Y4H: Verdict (4da)

From Create Your Own Story

You sit nervously at the table, next to your boozy-breathed counsel, and the prosecutor sits bolt upright at her table, glowing with life. The judge orders everyone to stand, and the twelve good men and women file in, looking down as they do.

The judge asks if they have reached a unanimous verdict?

The foreman says they have.

The judge tells them to pronounce it.

The foreman says that they find the defendant guilty.

The judge asks about their finding on the issue of whether the stolen property was worth over five hundred dollars, or whether further deliberation is needed. He looks back quickly at the other members, with what might be a look of panic. Some old guy mouths words to him, looks like, "I caught a bee." The foreman's head swings back around.

"Oh yeah," says the foreman. "He's guilty of that too."

After a little more legal verbosity, the judge dismisses the jury and leaves. The police take you in cuffs. The DA is still at counsel table, looking dreamy, her hands out of sight. Doc looks disgusted, but he'll drink himself happy. Later. You're sure.

Sentencing comes a week after trial, and you get six months, so you're kept in the same jail. The truth is that it's under pretty good control, and while it's boring in there, there's no forced sodomy. A few months after you get out, the Court of Criminal Appeals overturns your conviction completely. You can't follow their opinion, eight pages of legalese, but the gist is that your trial was too silly to stand. So you finally get off without a stain on your character. Or your underwear.

You don't know Whitley's screen name, and you've had enough time to get over her. And it's not as if she'd be waiting for you. You have to leave town, but it's a small town, and there are lots more. You have to find a new job, but you do, pretty fast. And will you look for girls and good times, stability and commitment, or time alone and peace of mind? It's up to you. Smile, guy.

THE END.

Status
Advocacy Points	24