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Post by freebirde on Sept 13, 2019 8:31:01 GMT -6
Worth the wait!
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Post by texican on Sept 13, 2019 14:03:47 GMT -6
Cutter,
It is outstanding that you must be feeling better. Prayers do work.
Thanks for the chapter.
Texican....
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Post by 9idrr on Sept 13, 2019 18:58:48 GMT -6
Just like I read the last chapter yesterday. Got me hooked just as deeply. You're doing a great job of writing.
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Post by kaijafon on Sept 14, 2019 17:54:48 GMT -6
thanks! well worth the wait!
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Post by bluefox2 on Sept 16, 2019 19:44:21 GMT -6
Those grand juries sure do take a loooong time to make a decision.
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Post by cutter on Nov 26, 2019 23:40:39 GMT -6
Chapter 43
“Councillor, do you wish to cross examine?”
“Yes. Thank you, Your Honor. Mr. Marshall, unless I’m mistaken, this is the second time you have been involved in an altercation with an opponent who is no longer with us. Am I correct?’
Mark turns ghost white and a single tear rolls down his cheek. “Please, no.”
“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, please allow me to explain. Four years ago, Mr. Marshall was involved in a situation where his adopted niece was brutally raped by her then boyfriend…”
“STOP!”
“Mr. Marshall, I will not tolerate disorder in my courtroom. You will be silent, or I will have you removed.”
“Mark, I know this is difficult for you, but the jury needs to hear this; I’m sorry. Now, as I was saying, Mr. Marshall and three of his friends, including his now wife, went in search of his niece and her boyfriend, on a remote part of the Marshall’s property, based on concerns he had that something was very wrong and one or both of them were in danger. He had tried to contact his niece by cell phone before they set off on their search, to no avail.
“When he and his friends found the couple, his niece had been bound, beaten, brutalized, raped repeatedly, and was in very real danger of death. Stacy Marshall had gotten to the pair a few moments before the rest and had been assulted and incapacitated by the boyfriend, Troy McCallister. Mark Marshall was three years younger than Troy and slightly smaller, but still drew him away from his niece and the others. According to sworn affidavits, Mr. Marshall tried to avoid a physical altercation, but Troy chose instead to engage Mr. Marshall in combat. In the end, Troy received injuries that would have been fatal, except that he chose to brandish a weapon at the deputy sheriff who attempted to take custody of him, the same weapon that Troy used to inflict serious injuries upon Mark Marshall, and his niece, Kitty Jones. That deputy had no choice but to defend himself with lethal force. It should also be noted that Mr. Marshall required 41 stitches to close the wounds he received during that altercation and a pint of blood. Despite those wounds, he still assisted in evacuating a seriously injured Kitty Jones to a waiting ambulance, and safety. Ladies and gentlemen, His wounds bear testament to his determination to defend the people he cares about, regardless of the cost to him. Witness for yourselves, the man on the stand right now. It was determined that his actions were pure defense of himself and his friends. He did no wrong and committed no crime, yet he weeps for the loss of the life of a rapist, even now... Four. Years. Later. According to sworn statements, Mark Marshall saved the lives of five people that day. He not only defended his niece, his now wife, and two of their friends; but the life of his niece’s daughter who was conceived as a result of Troy McCallister’s rape of Kitty Jones; then Kitty Marshall. All of that good, all the lives saved; and even now, so long after, Mark Marshall still grieves the loss of the life of the real criminal, mourns the fact that he was left no choice but to resort to force. Ladies and gentlemen, I submit to you that Malachi Davis was the real criminal here. Malachi Davis poisoned the lives and bodies of countless people in this community, people who are the sons and daughters of your neighbors. Malachi Davis nearly took the life of a young woman who has freely given her help and substance to countless members of your community, your neighbors and friends. Mark Marshall made a choice. He chose to stand up for right, for human beings who are trying to make this world a better, safer place. If you want to judge him a fool for that, go right ahead. If you want to judge him an idealist for believing in the best of humanity and protecting it, be my guest. Judge him as you will, but before you judge him a murderer, look long and hard at the man sitting before you. Put down your preconceived notions of him and really look at Mark Marshall. Put yourselves in his place, and put your sons and daughters, your brothers and sisters, your parents and friends in the places of his friends and family. When you have done that, then decide what you would have done. Each of you are here because Mr. Brindle and I both believed that each of you could and would be impartial. Having said that, some of you still have your children because of the man on the stand right now. Some of your children will graduate high school on time because Mark Marshall shared his knowledge with them, helped them to understand their lessons. Some of them will graduate at all, because he kept his head and counted their lives more important than his own.
“I’ve done all that I can to convince you. Now, it is your responsibility to decide whether a good and innocent man goes free, or faces a trial that might condemn him for the rest of his life. Thank you for your time and attention.”
Evan Wainwright takes his seat. Mark sags on the stand, crushed by the memories of the suffering he could not prevent, only respond to, and his own actions that resulted in the deaths of two young men. He will not see that his actions saved lives and created a better future for so many people. He cannot see that he had no other choice that would have protected innocent people.
“Mr. Marshall? … Mr. Marshall!”
“Y-yes, Your H-Honor?”
“You may step down.”
Mark does not have the strength to stand, until he sees his beloved Anastasia looking at him. He knows her so well. He can see her heart is breaking for him, but that she silently demands that he draw on everything he has within him. She demands he use all of his strength and will to go on, to not give up. He somehow manages to get to his feet and take his seat.
“Mr. Brindle, I believe the counsel for the defense just made his closing argument; do you have anything to add?”
“No, Your Honor. The jury will free an innocent man today...or not. There is nothing else I can say or do to make the just decision more clear to them.”
“Very well. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you will retire to the jury room to make your decision. You will be released to go home from your duty when you arrive at a unanimous decision, and not before.”
(Courtroom, 8 PM)
“Your Honor, we have not been able to come to a unanimous decision.”
“Very well. Arrangements will be made. It is my order that the jury will be sequestered. Mr. foreman, the jury will retire to the jury room to await those arrangements. Please have the members of the jury make a list of items they will need for their stay, including clothing and medications. The jury shall be allowed no further contact with the outside world until the conclusion of these proceedings. Please provide contact information so that this court can fulfill your lists of needed items. Be aware that all items will be thoroughly searched and no letters or other communications will be allowed. Also provide contact information for each juror’s respective employer so that this court can make them aware of the circumstances. You may retire to the jury room. The arrangements should be complete in about an hour, at which time you will be transported to your accommodations.”
“Councilors, we will reconvene at 8 AM. Do not be late.”
(Waters Homestead, (9 PM)
Mark gets out of the truck and heads straight to the fire pit. He completely ignores everyone.
“Stace, why do I get the feeling that court went straight to hell today?”
“Because it did. Jordan, I just don’t get it! I don’t know who’s holding out or why, but they just won’t budge!”
“So what happened?”
“Do me a favor and ask Brian; I have to get up there with Mark. Jordan, Court was hell on him today. Mark’s a mess. Please keep everybody away.”
“I’ll take care of it. I love you, Sis.”
“I love you too. I gotta’ go. Oh, hey! Could you put a couple of sandwiches and some coffee together for us and bring it up? Just you, nobody else.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
“Thanks, Jordan.”
(Waters fire pit, 10 PM)
“Love, Jordan’s bringing us up some food in a little while. Talk to me.”
“What do you want me to say?”
“I want you to say what’s on your mind. It’s me, Love. There’s nobody and nothing else in the world right now but the two of us.”
“If it had been Breck, instead of you, this would all be over already. I don’t understand.”
“A young man lost his life…”
Mark is immediately on the defensive. “Don’t you think I know that!?! I killed him!”
“Mark, stop. You’re grieving Malachi’s death too. You told me yourself that it’s tearing you apart that he was just 18. Mark, nobody wants to see a teenager or a child die, no matter how or why it happened. He could have been so much more than he was, but HE made the decisions that ultimately got him killed. Mark, he didn’t have to be there that day at all. What would have happened if he had decided to leave T alone and sell his own drugs?”
“Nothing.”
“Exactly. He wouldn’t have been there and we would have walked out of school with T to go on our campout. Don’t you see? He started this. We didn’t have to get involved, but T would be in prison or dead now if we wouldn’t have.”
“Why won’t the judge fix this?”
“Isn’t he? We’re home tonight. We’ll sleep in our own bed. Where’s the jury? They’re stuck in hotel rooms, alone, not even able to talk to their families. The judge is pissed and did that on purpose. He wants this nonsense ended too.”
“I guess you have a point. I don’t guess this was ever going to be easy.”
“Mark, this could have been over the first day and it wouldn’t have been easy on you. You’ll carry this guilt for years, if you ever manage to let it go.”
“Do you think Scott will come around?”
Might take a few days, but I’m betting he will.”
“Guys, here’s your supper.”
Thanks, Jordan. Want to hang out?”
“No. You need the time alone with Stace. Don’t stay up here too late; you need sleep. You look terrible.”
“Gee, thanks little brother.”
“Mark, I bet you’ve lost forty pounds. You don’t sleep; you don’t eat; you look like a possessed scarecrow! I love you, but you’re killing yourself... slowly. Uncle Mark, please take care of yourself and get better. I’ll do anything to help you, just get better. I gotta’ go.”
Jordan hurries away. He’s afraid for Mark. He loves Mark more than he can tell, and it’s killing him that he can’t help. He doesn’t want Mark or Stacy to see how upset he is, though he thinks both of them probably know anyway.
“I upset him.”
“No, this whole screwed up situation is upsetting him. He loves you; he wants to help you, but doesn’t know how. Why can’t you see that everybody’s on your side?”
“Malachi’s mother isn’t.”
“Well big fucking surprise! We talked about this! Maybe she should have been on Malachi’s side when it would have mattered! Mark! You saved my life...again! You probably saved T’s life...again! If you would have said no, Brian and Morgan would have never taken him in! He’d be in prison right now, or dead on the streets in Louisville, if you had just said no! He’s earning a living now, at 15! He’s making a good and honest life for himself! He’s dating Jess for heaven’s sake! Jess wouldn’t be there for him if he wasn’t worth it! Damnit Mark, you did that! Last night when all the kids mobbed you when we got home, you took the time to hug every one of them, including Teesha and DeShawn! Despite everything you have on you, you took the time to treat T’s brother and sister just as much like your own kids as you do the rest of the littles, and the not so littles anymore, including Jordan and Noah! You treat T just like you do your brothers! You do realize that Jordan went tearing out of here so fast so you didn’t see how bad it’s hurting him that you’re hurting and there’s not a damn thing he can do about it, right?”
“I hate that.”
“AHHHH! MARK! We worry because every last one of us loves you! We’re upset because you don’t deserve this! God only knows how you can be so damn hard headed! What’s it going to take to make you see you didn’t do anything wrong!?!”
“The grand jury to let me go.”
“It’s coming. Just hold on.”
“Will you hold me?”
“Always. Come’ere, Love.”
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Post by supermag on Nov 27, 2019 0:57:33 GMT -6
Great to have this story come back to life!
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Post by texican on Nov 27, 2019 1:26:39 GMT -6
Thanks Cutter for the chapter....
Now you do have us strung out waiting for the jury to convince the one holdout that his/her health is in jeopardy....
Texican....
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Post by kaijafon on Nov 27, 2019 14:21:18 GMT -6
Sounds like someone got to one of the jurors
Thanks for the update!
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Post by 9idrr on Nov 27, 2019 21:08:34 GMT -6
Cutter, I hadn't realized how much I'd been missin' this 'til you got it goin' again. Thank you.
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Post by gipsy on Nov 28, 2019 9:06:18 GMT -6
Great update
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Post by cutter on Dec 26, 2019 23:23:57 GMT -6
Well, it took a while, but I managed to get a little more of the story from this bunch. Please, enjoy.
Chapter 44
(Waters fire pit)
“Mark, wake up. Wake up!”
“What? Where are we? What’s…”
“Mark, we’re safe; we’re ok. We’re at Mom and Dad’s fire pit. You’re safe; you’re ok. I’m here.”
“I can’t get it out of my head!”
“I know, Love; I know. It was a nightmare. It was only a nightmare; you’re safe. We’re safe.”
“You’re ok?”
“A little short of breath, but I’m ok.”
“Where are we?”
“We’re up at the fire pit. You fell asleep and I couldn’t bring myself to wake you.”
“What time is it?”
“4:32”
“Why didn’t you wake me up so we could go to bed?”
“You were sleeping. I couldn’t bear to wake you. You have so much trouble sleeping. I wanted you to get some rest.”
I keep seeing Malachi falling! I can’t hold on to him!”
“Baby, you tried. You tried to save his life. You never wanted him to die. You risked your own life for his.”
“I didn’t save him.”
“I don’t care. I’m glad he’s dead. If he’d lived, he would have only ruined more lives, killed more people. Mark, he was selling drugs that kill kids our own age! Mark, it hurt you, screwed with your head, but it saved lives when you couldn’t hold him anymore. You heard Pete; that stuff wasn’t really street cut. Mark, it was ninety percent pure! The shit he wanted T to sell would have killed most of the people who would have taken it. It was way too pure! Whoever processed that batch screwed up!. Mark, you saved lives when you let him go.”
“I didn’t want to let him go; I tried to hold on.”
I know, Baby; I know. Timothy Markus, you didn’t want anyone to lose their life that day; you just wanted me to live and for them to leave T alone. You are an honorable man who saved lives you will never know you saved. Malachi had over $3000 dollars in drugs that are illegal, no matter what anyone says. Mark, he had almost half that much in prescription narcotics. You tried and failed to save one man who didn’t deserve to live; and that saved the lives of at least two, probably over a dozen, or dozens. Mark, you’re my husband and I’m proud of you. Sweetheart, you did what you had to do. Mark you couldn’t have done anything else; Malachi didn’t leave you any choice.”
“He was so young.”
“So are we; so are most of his victims. Mark, it doesn't matter how old he was. Mark, it only matters that you saved lives.”
“But not his.”
“He tried to kill you...and almost succeeded in killing me in the process! I couldn’t care less if I tried, that he’s dead! I’m glad he can’t hurt anyone else!”
“Why can’t I see it your way?”
“Because you still think you have to save the world.”
“No, just my little piece of it.”
“I love you, but quit lying to yourself. Mark, you never stop jumping in; you never stop trying to do more. You skip meals because you don’t want to stop working. I don’t care, because I agree with you, but I’ve lost count of how much money you’ve spent to make sure good people who are back against the wall have the means to meet their basic needs. The last time the sun was up before you were, was the morning after we got engaged, and the last couple of days are the first time I’ve seen you asleep before midnight in years. Love, you give up sleep to help other people.”
“Your said your back hurt!”
“No, Love, that’s not what I mean. I was hurting and you did help me that night; but you DID give up sleep to help me. I was talking about that time about four months ago when you spent four hours on the phone with Susan Mills. It was after midnight when you two finally hung up. It was almost three when you finally got done with your own homework and came to bed, and you were up at five to help the boys.”
“I don’t want her! I was trying to help her get ready for that science test!”
“Calm down, Mark. I know Susan, and her boyfriend; and I know you. There’s nothing like that between you two; you were just helping someone you barely know to pass a science test so she could pass the class. That’s my point. She’s not a friend and it was after midnight when you got off the phone with her, and then you finished your own homework because you spent all that time with her, because you thought helping her was the right thing to do. Love, I’m proud of you and all you do for so many people. You give and give and give some more, just to help others. You had absolutely nothing left, but you still went to talk some sense into Todd, when he needed you. Honestly, I don’t know where you find the energy, but you always do. I do a lot, at least I did, before this happened; but I don’t have the first clue how you manage to wake up in the morning sometimes; much less do everything you do all day. And even after all of that, you still manage to have enough left for the family...and me.”
“I love you.”
Stacy leans in, cups the back of Mark’s head in her hand, and kisses him.
“I know you do. You never leave me any doubts, how much you love me. Mark, you would die for me without even thinking about it; you’ve tried a couple of times.”
“You almost did for me, this time.”
“But I didn’t. Thankfully for both of us, you and Kit and Bobby wouldn’t let me. I haven’t properly thanked you for that, by the way. I guarantee I’m going to correct that.”
“You’re still not well enough for that.”
“Let’s go back to the house and up to our room. When we get there, I want to find out for myself if I’m well enough.”
“Anastasia…”
“Let’s at least try, Mark. Please? I want to make love with you; it’s been so long. I miss your touch.”
“Is that what you really want, or are you just trying to make me feel better?”
“It’s what I really want. Mark, I love you; and I want you. Make love with me, please? I miss you.”
“I’m right here.”
“You’re here, but you haven’t really been here. The jury BS, all the guilt, the worry about how we’re going to keep all of us and all the people working for us fed and able to provide for ourselves, and everything else is so heavy on your mind. You can’t get a minute’s peace for all you carry on your shoulders. It’s who you are and I’ll never ask you to change, but I want my husband back. I want you to be able to let go of it all and relax, even if it’s only for a little while.”
“I’ll try.”
“That’s all I’m asking, Love. If we can’t, we can’t; but I want to. What I want most is for you to find a little peace. I love you, Timothy Markus.”
“I love you too; let’s go to bed.”
(Next morning, 6 AM, Waters back porch)
“Mark! You’re up!”
“Humf! I’ve been up for two hours. The animals are in the barn pasture and the water troughs are full. The chickens and rabbits are fed. I restocked the logs in the outdoor furnace and water heater too. It takes a lot less now that the weather’s warmed up. We might manage to let it just heat with solar in a week or so.”
“Damn, Mark! You did all of my and Jordan’s chores! Thanks, but why did you do that?”
“You two have been picking up the slack for me; the least I could do was give you a one day break. I actually feel pretty good this morning.”
“I’m not surprised.”
“What do you mean by that, little brother?”
“Jordan and I heard you two last night. I figured both of you would feel better this morning. Where is Sis, anyway?”
“Still asleep, as far as I know. Sorry we kept you up.”
“You didn’t. We were playing poker. We actually didn’t go to bed until about an hour after you two got everything worked out of your systems and settled down to sleep. I hope you know I’m just teasing you.”
“I know. So, who won the poker game?”
“Jordan. I get to take care of the animals this morning. I guess I’ll pay up tomorrow.”
“Why? The animals are taken care of and I saw you do it. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.”
“That wouldn’t be right, Mark.”
“So take the tractor over to our place and put a couple bales of hay in the feeders in the west pasture today. The hay spike is already on it.”
“I’d do that anyway.”
“Yeah, but I was going to do it when I finished my coffee. This way, I can have another cup and don’t have to do it; fair trade. Besides, Jordan will never know.”
“Know what?”
“That Noah restocked the wood burner for you.”
“That wasn’t part of the bet! Thanks, Noah!”
“No problem. So, do you need us to do anything for you today, other than the hay in the west pasture?”
“Think DeShawn can handle Gwen?”
“Not a chance. He’s still scared to ride Ruthie.”
“Then, if you two don’t have other work, harness Swifty and Honeycomb to the wagon and ride a fence line with him ; I don’t care which one. Fix what you find, if there’s anything to fix. Take Paladin with you. I want you to have the extra eyes and a better nose for trouble.”
“Yes, Sir. Weapons?”
“Take a pair of shotguns and your pistols. DeShawn hasn’t been trained yet, so grab a .22 and take him to the range when you get done. Teach him right.”
“You want us to teach him!?!”
“Why not? You two know what you’re doing. I trust you. Start the targets at 25 feet and work your way out. Take the time for him to get some good scores so he doesn’t get discouraged.”
“Just like Dad did with us.”
“Exactly. And if you see a coyote, kill it. We’ve lost a couple of calves to them. Why don’t you take my M1A with the scope on it with you too. Do NOT let DeShawn shoot it. It’ll knock him flat on his ass.”
“Yes, Sir!”
“Good luck today. I hope the jury gets it right this time.”
“So do I.”
(Three days later, 9 AM, Jury room)
“Scott, I’ve had about enough of you! I haven’t seen my husband or my children in almost a week! Either change your mind or tell us what it’s going to take to change it!”
“Fine! Explain to me how he could fight three people, all of them bigger and older than he is, beat two of them to a pulp, throw Malachi over that rail, not get a scratch on him, but couldn’t hold him! How do you explain that, Carol!?! He just let him go!”
“You’re serious!”
“Yeah, I’m serious! Explain to me how he could half kill two people and not be able to hold one kid, to keep him alive!”
“Malachi was half again bigger than he was!”
“Didn’t stop him from throwing Malachi six feet and over a rail!”
The jury foreman steps between Scott and Carol.
“Scott, have you ever been in the military?”
“NO! Do I look stupid!?!”
“I did four deployments to Afghanistan. Let me explain fighting to you. Your body dumps adrenaline, which gives you a boost in strength and stamina. That boost can make you able to do things you could never do normally. It can give you the strength of two men. It doesn’t last long. According to the timestamp on the surveillance footage, that fight was eleven minutes and eighteen seconds from the time Malachi threw the first punch to the time he hit the floor. In a fight, eleven minutes is about five minutes longer than forever. The effects of a rush can last an hour or so, but the effects of the sugar burned and toxin build up in the system aren’t counteracted. Mark Marshall was tired. His energy reserves were all but gone. Lactic acid had built up in his body as a byproduct of the sugars his muscles were burning to do what he did. Bluntly, Mark Marshall was tired, and wrung out and weak, and I’m surprised he was able to hold Malachi for as long as he did.”
“But he just let Malachi go!”
“No, he held on as long as he could and Malachi slipped out of his hand, no matter how much Mark wanted to hold on. Mark wanted to save him. I’ve seen the look on his face in the video before; it was the same look one of my buddies had when he couldn’t save one of our squadmates. Mark wanted Malachi to live, but couldn't manage it. Scott, I swear to you, Mark didn’t want that kid to die and he definitely didn’t let him go.”
“So, we just let Marshall get away with murder?”
“No Scott, we give him the credit he’s due and rule his actions self defense.” “But Malachi’s mother….”
“Tried to steer him right, Malachi didn’t listen. His mother doesn’t want to believe he did anything wrong. She doesn’t want to believe he was in a gang and selling drugs. Scott, Malachi’s mother doesn’t want to believe that her son was a criminal, I can’t blame her, but he was. Malachi Davis was a criminal and a gang member. He was a drug dealer who was killing our children and was trying to drag Tyrell James back into the same life. Please Scott, we want to see our families as much as you want to see Samantha and Breck. There are a pair of sixteen year olds in that courtroom right now who are waiting for us to tell them that they can move on and put themselves, and their lives, back together again. Scott, let’s find him not guilty and all of us move on. We can’t help Malachi or his mother. We can’t bring him back, and honestly, I wouldn’t want to. Malachi had a hand in ruining too many lives. I shouldn’t be like this, but I am. It never occurred to me to want him dead, but I’m not one bit sorry he is. If it was Jay or Melanie, I’m sure I’d feel different, but it isn’t and I don’t.”
“That’s the thing. If it had been Breck, I’d want revenge. Even if he’d done all the things Malachi did, I would still want the person who took his life to die. Eve lives in our neighborhood. I know she’s a hothead. I know she blames everything bad that’s ever happened to her or Malachi on white people, but she lost her son! We’re not supposed to outlive our children.”
“No, we’re not; but Sam and Beth Houchens did. Lisa Gadsen did. Lisa found Fallon dead in his bed with the needle still stuck in his arm. It destroyed her. We both know that needle and the heroin in it probably came from Malachi’s gang. Somebody else will take their place and the drugs will still flow into this community, but Malachi won’t be dealing death to anyone else. Mark and Stacy Marshall will be the last two people he will try to kill. Scott, that has to be worth something. Please, end this and let him walk free. Isn’t it enough punishment that he has to live with it for the rest of his life?”
“None of you will change your minds, so I guess I don’t have much choice, if I ever want to go home. Fine, not guilty.”
“Thank you, Scott.”
“Don’t thank me. If that son of a bitch gives me even half an excuse, I’m ending him on the spot.”
“I don’t think you ever have to worry about that, unless you start it. Know this though, you just threatened an innocent man’s life in front of eleven witnesses. I promise you, if Mark ever comes to harm, you will be the first person I tell the police to talk to.”
“Whatever. I just want to go home and be rid of that kid and you people.”
“We’ll remember that, and thank you for making sure we know where we stand.”
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Post by bluefox2 on Dec 27, 2019 18:37:36 GMT -6
There always has to be one knucklebutt in the bunch when the decision is clear.
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Post by kaijafon on Dec 27, 2019 18:57:55 GMT -6
Thanks for the jury POV. Interesting, I was expecting one of them to have been bribed or something. But just stupidity. Really am thankful for the new chapter! And I sure hope that is signage of Mark coming out of that funk!
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Post by papaof2 on Dec 27, 2019 19:33:15 GMT -6
Most states have a cut-off age for jurors. Perhaps because old people are more likely to be practical about the death penalty?
"How stupid are you, Jenkins? Do you really want the children and grandchildren of the victim to pay taxes for 50 years to provide that rabid animal with three hots and a cot?" "But, but..." "No buts, Jenkins. Either you want to eliminate the problem or you're part of the problem."
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Post by 9idrr on Dec 27, 2019 21:48:08 GMT -6
It's about time somebody showed a little sense.
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Post by texican on Jan 3, 2020 23:06:35 GMT -6
NOT GUILTY....
Thanks Cutter for the chapter....
Texican....
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Post by bluefox2 on Jan 11, 2020 8:59:33 GMT -6
PLEASE SIR I can has MOAR?
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Post by texican on Jan 11, 2020 19:53:50 GMT -6
PLEASE SIR I can has MOAR? BF, Begging can help, but moar flourish is appreciated by all.... Cutter, You have the MOar Hounds in front of our keyboards checking daily on our computers, laptops and hand helds for another update on the crew and what happens next since the jury did find Mark "NOT GUILTY" and the Moar Hounds are starving out here.... Thank you, Cutter, for all of the hours of entertainment that you have provided to the Moar Hounds.... Texican....
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Post by nancy1340 on Jan 16, 2020 22:54:16 GMT -6
Thanks
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Post by cutter on Jan 17, 2020 18:46:51 GMT -6
Glad to be of service. Working slowly on the next chapter
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Post by texican on Jan 17, 2020 20:58:01 GMT -6
Glad to be of service. Working slowly on the next chapterBut working on it.... Texican....
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Post by texican on Jan 17, 2020 20:59:09 GMT -6
Double post....
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Post by cutter on Feb 3, 2020 22:18:48 GMT -6
This doesn't look good. Enjoy.
Chapter 45
(Noon, acquittal day, Water’s homestead)
When Mark gets out of the truck, the whole crew is there, even Alan and Jen. All of the ranch and farm hands are there, and the whole, extended family. All the littles charge, grabbing hold of whatever part of him they can reach. They end up throwing him off balance. They land in a heap, laughing.
“HUNKA MARK!!!”
“You got me, guys; now what are you going to do with me?”
“We keep! Hunka Mark ours!”
“You sure you don’t want to trade me in, Ladybug?”
“You silly, Hunka Mark! We keep!”
“Ok, now let me up.”
As the kid pile shifts, Mark makes sure to hug every one of them. Finally, Bobby offers his hand to help Mark up.
“Welcome home, Mark.”
Mark wraps Bobby in a real live bear hug.
“Thanks, Bobby. I love you.”
“I know. Nobody else would have given me a second chance. I have Kitty and Eliza because of you. I love you too.”
“So, did Alan and Jen work things out?”
“They’re barely speaking to each other. They’re both here for you.”
“I’ll be back.”
Mark heads straight to Alan and Jen. He has a set look on his face.
“Welcome home, Mark. Congratulations,”
“Not now. Jen, are you done screwing around on the one man who loves you more than life itself?”
“What the hell!?!”
“Fine! Hold that thought!.. Alan, are you ready to admit that people make mistakes and let this go?”
“It’s not that easy, Mark.”
“NO, it’s not! My God, Alan! You used to think she was God’s personal gift to you! It’s hard as hell, but let it go! You know, she wasn’t the only one who screwed up! You were always gone! School, work, you were never there! Dammit man, she was lonely!”
“I was trying to make a future for us, Asshole!”
“Yeah, and you made the same mistake I made! You were so busy worrying about the future; you forgot Jennifer in the here and now! I damn near lost Anastasia because I was stupid! Get it together and get over yourself before it’s too late! AND YOU! Get Joel out of your pants and realize that Alan loves you for more than what you can do for him in bed! I still remember when you were neck deep in your own personal hell and it was Alan who pulled you out and put you back together!”
“You best listen to him, girl. He’s trying to help you here.”
“MOM!”
Jennifer’s mother is near tears with her next words.
“Your Dad and I weren’t there for you when you needed us; they were. I’m ashamed to say that Alan and Mark and the rest of the Crew have done more for you than we ever did. Jen, Alan loves you and Joel is just using you. Please, don’t do this. For your own good, listen to Mark.”
“Big Brother, she made a mistake; so did I. Sam forgave me; forgive Jen. The only reason she’s still with Joel is because you won’t give her a chance.”
“I gave her a chance! I walked into OUR bedroom, in OUR home, to her having sex in OUR bed with Joel!”
“Yeah!?! Not that much different than what I did!”
“You’re not my girlfriend!”
“No, I’m your sister, and Sam’s twice the man you are right now! I remember when you asked her out and she said yes! You were scared to death you were going to screw it up! Well, you did!”
“Hey…”
“Oh, shut up! You screwed up; she screwed up; you’re even! Pull your head out of your ignorant ass and make it work!”
“I haven’t seen Joel in over a month. I gave everything back to him. Alan, I love you. I was stupid. Please?”
“You people like the little slut so much; you keep her! I’m outta’ here! To Hell with all of you!”
Alan stomps over to his car, starts it, and throws gravel all the way out of the driveway.
“I’m sorry…”
“Stop, Jen. Alan’s my brother, but he’s being a fool.”
“I was telling the truth. I really did break it off with Joel.”
“I believe you. Jen, you hurt him bad and you may never get him back, but it’s his decision to make now. You’re still one of us.”
“Mark?”
“You heard the lady. You’re one of us. Alan is too, if he wants to be; his choice. Come on.”
Mark starts walking to the house with the crew in tow. Jen hesitates for a moment and Sky takes her hand.
“You’re one of us; be one of us again. Come on, Jen; come home.”
“How can you say that?”
“Because you’re family too. Alan’s my brother, but I won’t turn my back on anyone I love.”
“With tears in her eyes, Jen allows Skyler to lead her to the house...and the crew who still wants and loves her.
(...)
“Here you go, Love. It’s Knob Creek and ginger ale. I figured you could use the higher octane.”
“I’m not drinking tonight, but thank you.”
“Seriously?”
“I’ve been drinking way too much. I need to see for myself that I can actually say no and make it stick.”
“Ok. HEY, BRIAN!”
“Yeah?”
“Drink this, so it doesn’t go to waste. Fair warning, it’s a double.”
“Oh shit! That’s Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve! That stuff’s 120 proof!”
“Yeah? And?”
“What the hell; I don’t have anywhere to be tonight.”
“Except Aunt Morgan’s bed.”
“Yup!”
Brian takes the glass and drinks it down in one gulp.”
“DAMN, that burns good!”
“Yeah, now do yourself a favor and quit while you’re ahead.”
“Good idea. You guys go get something to eat. I sure as hell need to after that!”
“Where’s your head, Mark?”
“I’m not there yet, T, but I will be. What about you?”
“DeShawn and Teesha here. Cory be here, soon as Judge Greg figure out how to make it happen. Mark, you give me a chance when nobody else give me one. You and Stacy gives me my brutha and sista back. I neva’ think I see ‘em again! You n’ Stacy and da family done that fo’ me. I’m ok.”
“Calm down a little. You started talkin’ gangsta again.”
“Sheeit! I be showin’ you gangsta!”
“Now you’re just puttin’ on a show.”
“You’re right. Mark, you helped me through; what do I do to get you through your hell?”
“You’re doin’ it. T, I love you.”
“I love you too, but I ain’t callin’ you Hunkle Mark!”
“I hope not! Let’s go get some food.”
As Mark and T start loading their plates, cell phones and the radio begin sounding EBS tones.
“OH COME ON! I haven’t been home an hour!”
“Stand by for an emergency message from the President.”
(...)
“My fellow Americans, this is the President. It is with great sadness that I must tell you a bomb has been detonated in Chicago, Illinois. Early reports indicate a low yield nuclear device. Many of our fellow Americans are dead and injured at this time. I have ordered the National Guard, select units of the US Armed Forces, and FEMA into action, in order to preserve lives and limit the damage. Chicago and the surrounding areas are currently under martial law.”
“My fellow Americans, I do not like deploying the military to keep the peace. I despise placing our Citizens under martial law. As soon as the situation is under control, regular service members will stand down and National Guard troops will be returned to state control. I have ordered all Federal agencies to give their complete support and cooperation to state officials, subject to the Constitution of the United States. We will determine who did this and take action, harsh action; but we will be deliberate. When we strike, we will be absolutely certain we are striking those who attacked our fellow Citizens with this cowardly act of war and provoked our anger.”
“Let me be clear. We are not seeking war with any nation and will not initiate one, unless and until we determine, with absolute certainty, that a nation state was behind this atrocity. The lives of our troops and our Citizens are too precious, even the lives of our adversaries are too precious, to waste in some foolish propaganda campaign. Our slain and wounded Citizens were innocent. We are the United States of America; we will not shed the blood of innocents, just to satisfy our desire for revenge.”
“My fellow Americans, I urge you to calm. I urge you to compassion and generous support of our injured Citizens and the families of our dead. I urge you to be sensible, to not give our attackers the hysteria and fear that they seek to provoke in us. And when we find them, I urge all of us to steadfastly enjoin the reckoning we will deliver to those who would kill our brothers and sisters, our sons and daughters and parents. My fellow Americans, we have our differences, our disagreements, our quarrels; but we are one, diverse Nation. Let us come together for our own. Let us be strong. Let us, in this our time of need, be one, American family. Let us put aside the ideals and politics that divide us, and be united as one Nation.”
“When we know more, I will share that information with you. We are one Nation, one people. Our society works best when our Government and our people are honest with one another. I promise you; I will do everything in my power to be honest with you, and to serve you as the President this Nation needs in this time or our trial. Until we have more information, be strong, and wise, and supportive of our Citizen brothers and sisters.”
The announcement ends. An automated voice begins giving the names and contact information of organizations who are coordinating aid to affected people.
“Mark, planning meeting, right now!”
(Ten minutes later)
“OK everyone knows why we’re here. Let’s start with Todd.”
“Perimeter secure as we can make it. I’ll order the security force to increase patrols and set lookouts.”
“Jacob?”
“Stores look good. There are a few things I’d like to have more of, but we’re ok.”
“Get what you can. Use your best judgement, but don’t make a run on the grocery and don’t start a panic.”
“I won’t. Like I said, there are a few things that would be nice to have, but aren’t critical.”
“Ok. Deal with it however you think best. Mark?”
“The herds are in good shape. The crops are looking good. If we can keep the poachers, predators and deer under control, we should have more than enough to support everyone here and put a real dent in the needs of the community, and still be sustainable.”
“Good news. How’s your head?”
“Screwed to my neck. Brian, stop worrying about me and concentrate on the real problems. The President can ask for whatever he wants; there’s going to be some panic and stupid.”
“Yeah. We’ll do the best we can. Erin?”
“We can manage with the people we have, but a few more wouldn’t hurt. We have room to house ten more right now, though I won’t vouch for the privacy. A couple of families would cause privacy issues in the long term, but we can put a roof over their heads and feed them.”
“What would they do?”
“HA! Security, gardening, mucking the barns, we have the kits for three more greenhouses that need building. I think we can keep ten people busy enough to be tired at night!”
“Point taken. Ok, we’ll consider anyone who shows an interest to work or live here, or both. Remember, just because we hire them, doesn’t mean we trust them. That takes time. Mark, you didn’t say anything about backup stores.”
“Thirty, one eighty. Six months. Fifty long, thirty hands, scatter twenty, one K each plus.”
“Seriously!?!”
“A little conservative, but yeah.”
“Damn!”
“I told you.”
“What are you two talking about, and why is Mark talking nonsense?”
“Jacob, he’s not talking nonsense and if you ever need to know, we’re half past screwed.”
“Ok. Todd, start the extra patrols in three hours; let these folks get a little enjoyment first. Trouble won’t come to us any faster than that. Jacob, go now if you think you need to, or wait till tomorrow if you think you can. That’s everything. Mark, stay here for a minute.”
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Post by papaof2 on Feb 3, 2020 22:52:37 GMT -6
You shoulda let him have at least 24 hours before dumping the the next bucket of SHTF ;-)
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