Welcome! The word prompt this week is "yellow". This is another installment in the continuing story. The civil lawsuit has been cancelled in favor of criminal charges filed against Hack. Now he's facing his court appearance.
THE RESCUED HEART
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As people filed out of the court room, Rory sat glued to the bench, staring straight ahead. Hack, his head in his hands, didn’t move.
THE RESCUED HEART
“He was speeding and reckless on that bike…” Rory spat out.
“The bike got out of control…I couldn’t help it. The breaks malfunctioned,” Hack returned.
“The breaks? Hah! It was you!” She pointed her finger at him.
“Me?”
“Order! Quiet! Quiet!”
“Me?”
“But he…”
“Settle down or I’ll find you in contempt of court!” The Judge raised his voice.
Rory slumped sullenly down into her chair.
Rory slumped sullenly down into her chair.
“Your honor, I’ve been railroaded here…”
“Sit down, Dr. Roberts! The same applies to you.”
Hack’s face registered shock.
The judge tapped on his desk with his yellow pencil. “Gentlemen, please control your clients. This trial has become a circus. Disrespectful, out-of-control…outbursts. I’ve had enough. Now you’ll both listen to me…and the first one to open his,” the judge looked at Hack, “or her,” he turned to glare at Rory, “mouth is going to jail. Is that clear?”
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Hack and Rory nodded.
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“Now! I believe I have the facts straight here. Officer Maloney made it clear. I’m ready to make my ruling. This is the third case of reckless bicycle behavior in the park in this court this month. I’m sick of arrogant bicyclists. Dr. Roberts, you have injured Miss Sampson to the point where she can’t make a living. So you’re going to pay her rent for three months.”
“What?” Hack said.
“Watch it, Doctor!” The judge warned.
Hack’s lawyer, put his hand on his client’s shoulder.
“And that’s not all. Ms. Sampson is also a writer. She cannot type with a broken arm. I believe you come from the Roberts real estate family, am I right, Dr?”
Hack nodded.
“Good. Now I could make you pay for a typist to come to Miss Sampson’s house every day. But that wouldn’t be punishment enough. That’s a walk in the park – if you’ll pardon my pun – for you. You’ll make restitution personally…feel it enough so you’ll never be careless on your bike again. So I’m directing you to show up at Miss Sampson’s apartment Monday through Friday from ten a.m. until three to type her book.”
“But Your Honor…I work, I’m a vet.”
“You personally,Doctor Roberts. You either survive without working for two months or...you can go to jail for a year.”
“But your Honor…”
“I could make it three months…”
“No! no!”
The judge banged his gavel. “Okay, you want three months. You got it.”
“I’ve got to have him in my house for three months!” Rory exclaimed, rising out of her seat.
“One more word, Ms. Sampson, and I’ll cite you for contempt. You wanted help. Now you’ve got it. Court is adjourned.”
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“You’ve ruined my life,” he moaned.
“Me?” She turned to look at him. “To have your arrogant, lascivious ass breathing down my neck…”
“I’d almost rather go to jail.”
