to reach even the Judge. His eyes were blazing as he had anticipated some rebellion from the onlookers, but this was worse than he had imagined. Off to the right where the supporters of the defense were, he could hear people cheering and yelling thank yous and some were even singing hymns it seemed.

On the opposite side he could see the outrage but he also saw complete confusion too. They didn’t know who to be angry with, the Prosecutor, or him,  or even the defendant. They were livid and he didn’t like what he saw either in many of the faces of those shaking their fists at him and at the Prosecutor. For the first time in his entire recollection of sitting on the bench, Judge Stilton felt fear for his own safety and it made him sweat as he tried to regain control, to get people to sit down and calm down.

For an instant he had his hand on the panic button under his desk, contemplating sending an urgent help signal to the Bailiffs. He had forgotten about that, and he knew he should have anticipated such outrage, and increased his security staff, but there just hadn’t been time to cover all the bases and now he might be paying for that in an actual riot in his own courtroom.

Chaplain O’Malley “YOU CAN’T DO THAT!”

Detective Deese “YOUR HONOUR!  You can let him do this, we did our job, there are witnesses.”

Carl Hardy “NO! YOU HAVE PROOF! NO! YOU CAN’T DO THIS; YOU CAN’T LET HIM GET AWAY WITH MURDER!  YOU CAN’T!”

Those behind the prosecutor moved closer to the railing and Patrolman Lanier was suddenly thrown off balance by the press of people. He didn’t know what to expect but he stood his ground, shuffling back among the press of bodies and then he tripped over the leg of his superior, falling to the ground and losing his weapon. Someone’s foot kicked the service weapon and Patrolman Lanier didn’t even notice it had been released from his holster. He was too busy attempting to get back up, to avoid being stepped on and he felt one crushing blow on his leg that made him howl out in pain.

The pain was too much for him, and he could feel it lancing straight up thru his spine. His eyes teared up as he struggled to get out of the way but he wasn’t fast enough as another foot suddenly stomped on his already injured leg. The pain was so intense he didn’t see a long arm reaching down amongst the milling crowd and pick up his service weapon. All he could think of was the pain and that his leg might be broken. It was excruciating as finally a couple of people saw his plight and lifted him up. 

The two men undid his service belt and loosen his pants as they laid him out across several now empty seats. His leg looked bad too and they were sure they could see blood seeping into the dark uniform trousers. Connor had seen the officer go down and he finally made his way thru the still screaming and angry crowd and he slit open the trouser leg, exposing the flesh and one man began to retch as he saw the white jagged edge of the patrolman’s leg bone jutting out from the skin.

Judge “ORDER!  ORDER IN THIS COURT!”

He saw the men pulling a uniformed officer up out of the pile of humanity that had swarmed up to the railing but luckily no one seemed willing to cross that artificial barrier. Fortunately three of his bailiffs had rushed to the railing as well, their hands on their own service weapons and that seemed to do the trick and ease the anguished cries of outrage that were still spewing forth, but in a more subdued manner.

Victor “If I may your honour?”

Fucking bastard was hoping for a riot, it would make anything that he said moot, because all people would remember would be the riot, they wouldn’t even pause to consider why so many people had suddenly exploded in a superior courtroom, they would just remember that they rioted. Damn you Neilson, but I am not giving up, not on your life.

Judge “BE SEATED MR. PROSECUTOR! ORDER, There will be order, you people of the press, QUIET! Or I’ll have the Bailiff remove you from this courtroom, ORDER!”

The constant banging of his gavel and the loud commanding tones of his voice slowly began to penetrate the outraged crowd. The singing group behind the defendant quietened down and slowly began to sit back into their seats. People behind the Prosecutor were still standing but their voices were at least being slowly stilled. Judge Stilton breathed a small sigh of relief as he noticed the crowd slowly being calmed and their attention was now turning towards the back of the courtroom, where the agonized cries of Patrolman Lanier could now be heard within the entire courtroom.

Gradually the people began to shuffle back to their seats. Judge Stilton ordered a bailiff to help with the injured patrolman and some semblance of order was gradually being returned when his eyes happened about a tall man, standing still at the railing. He saw his eyes filled with rage and he shuddered as the man’s gaze now took his own face into view. The sudden weight of his job crushed in on him as he took an unexpected breath, coughing a little as the full force of the man’s hatred seemed to suddenly lift up and strike him.

Once more he recalled seeing that face and it still scared him. For a brief moment he considered having a bailiff go stand by the man, but he was down to just one bailiff between him and the entire courtroom. He was spread too thin and he once more contemplated hitting the panic button below his desk, to summon more help.

There were still some people milling around and as he rapped his gavel once more, the noise made their heads swivel towards him. He had managed, for now, to regain control and he could see that most of the people standing, were congregated around the patrolman.

Judge “How is the officer Bailiff?”

Connor “Excuse me your Honour, I am a paramedic, and this man needs to get to a hospital immediately, he has a severely fractured leg.”

Judge “Very well, the clerk will call for an ambulance, should he be moved elsewhere until they arrive?”

Connor “I’d advice against it your Honour.”

Judge “I see, very well then, we shall all remain in our seats, and this court will stand temporarily adjourned until after the paramedics have arrived and removed the injured officer.”

Smith “Uh Your Honour maybe we should simply move to another courtroom? This could take some…”

Judge “Mr. Smith, don’t you start to try to tell me how to run my courtroom, we stand in recess until the paramedics can remove the injured officer.”

Judge Stilton rapped his gavel down hard; the sharp bark of wood striking wood echoed loudly in the large courtroom and made some people jump. One who almost leapt from his seat was the tall man who had eyes that were still ablaze, and yet over on the side behind the defendant, another thin young man also jumped. Robert Stilton caught a brief glimpse of him and he shuddered as he saw an emptiness that defied description.

He sat there for a moment, still stunned by the events of a few minutes earlier and he realized that he was partially to blame, but not in the way that Victor Neilson was trying to imply. He was to blame for not insuring that the case was not rested on politicians to deal with, he should have had Hunter or someone on his staff insure that the police and DA’s office were seeking corroboration on what the witnesses had sworn to.

There also was the matter of making sure his courtroom was safe, not just for the spectators but also for the inside staff. On that line he summoned Hunter and managed to get him to go and obtain additional bailiffs, if he could for the remaining portion of the session. He knew that the bombshell had worked its way thru and hopefully the anger would dissipate as they waited for the paramedics. The cries of the injured man didn’t add to a calming effect but maybe it would be a sobering one for the crowd.

Doctor Collier entered the brightly lit corridor of the Intensive Care Unit to the hushed sounds of beeping machines and he felt a strange chill, almost like a cold wind had just brushed past him and his eyes took in the faces of those medical personnel at the main desk. He could see disbelief and even anger in their faces and he wondered what had happened, what had suddenly turned so many people into virtual zombies?

For a second, his heart quailed as if it had been struck but a huge wall of steel. His soul was suddenly dark for a mere millisecond as the horrible thought that Terry had suffered a relapse or worse wound its way into his thoughts. He could feel his legs coming close to buckling as he tried to hurry forward to the main desk and yet at the same time, feeling reluctant to even move. Sweat was starting to pour from his forehead and he wiped it with the back of his sleeve, praying that his fears were unfounded, unjustified.

The Nurses were in shock, Bruce could see that, and he knew that whatever had shaken them; it would have to be something momentous. His pulse raced as he came up to the desk where he could hear the muted sounds of a television and he saw a reporter standing outside the courthouse he had just left, an ambulance pulling in and he stood rock still. His heart was still, but he gasped for air as all sorts of thoughts now poked at his heart.

Nurse #1 “Doctor, were you there when it happened?”

Bruce “Where, when what happened? Isn’t that the superior courthouse?”

Nurse #2 “Yes it is, you didn’t hear then?”

Bruce “Hear what? Will someone tell me what’s going on?”

Nurse #1 “The prosecutor, he’s moved to have the charges against that animal withdrawn, it is terrible, how can he do that Doctor? Doesn’t he have any decency?”

Bruce “WHAT? HE’S WHAT?”

Nurse #2 “He’s asking to withdraw the charges against that animal that beat up your patient, and I guess some of the people inside got pushy.”

Nurse #1 “Pushy? Hell they were near to a riot I think and did you see what those religious nuts were doing? Christ they were singing Hosanna’s for God’s sake.”

Bruce “Withdrawing the charges? Oh my God, what is going on in this world, why, I mean, did someone get hurt?”

Nurse #2 “Yes, a police officer fell down when some people rushed to the railing or something, to protest the Prosecutor’s motion and I guess he got stepped on pretty bad.”

Nurse #1 “Yeah, the ER has already been alerted, said he has a really bad fracture, main bone is severed and sticking right out of the leg.”

Bruce “ER? They ask for me?”

Nurse #1 “No they didn’t Doctor, shall I see if they want you?”

Bruce “Uh, in a few, what about Terry? I got an urgent message, is he slipped back? What?”

Nurse #2 “He might, if he hears this news, but no Doctor, he’s still conscious and still asking for you. It really is a miracle isn’t it Doctor Bruce?”

Bruce “Yes, it really is. He is actually asking for me? I mean he’s speaking?”

Nurse #1 “Yes Doctor, not to loudly mind you, bit hoarse but he did take several sips of water, and well, I mean his vitals are normal, as if nothing had happened to him.”

Bruce “Normal? No sign of the trauma, nothing?”

Nurse #2 “Nothing, and the machines, they all seem to be working again, I just don’t know what else to say.”

Bruce “Neither do I, well… I will go see him, uh, call the ER and see if they need me, let me know.”

Nurse #2 “yes Doctor.”

Bruce Collier stared at the two paramedics racing up the steps of the courthouse, their gurney loaded with equipment and he could see the machines and bags bouncing as they moved quickly up the long white steps. The columns stood out and on the television the building looked so stately, so full of hope and promise, but in his heart he just couldn’t see it that way anymore. Instead of hope he saw a flawed system being corrupted by greedy vicious political animals and his heart cried for a time when Justice actually did mean something, or did it? Was there ever such a time in the history of the system?

He sighed knowing that the world he lived in was far from perfect, but it was his world and maybe it was his obligation to try and make changes. Maybe his practise of just accepting what is wasn’t the way to go; maybe it was time that he actually became involved in being a member of the Human race? Maybe he did need to do more than just mutter about things, maybe Connor had been right and he did need to become active in groups that supported reform.

Well that would be for later, right now he needed to see his patient and as he entered the glass walled room he couldn’t believe the changes he was seeing. There was actual colour in Terry’s face and the eyes, they were not just open but he could see the fire within, the spirit that held each person was clearly there and for some reason it made his pulse race a little and made his heart seem warm and pleased. The Nurse was right, it truly was a miracle but still, anything could happen as he saw the eyes fix on him and a smile cross the young man’s face.

His heart was thumping wildly as he stared at the calm face before him, he could see some of the torment, the fears that still rested within the young man flashing but he saw something else, a strange sense of peace. It really was something to stare into those soft blue eyes and to feel all that he could feel. It was like no barriers existed between them and he felt the young man’s thoughts touching his very soul as he walked up to him and smiled down, or at least tried to.

Bruce “Well, you certainly seem a whole lot better.”

Terry “Thanks to you, you are Doctor Bruce aren’t you?”

God you would never think this kid had been at death’s door by how he looked now, and they said miracles didn’t happen? It is unbelievable really and yet there is the proof. Strange how calm he looks, almost as if he knows that whatever the future holds, he’ll manage it. 

Bruce “Yes, but, well, how do you know my name? You were unconscious ever since they brought you in.”

There is so much I don’t understand, yet I know you were the means that gave me this chance, that you gave me the time to think it all through, and I can’t explain any of this, yet it should frighten me but it doesn’t, like there is no more fear inside of me.

Terry “Was I? Doesn’t seem that way, but I do remember your eyes, when I first came here, it was pretty bad wasn’t it?”

Bruce “Yes, it still is too, you have, well, we really didn’t have much hope for you.”

That is strange to hear, because I have this memory of you being the one who insisted that there was hope for me. Funny, only Paul ever really believed in me, no one else did but he always did, but then, I believed in him too.

Terry “No? Doesn’t seem like that, feels like there were a few who did, how is Ashley? Is he okay now?”

Bruce “Now? Well, he’s certainly feeling easier after this morning.”

Terry “No, I mean, there won’t be any side effects from all the pills he took will there?”

It is uncanny how someone can come literally back from the grave and know so much, it is scaring the shit out of me too, like I am talking with someone who has been given a secret insight into the world, Wonder if he can explain it or is he just saying what he feels? I read about this, scoffed at it too and yet now, it doesn’t seem to surprise me, just the opposite in a way, but I know now one thing I never did before, and that is that miracles happen, which also sort of has to mean that there is indeed a God, how else can you explain miracles?

Bruce “Uh, but, I, uh… no, no there won’t be.”

Terry “Good, I was worried about that… Doctor, that guy, the one who did all this, he won’t get away with it, you know that don’t you?”

Bruce “Look, I think you have enough to concern yourself with, let the judicial system deal with him in its own way, now, what was so urgent that you needed to see me?”

Terry “Still finding it hard to break that doctor routine huh? Haha, well I won’t worry about him, that’s not my place, I just wanted to make sure you were here and not there.”

Bruce “Huh? I don’t quite, why?”

It all seems like a wild dream to me, dolphins and swimming and all, and yet somehow I just had to get you here. Christ I hope I am not going bonkers, so much seems to have happened and yet it is like I was there to see it all, but I couldn’t have been, but I know one thing, I won’t deny that voice inside ever again, least I sure as hell will try not to.

Terry “I don’t know why either, least not really, tell me Doctor, uh, can I call you Bruce?”

Bruce “Sure, go ahead.”

Terry “Thanks, you ever gone on a long sailing cruise Bruce? Off to nowhere in particular, just out there, with nothing but the wind and ocean before and behind you?”

Bruce “No, I haven’t, want to mind you, my uh friend and I, we’ve thought about it some, but just never really had the time.”

Terry “My brother is taking me and Ashley when you let me out of here, you and your friend should join us, who knows maybe we’ll all find a nice tropical island and just spend the time enjoying life, I think I could really get into that, sounds nice doesn’t it?”

Bruce “uh, yes it does, but you are far from out of the woods, I mean, you had major internal damage done, you can’t just pack up and go off on some sailing trip.”

Terry “Why not? I know I’ll be weak for a bit, but everything seems to be working…”

Bruce “Well, for starters you haven’t even gotten out of bed on your own yet, and well, you have to regain control over your bodily functions, and then there is rehab for your muscles, I mean you really took a lot of punishment Terry…”

Terry “I know, it still feels weird laying here, but the nurse said I shouldn’t sit up until you okayed it, but I really want to, at least let me try.”

Bruce “you are an impatient one, aren’t you?”

Terry “Yes, there is so much I want to do, first thing I want to do is hug Ashley and Paul, I can’t believe how much they went through, do you like my brother Bruce?”

Bruce “Huh? Paul? Yeah, he is rather amazing actually, he was very strong thru your ordeal, you should be proud of him.”

Terry “Oh I am, always have been, he’s been my hero ever since I was a tyke actually, I am so glad he’s come back.”

Bruce “Well, let’s not rush things Terry, how about we see if we can’t get you to sit up and then maybe we can move you into a different room, I don’t think you are going to need all these machines anymore.”

Terry “No, guess not, besides they sure didn’t seem to work very good did they?”

I read about out of body experiences, and they sounded like so much hooey to me, but maybe there is more to it than we know? Christ, how arrogant we doctors get, but thank God for Terry, maybe that is it, maybe he was sent to sort me out, to bring me down to earth? All I know is he acts like he was awake for it all, so maybe what they say is true, that there really is a God, at least I believe in one now, and for what its worth, I feel more at ease in that than when I only believed in Science. Strange how incidents can change one’s perspective on life.

Bruce “huh? Uh, well… no I guess they didn’t.”

After a few quick tests, simple strength tests, Bruce stepped back and watched as Terry was actually able to push himself upright from the flat gurney and sit up. As he watched he was amazed at how different Terry looked since he had last seen him, just last night. There was full colour in his face, and he could see the life that was brimming forth from his face, especially his eyes. They simply glowed and shimmered in the harsh light of the ICU room.

His body was still a bit pale, but he could see normal colour returning and his chest no longer looked like a tight covering over bones. It was almost as if he was filling out once more and yet he hadn’t had any solid food other than thru intravenous. It really was like someone else was attending to his needs, gradually giving him the needed nourishment that he needed and he felt so inadequate at that instant. He realized that modern medicine was indeed powerful, but was nothing compared to the unknown that seemed to have a will of its own.

It was funny how when he had graduated he had thought that he was as close to being a God as any human could. In his hands rested life or death and if he did his job right, then he could bring life to people, if not, then no one else could, and yet from that instant when his own eyes had stared into Terry’s down in the ER his whole attitude had changed. He finally had come to realize that he was nothing but a mere mortal who had a gift, a talent that had come from somewhere but not from his own doing either, and he was no closer to being a God than the janitor was. It was a shock really to find that your own arrogance was just that, arrogance.

Terry never should have made it beyond the ER room, never mind up to here, and yet he had. Then had come the operation that had gone totally wrong from the start, and so once more Terry should never be here now, yet he was, and that had to be proof of something far more powerful than Man. He shook his head as he watched Terry smile at him, the success of being able to sit up evident on his young face. Christ, just looking at him he was amazed at how handsome he was, even after all he had been through.

The bruises were there, the ones around the eyes, the jaw, the chest even, and yet they failed to detract from Terry’s looks. He sat there, looking like a picture of health and even the way his chest heaved a little from the task of sitting up, all of it didn’t detract from his appearance and Bruce realized that he wasn’t really seeing the physical man, but that he was seeing the inner grace of Terry shining through all that had happened to him. In that second, he felt peace in his own heart and he no longer questioned anything about this miracle, he just accepted it for what it was, divine intervention if you will, but whatever it was, he just accepted it and was grateful for it.

Four extra bailiffs had arrived and he had them stationed in the courtroom gallery, keeping his normal bailiffs in their normal positions. He wasn’t going to get caught short again and the dread that had taken hold in his heart was slightly eased by their presence. Even Major Collier and his men had managed to arrive and were seated at the back of the courtroom, and to the best of his knowledge, had entered unnoticed by most everyone in the court.

While waiting for the paramedics to arrive he had consulted with Hunter and even had taken the time to go down and check personally on the injured police officer. He found out he was one who had taken the death bed confession and he didn’t want to leave, in fact despite the obvious pain that he was in, he tried to get them to let him stay so he could testify. He didn’t really understand that there would be no witnesses, not if he ruled in favour of the motion, which he knew he had no choice in either.

His anger at Victor was complete too as he watched the way the man sat at his table, unconcerned about the angry buzzes behind him or even for the injured man. It was like he was indeed only concerned with those things that would boost his own reputation, his own aims. How did people like that become part of the system and worse, rise in it? Surely Justice wasn’t just a stepping stone to personal advancement, surely there had to be some people who entered the profession to really serve justice, or was he deluding himself?

He had hoped that by forcing the DA to submit appropriate charges against the defendant, that it would spur a deeper and much more intensive investigation into the crime. Part of him may have known it was fruitless, or that a jury would not see it the way he did, but he had to make that effort. What had stunned him today wasn’t that people were angered into violence, but that those sworn to protect the innocent and bring the guilty to trial had failed so miserably in their duties to their fellow citizens.

The Police did indeed stop investigating; they failed to search for more witnesses or at least evidence. Hell they failed to even ask for the man’s service history, which in itself was a clue to his behavior, but he couldn’t do more than he had. Now he would be forced to dip his own hands into politics in what may be a vain effort at achieving justice for the dead young man and the near dead other young man.

Even the defendant’s own family history was left untouched by the Police and the DA himself. If they had simply followed up on the bare facts alone, they would have uncovered motive, in that Adam’s brother Andrew was currently suffering from full blown AIDS, acquired thru a casual encounter with a male prostitute, exactly the profession of the two victims. Any good prosecutor could make that case with just that simply information; never mind what a conversation with the brother or family might turn up. No, his blessed justice system had failed in more than just one area, it had a complete breakdown and as he banged his gavel down, to once more set the wheels of justice in motion, deep in his heart, he knew that Justice had failed because the victims were simply gay.

Judge “Order, Order in the Court, the Court will come to order!”

The loud sharp bangs finally managed to get everyone’s attention and he could see the two sides now all faces turned towards him. He saw still anger and a smoldering hatred in most of the faces on the Prosecutor’s side, except for one, and he could see only sympathy and understanding in his eyes. It amazed him too because that was the still living victim’s brother. How could he have such patience, such strength while the man who may yet wind up killing his brother was about to be set free? 

On the other side he saw the glazed look of jubilation that should never exist when a killer is set free on some technicality, and yet they all seemed like honest decent people who truly believed in the absolute garbage that people like Hartwell spewed every Sunday from a television pulpit.

Victor “Your Honour, If I…”

Judge “Sit down Mr. Prosecutor, you’ll have your turn soon enough.”

The obvious contempt that he had for Victor Neilson showed through and many in the courtroom noticed it as well. It further silenced the crowd and some even leaned forward now, to listen to the Judge.

Judge “I want to remind everyone in this courtroom, you are here as guests of the Court, you will conduct yourselves as guests, or the Bailiff’s will simply remove you. As you can see, I have taken the opportunity to add to their number.”

He paused, seeing that many people turned around and noticed the four new Bailiffs. He had them all out in the actual courtroom itself. Two were stationed from the second row down in the middle aisle. Another one was two rows up from the last rows on the Prosecutor’s side and the fourth was assigned midway up the outside side of the rows behind the defendant’s table.  All four were tall burly men and as the Judge drew the room’s attention to them, they all stood tall, each of them resting one hand on their holster and service weapon.

Both Zachariah Smith and Victor Neilson were stunned by the obvious display of strength and both rose yelling their protest, seeking the Judge’s attention.

Judge “ORDER!   You have something to say Mr Smith?”

Smith “I most certainly do Your Honour, this is not acceptable Sir, this is a blatant attempt at intimidation, I must protest!”

Victor “I too must protest this display, and join with defense council in his comments.”

Judge Robert Stilton merely stared at the two men who were on their feet. He could see the anger in Victor’s eyes and he also saw a smugness that only helped to harden his own resolve. Looking at Zachariah Smith’s face he merely saw an opportunist, a man trying to garner as much of the news cycle as possible, a man who played solely to the crowd rather than to finding the truth of the matter before the court. No, their protests were fruitless as he banged his gavel down and stared at both men, his own eyes blazing with contempt and even anger.

Judge “May I remind you two sanctimonious gentlemen, that not too long ago we saw a young police officer rushed out of here, the bone in his leg glistening from out of the red mass that was once his leg? May I remind you two that he lost a great deal of blood and may not even survive, let alone keep his leg?”

Smith “Are you implying I have anything to do with that tragic occurrence?”

Judge “I most certainly am Councilor and before you utter a single word Mr. Prosecutor, I hold you mostly at fault for the inflammatory manner in which you began your motion’s introduction as to causing the near riot that occurred earlier which resulted in that Officer’s injury.”

Victor “That is not fair your honour, if you had taken the proper precautions…”

Judge “Such as the one’s you now object to?”

Fuck you, you mother fucking asshole. You only got this job because of your damn colour and I’ll be damn if some black prick is going to stop me from getting where I should be. Think you are pretty fucking smart don’t you, just look at your face, as if you can stop me, well fine, you win this tiny little victory but it will be me who wins the war.

Victor “I withdraw my objection… Your Honour”

How gracious of you, you slime ball. Anything for a headline but then you think today is your day don’t you? Christ I can’t stand you self proclaimed ‘people’s lawyers’ who in fact are nothing more than wannabee wolves in ersatz sheep’s clothing. Well this isn’t your day Victor, if I am lucky this will be Lady Justice’s day, as it should be.

Judge “Why how generous of you Councilor, and you Mr. Smith, do you still wish to lodge a protest?”

Man you really are after Victor, he really has pissed you off and no one is safe, I haven’t been doing this for so long without learning one or two things so I don’t think I’ll get in the middle of this one. I wish you luck though, don’t really like our dear Victor much myself, but he is giving me what I want, for that I will support him, but only where I need to and I don’t think this is where I need to.

Smith “No Sir, I bow to your Honour’s wisdom, and as you so clearly stated, had they been here before maybe that poor officer would not have been hurt so badly, so, I too withdraw my protest your Honour and ask the court’s forgiveness.”

Well well, looks like even you don’t have much stomach for our dear sweet prosecutor Victor. Does surprise me a little though Zachariah, but then again maybe not, you are an experienced lawyer, I’ll give you that.

Judge “Apology accepted councilor… Very well, let us proceed, and again I admonish those of you in the visitor’s section, keep hold of your tempers and your voices. There is no doubt that this motion is one that will anger many of you, such motions usually do but as much as we might disagree with the DA’s motion, we cannot let our personal views interfere in the administration of Justice.”

Carl “That isn’t Justice…”

Judge “SILENCE!   This is not open for debate Sir, you will sit back in your seat or I’ll have the Bailiff remove you now, which shall it be?”

Carl “I’ll sit down, for now.”

Carl sat down and he just stared at the back of Victor Neilson. He felt so betrayed by the man, so hurt by him that it was hard to not just bring up the gun he had in his hand and deal with Victor and Adam as well. Didn’t the bible say an eye for an eye? Wasn’t Victor as guilty as Adam? Wasn’t he the one who was letting Terry’s murderer go free? His fingers tightened around the handle of the police service weapon. The cold steel made no impression on him as his body was being consumed by a burning rage from deep within his soul.

His one finger was wrapped around the trigger and he could feel his muscles trying to tighten, desperate even to bring the trigger back but something still held him, still prevented him from doing what he knew should be done.

His eyes, they are so filled with anger, and the rage in him is so obvious and yet he was supposed to be an ex monk? If only people like Victor could see what he saw, if Victor could just once understand how his actions or failed actions effects ordinary people, maybe there would be hope.

Judge “Thank you, now, as I was saying, let us proceed, Mr. Prosecutor you will state your motion for the record please, no further inflammatory comments, just our motion.”

Victor “You Honour, this isn’t fair, I have a right to present my motion as I see fit, this is not your normal motion, the people have a right to know, for the record, why this motion is being forced to be made today, that it is a motion I am reluctant to make. Surely the Court is not trying to deny me my freedom of speech, are they?

Judge “Freedom of speech? Yes, I guess I can see how you might hide behind that constitutional freedom in order to inflame and acerbate an already tense situation, however this is not open for debate, now proceed…. Without the rhetoric.”

What the fuck was with this old man? Didn’t he know he was beaten? Christ, the way he was acting you would think he was… but no, there is nothing he could do, he didn’t know this was coming, how could he have mounted any defense or plan to counter my motion? He’s thru as a nominee, that’s certain, maybe that is what is driving the bastard, he is desperate to have that nomination, still, how can he even think he can win?

Victor “I must object Your Honour, you are deliberately attempting to lay the blame for this case being withdrawn on myself and my office, this is not the case, I demand the right to have my reasons in the court’s record.”

Judge “Blame for withdrawing on your doorstep? Most certainly as the decision is yours Councilor, or are you trying to tell this court that other’s are influencing your decision?”

Victor “No, no one influences the DA’s office, this decision is based on the merits of the case, on what evidence has been provided to us, that is the deciding factor, and because this court forced a higher burden of proof on this office, because the police authorities failed in their investigation, my office has no choice…”

Judge “This court forced a higher burden of proof on you? The Police authority failed to investigate? Just how did this court force a higher burden of proof on your case Councilor?”

Victor “By insisting on higher charges that we weren’t prepared for, that is how, it is a great deal more difficult to prove a crime based on hate.”

Judge “Naturally it is more difficult, you have to prove motive, you have to prove a history of how the defendant felt or may have felt about homosexuals, you did investigate that didn’t you Mr. Prosecutor?”

Victor “That is in the realm of the Police department, as your honour knows…”

Judge “No it isn’t, you have investigators too, don’t you?”

Victor “Well yes, but that is to follow up on leads, not to…”

Judge “Let me understand this, you didn’t use your own departments resources to follow up on say, oh, the defendants family to see if there was any history of hate for gays?”

Victor “That isn’t my job, I must remind the court that…”

Judge “You must remind the court? I think it is the court who must REMIND YOU, that you have an obligation as an officer of this court to pursue all possible avenues at your disposal to ascertain the facts in any case, whether they are of political value or not.”

Victor “I resent that comment your Honour”

Judge “Do you? Seems to me Mr. Prosecutor that you have been doing the defense council work instead of acting on behalf of the state.”

Victor “I object! That is slanderous your Honour.”

Judge “Really? Tell me Mr. Prosecutor, you have a victim in hospital don’t you?”

Victor “Yes, he isn’t expected to regain consciousness.”

Judge “Do you have anyone at the hospital in case he does?”

Victor “No, the doctors all agree that once his brother removed him from life support, that he would most definitely not regain consciousness.”

Judge “I see, did you attempt to stop that action? Hell have you even contacted the hospital on a regular basis to ascertain the victims condition?”

Victor “His brother is the legal guardian, I have no authority to intervene in such a decision, and yes I have been in contact with the hospital.”

Judge “Really? How often Mr. Prosecutor?”

Victor “What difference does that make? The doctors, all of them, even the gay one, have all stated they don’t expect him to live much longer so…”

Judge “Even the gay one? I see… so if your original charges had been accepted, you would have pursued this case thru the court or would you have sought a plea bargain?”

Victor “Your Honour, this is out of line, you have no right to…”

Judge “I HAVE EVERY RIGHT AS THE PRESIDING JUDGE, now answer me, would you have gone to trial or would you have sought a plea bargain?”

Victor “I would have pursued all viable options open to me, if a plea agreement could be attained without trial, yes I would have sought one, out of pursuing justice for this case, at reducing the emotional stress on the victims friends and family…”

There was stirring in the crowd, and some boo’s and catcalls echoed from the angry people sitting behind Victor Neilson. There was even some boo’s coming from the defendants side as well, as many thought the Judge might not grant the motion. Judge Stilton quickly banged his gavel down.

Judge “ORDER! I remind you people in the gallery, you are here as guests, you will let the court conduct its business without distraction!”

Slowly the angry buzz subsided enough that the Judge didn’t feel he needed to continue banging the gavel. There was a great many people though leaning forward in their seats and he could feel the tension in the room, from all sides. His eyes were focused on Victor though, and he could see that he was making that piece of slime squirm. He had a long ways to go to get his point across but he was determined.

Judge “In other words, with a lesser charge you would have made a plea bargain to avoid a trial, and that is supposed to help the family? I see, so why the motion to withdraw then?”

Victor “The evidence we have does not support the charge you forced on us, that is why.”

Judge “Why not ask for a continuance then? So you could finally put your investigators to work? Or better yet, launch the proper police investigation?”

Victor “That is not fair, we did our job, besides, it was highly unlikely you would have granted one.”

Judge “Oh? So now you know how this court would rule?”

Victor “No, you know what I mean, it is this court that is rushing this case to judgment, not the DA’s office”

Judge “Horse hockey, this motion is simply due to incompetence, have you interviewed your witnesses even?”

Victor “No, there was no need, as we are withdrawing the charges.”

Judge “NO NEED? My God, are you that blind in your desire to seek political office that you won’t even make an effort to seek justice for the victim? Is your own goal only to get headlines and then cut and run?”

Victor “YOUR HONOUR!”

Judge “Quiet! I have heard enough from you Mr. Prosecutor, and what I have heard makes me sick to my stomach, and yet some of us who value Justice, are forced to rule on the matter of law, even though real justice is not being served because people like you have corrupted Lady Justice with your own ambitions and your greed for power.”

The crowd was watching, as Victor stood there, fuming and indignant as only a blind fool could be. They saw the fire in the judge’s eyes as he stared down the Prosecutor, who eventually sat back down into his chair. There was no mistaking the hatred that flashed between the two men and yet there was something in the Judge’s eyes that still made them feel uneasy. 

He had taken the Prosecutor over the coals but it didn’t change things, the motion was still there and if the prosecutor wasn’t willing to proceed, how could the Judge force him too? No, once more, as the Judge had said, Justice was to be denied them, and only because they were different. So much for justice being blind.

You could feel the tension in the court as Victor took his seat. It was like a steam kettle ready to burst and even the Bailiff’s could sense it. They all stood with their eyes scanning the crowd before them, there hands nervously resting on the butt of their hand guns and their hearts pounding as they could sense the impending explosion, hoping it wouldn’t come, praying they could handle it if it did.

Judge “Mr. Smith, do you have anything to add to this?”

Smith “No your Honour, I don’t.”

Judge “Very wise Councilor, well, it seems Mr Prosecutor that I must now rule on your distasteful motion, and as much as I hate to, I know I can’t force you to prosecute this case, but…”

From Crowd “We want Justice not words!’

From Crowd “Give us Justice!”

Judge “ORDER!”

From Crowd “JUSTICE, WE WANT JUSTICE”

Judge “I am warning you people, ORDER!”

There were a few more shouts as the Bailiffs began moving along the aisles, their own expressions silencing some and yet the general noise and feeling of discontent continued to rise, even the constant banging of the Judge’s gavel was becoming more like a catalyst for the hatred and the disappointment of the crowd behind Victor Neilson.

Many in the crowd were turning and gesturing angrily with their neighbours, their eyes constantly darting towards the roving bailiffs and the Judge on the bench. Their words were not hushed and the room was gradually growing noisier despite the Judge’s attempts at silencing them. Finally Judge Stilton elected to let the crowd work it out for a few minutes, hoping that would stem the rising anger, but he doubted it. He had one hand under the top of his desk, his fingers lingering against the stock of his own weapon, a Colt 357 and as his fingers touched the cold steel, his heart grew heavier with its burden.

Ashley felt like a knife was inside of his heart, twisting and turning with every word that the Judge spoke and yet he felt a strange sadness, and all he could really think about was that he wanted to just leave this room, leave this entire city and head out on the ocean with Terry in his arms, to leave and never return to this evil place and yet even as he thought that, he knew he couldn’t do it.

There had to be a reason for all this, and despite all that was being said here, there still were some who wanted to fight for what was right. He could see that in the Judges’ eyes but he couldn’t understand why he couldn’t force the prosecutor to do his job. The people behind him and Paul and Rob were muttering, wanting to just go and hang Adam and even the Judge and Prosecutor too, but how was that any better than what Adam had done?

His heart was heavy and yet as he looked at the Judge, he knew he was at least trying, and if there was at least one person trying, then maybe there was hope for the rest. Maybe if other’s didn’t just run, maybe if they did stay and fight in their own way, then maybe things could change? As much as he wanted to have his time on that island of his dreams, he knew it wasn’t a place to be when he had an obligation here.

To lie on the golden sands of the beach, to frolic with the dolphins in the clean blue green waters of the lagoon, he would have to make that place exist, and he realized as he saw the sadness in the Judge’s face that it was up to him, to people like him, to make a difference. It would be so easy to just climb aboard Paul’s boat, with Rob and Terry and just set sail. Trouble was, how could he and Terry be happy knowing that back here, there was no one standing up for what was right, what was decent? 

If they cut and run, how much longer could people like the Judge up there manage to hold on, manage to try and stem the tide that people like Adam were part of? Or worse, that people like Terry’s own mother had become? Leaving would really make them no better, it would say that all those who despised them for their lifestyle were right, because if not, then why didn’t they stay and fight?

Ashley stared out at the Judge then over to Paul who was staring back at him. He saw the same thoughts racing inside of Paul’s head and he knew that he was right. They had almost paid a terrible price for simply being different; Terry had almost been taken from him not because he was bad or mean, but because he simply was different. Running to some deserted island would not help, and all that pain they had gone through would have been for nothing, if they didn’t stay and fight the ignorance and hatred that had spawned all of this evil.

He smiled at Paul and then turned to look once more at the Judge. He could see the sadness and he felt the man’s pain too as he slowly found himself standing up, and he could see the eyes of the Judge suddenly turn towards him, attracted by his rising up. Other’s started to notice too, as the loud buzz of angry voices were suddenly quietened.

Ashley “Uh, Your Honour…”

The room grew even quieter as the soft lilting voice of the young man cut thru all the loud angry sounds. Eyes turned towards the tall young blond man standing up straight right behind the prosecutor’s table. He looked so young and yet there was something about the way he stood, the way he spoke so softly that made people stop and listen.

Judge “Yes? You are?”

Ashley “Uh, My name is Ashley, Ashley Gibbons and I am, well I am Terry’s, uh, I am the victim, no, I am Terry’s friend, lover I guess is how you would all call it…”

Victor “Your Honour, I must protest, there is a motion before the court and really, this is…”

Judge “Be quiet Mr. Prosecutor, I’ll determine who can speak or not in this court. Now, Mr. Uh Gibbons did you say?”

Ashley “Yes sir, Ashley Gibbons.”

Judge “You wish to address this court?”

Ashley “Uh, I don’t know, I just, well, this is all wrong, I mean everyone here is so angry, so mad, and I don’t get it, I mean isn’t this supposed to be where we are supposed to get things set right? Isn’t that what a court is supposed to do?”

Judge “It is Ashley, if I may call you that, but unfortunately it is guided by laws that are very specific, and so sometimes justice isn’t really done.”

Ashley “I see that, but, I don’t get it, why can’t you order a different person to take this case over? I mean no one talked to me or to Rob here, we were there, we saw things, there are others too, why does he get to walk away free? Terry may never walk again, hell he may not even live, and he gets to walk out of here because this guy wanted to get some political office? Is that all Terry is worth to everyone here? Just some fag who got in the way?”

Smith “Your Honour, I must…”

Judge “Yes I know Mr. Smith, however the court will indulge this young man, if for no other reason than he is right. Your client is getting away with this, at least for now he is.”

Smith “For now, your honour…”

Judge “Be seated Mr. Smith. Now, Ashley, it may seem like the system has let you and your friend Terry down, in many ways you are right, it has, but if I force or try to force the Prosecutor to proceed, do you really think the defendant would be convicted?”

Ashley “I suppose that is true, but doesn’t Terry deserve at least his day in court?”

Judge “He does, but if we proceed, and the verdict comes down as not guilty, well that will be it, your Terry would have had his day and lost, least in what I shall rule on, which is not quite the ruling these two lawyers want, Terry stands a chance of having his day in court, but with a fighting chance of winning, now isn’t that better?”

Ashley “I suppose.”

The courtroom grew louder again as people began to talk about the Judge’s words and they all watched as Ashley sat down, amazed at his courage and at what he had said. Many still were angry and the Judge’s words were just that to them, words. They wanted to see justice and anything but a trial would do for them.

On the defendant’s side of the room, there was a definite unease and Janice Hartwell could be seen talking heatedly with a man to her left while the Reverend Hartwell just stared at the Judge

Candice had been scribbling in her notebook furiously, as she couldn’t believe what was happening in this courtroom. The Judge’s words that the defendant would be getting away with this were only temporary had her suddenly putting two and two together. The sudden appearance of the base adjutant and two burly soldiers now fit into place. The military would have a shot at Adam and from what she knew of Major Collier, Adam Westbrook could expect no sympathy and all the money from Hartwell and his Ministry would be useless as well.

She also managed to catch a glimpse of the man who was supposed to have been an eyewitness. His eyes still glared with hatred, but she thought she could see something else there, something which hadn’t been there before. It was all too surreal to her and as she looked around the room she could see that the tension was still there and the Bailiffs looked as nervous as did the crowd.

Victor “Your Honour, that is highly prejudicial comments, how can you…”

Judge “Sit down, enough of all this political nonsense.”

The sound of the gavel banging down on the desk made Andrew jump a little in his seat that was off to the left of Adam and Zachariah Smith. His eyes turned to stare at Adam and he saw that look, that smug self-satisfied look that infuriated him so much. All of the fancy words added up to just one thing, that Adam was about to be set free and he knew that there was nothing anyone here could, or would, do about that. 

His eyes narrowed on Adam’s face and deep inside of him, where his soul rested and his spirit lived, the light finally went out and he stood up from his seat and turned to look at Adam. Andrew saw Adam turn to look at him and in his joyous eyes he finally saw recognition. 

Surprised sounding Voice  “GUN! GUN!”

2nd Voice “CHRIST HE’S GOT A GUN!  DOWN EVERYONE HE’S GOT A GUN!”

People stopped in their tracks, fear was everywhere as the loud words stunned them all. The Bailiff just in the middle aisle, by the third row couldn’t see a thing and he started to turn towards the front when the noise froze him.

The Bailiff standing by the Court Clerk’s desk froze as he saw the long hand sticking out, the dark black silhouette of a gun visible now in the person’s hand. His eyes blinked as he reached for his own service weapon when he heard the loud harsh bang sound and he stumbled backwards.

Carl heard the shouts and his own hand suddenly wrapped around the heavy cold metal of the Police Officer’s weapon as he turned his head to stare at the gaunt thin man now standing up and pointing his arm at Adam Westbrook.

Carl “NO, NO DON’T!”

Carl was on his feet, his own hand now pointing as well towards the defendant. His own hand extended, the black metal glistening in the harsh glare of the courtroom’s fluorescent lights.

Voice “Down, everyone down, there are two of them, down, everyone get down”

The screams rose higher as women shrieked and cried out, and chairs were knocked down as a loud bang echoed in the room. A second bang followed immediately after the first and people were falling to the ground, screaming and yelling.

Voices ringed by panic were shouting and some even tried to rush out of the courthouse, and in their wild stampede they knocked back the surprised military men, actually pushing them out of the courtroom in their mad dash for safety as a third shot rang out.

The bailiff closest to the defendant saw Carl standing up, the gun smoking and aimed right towards the defendant and he squeezed the trigger of his revolver, feeling it buck in his hand and he watched open eyed as he saw the tall man suddenly be twisted around as his bullet found its mark. The gun in his hand fell from its grasp as his body went crashing down to the floor.

Ashley watched in stunned silence as he saw Carl fire the gun that was in his hand and then in an instant, he heard a fourth shot and this time he saw Carl twist around and he looked into his face, and saw shock and disbelief as Carl went crashing down to the floor.

Judge Stilton had seen it happen and still he couldn’t quite make any sense out of it. His finger had pushed the panic button and his hand had swept up the 357 magnum underneath and brought it up to point at the assailant, when he saw the man suddenly spin and fall to the floor.

While people screamed and the last echo of the fourth gunshot faded, Connor began to move forwards to the defendant’s table. He stood up and saw most people laying flat. The prosecutor was huddled under his table shaking and then Connor spotted Carl. Ashley, Paul and Rob were both holding him in their arms and a armed bailiff stood over them, his service weapon trained on Carl. Off to the defendant’s table he saw two bodies. The defendant was leaning facing the other person and he rushed over to them, knowing their injuries were the most serious.