"Yes, Your Honor."
"And your coworkers?"
"We were all witnesses. I feel very sure they will say the same thing."
"Let's save time, shall we? In a nutshell, Officer Oats used excessive force, and a man was seriously injured, had extensive surgery, and has to stay in the hospital at the city's expense. That about sum it up?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"You can sit down."
"Thank you, ma'am."
The defense tried to protest, but Judge Walker made an irritated buzzing sound, so he stopped.
"Stand up," the judge snapped at Oats. "I'm ready to pass judgment."
"Don't you want to deliberate?" Defense asked.
"There's no need. His actions seriously injured a young man, who wasn't resisting. In fact, according to witnesses, he was sitting quietly, having coffee. The city is footing a very large medical bill, because Mr. Oats couldn't control the urge to be stupid. So, here's the deal. Mr. Oats, you are no longer a police officer. You will surrender your gun and badge—"
"Your Honor, objection!" Defense yelped.
"One more word, you're in contempt. I'm not done. You will pay Mr. Winthrop's hospital bill. In full. Plus any therapy or follow-up appointments he may have. This isn't finished. There are criminal charges pending against you, and you will stand trial. If you're very lucky, you'll stay out of prison. But there better be a hell of a defense to make me change my mind. I'm done." She stood and the bailiff called for everyone to rise. Slightly stunned, they did so.
Oats turned to Canon and Eilene. "Couldn't wait to get rid of me, huh? Stabbed me in the back. This isn't over!"
"Would you shut up?" his lawyer yelled. "Do you know how deep your digging?"
"I expect your gun, badge and equipment delivered by five this evening," Canon said. "And listen to your lawyer. That's the first smart thing he's said."
As they filed from the courtroom, Newton caught up with Eilene, looking slightly shell shocked.
"Is she always like that?"
"No. Sometimes, she's terse."
He chuckled, taking her elbow and leading her aside. "You want to grab lunch?"
"Loose is going to want a war council. This isn't over. Oats' daddy is a heavy hitter."
He looked disappointed.
"We're all going to Uncle Jay's. You're coming. You're my ride." Grabbing his tie, she tugged him along.
"Meeting at Jay's," Canon said as they passed.
"Yep!" Eilene replied.
They left in a convoy, arriving in a group. Someone must have called, because they were expected. Several tables were pulled together and there were already pitchers of water and tea set out. One place had a small, metal pot and tea cup by it. Eilene sat there.
"Same as always, right love?" the waitress said.
"Yes, Sally. No one brews my blend like you."
"Oh, new face! What'll you have?" Sally handed Newton a menu.
"Don't you need everyone's?"
"They get the same thing every time. Same for you?"
"What do you get?" he asked Eilene.
"Best Rubens in the state."
"Oh, hell yeah. I'm in." He rubbed his hands together.
"You got it! Marty said he would. Be ready in a tick."
"Who's Marty?"
"The cook. He knows what people are going to order before they do."
"Psychic?"
"Only with food."
He leaned over, lowering his voice. "I really wanted a lunch date."
"I'll count this."
"Cool."
They spent lunch talking about unimportant things. Once the meal was over, they had shop talk over coffee and pie.
"I had no idea this had been such an issue," Newton said. "I guess the newbie needs to get caught up."
"We never openly discuss it at the office," Canon explained. "We don't involve the civilians. This gave him a serious image problem, that even his dad can't disappear."
"Who's his dad?"
"Former City Councilman, now running for County Council," Canon explained. "He's the reason we got saddled with the little shit. He squeaked by at the lowest end of the test scores. Something this public, can't be washed away. I'm real sorry that boy got hurt, but praise God, Oats is gone."
©2021 Dellani Oakes
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