RAPE-Serialized version

 

Hi Everyone:

I am pleased to publish chapter 10 of my novel, RAPE. After reading the chapter, I hope you will comment on it. As you know, your comments and suggestions influence my revision. If you missed any of the previous chapters, check the archives.

 I also encourage you to visit my website:  joshswritingroom.com/ where you will find RANSOM, a short story by Frank. You can also check out my e-published novels. If you find one to your liking, you can purchase it from Amazon.com, or from Barnes and Noble. You’ll find links on the website taking you right to it.

PATH TO A PARDON,

THE EINDHOVEN STRATEGY,

& PALM BEACH STYLE.

 

As I publish each new chapter, the previous chapter(s) should be archived, so you can easily catch up. For those who prefer, here is an encapsulated version of the previous action:

 

PREVIOUSLY: RAPE

Prosperous executive, Gary Sanders, has an appointment at the home of Julia Walsh, the reigning Empress of Palm Beach. Julia’s niece, Oscar winning actress, Miriam West, is visiting and has jewelry to insure.

Miriam accuses Gary of assault and rape. Chief Moore shows Gary a close-up of her facial cuts and bruises. They await the lab report.

Gary’s wife, Carol, is furious. Due to a Gary’s past, Carol believes him guilty. She moves him into the guest room.

Attorney, Joe Flaherty advises him not to hide, flee or talk. Reporters who publish stories favoring the actress surround Gary’s home and office. His children are harassed at school and Gary loses his clients and his major companies. Neighbors and friends shun Gary and his family.

Prior to Gary’s arraignment, lawyer Flaherty sends P.I., Jim Bosley, to investigate, and then visits Carol. When he arrives, he finds her parents have arrived and plan to take her and the children back to Boston. He tries to persuade her to stay.

 

 

CHAPTER 10

 

 

In courtroom number two, Judge Stern looked out over the crowd gathered in his small auditorium and ordered the clerk to call the next case.

 “Case number: 260520 State of Florida vs. Gary Sanders; one count of sexual assault and one count of assault.”

Clean-shaven, he entered the courtroom. With the exception of the new shirt his attorney had brought, Gary wore the clothes he had been wearing when arrested. He moved to stand beside attorney Flaherty, and then craned his head in a failed attempt to locate his wife. 

Flaherty whispered, “Concentrate, Laddie! All that matters now is that we get you released. It’s not the quarrel that you may have with your wife, but the one you do have with the law that matters.”

“But Joe, she’ll be here. In my gut I can feel it.”

The Judge, wearing a black robe and a serious face, lived up to his name, asked, “Who represents the defendant?”

  “Attorney Joseph Flaherty, representing Mr. Sanders your honor,” he answered without a trace of accent.

“And for the State?” the Judge asked.

A tall, thin blonde-haired woman in a tailored, gray suit stepped forward, “Assistant District Attorney, Marcia Ugiss, your honor.

“And how does the defendant plead?”

Gary didn’t need prodding. He cleared his throat and in a clear voice answered, “Not guilty your honor.” He felt a pat on his back from Flaherty. Glancing over his right shoulder, he again searched the spectators for Carol. He didn’t see her. Flaherty whispered, “Laddie, look to your left!”

Jerking his head around and half turning, he spotted her, sitting at the end of the third row. He recognized the new, dark blue suit she wore with its high button top and rounded collar. She clung to the arm of her father, decked out in one of his Brooks Brothers suits. He jabbed Flaherty’s arm, “I just knew she’d never let me down. I told you she’d come.”

“Aye that you did. I just hope it means she’s ready to post the bail.”

Judge Stern said, “In view of the defendant’s plea, I’m setting the court date for Monday January 24, 2012. Now let’s discuss the matter of bail. Ms. Ugiss what is the State’s opinion.

“Your Honor, this case involves a vicious attack and sexual assault on a very prominent actress and is receiving coast to coast coverage by the media. Anything less than one million dollars will be viewed as a travesty.”

Judge Stern nodded before turning his gaze toward the defense attorney. “Mr. Flaherty, do you disagree?”

“I certainly do. The State’s case depends entirely on unsubstantiated testimony, your honor. The victim didn’t call the police until after bathing, which destroyed any chance for DNA evidence and there are no other known eyewitnesses.

Furthermore, your honor, my client is a prominent member of the community. He has two young children. His wife and father-in-law are here today showing their support. He has both business and personal ties in Palm Beach County. We ask that he be released on his own recognizance.”

Assistant D.A. Ugiss sounded adamant. “Your honor, the State opposes such a move. The defendant closed his office, severing his business ties to this community. We have also learned that he has a valid passport and is therefore a flight risk.”

The rustle of voices from the spectators came to an abrupt end as Judge Stern tapped his gavel. “The court orders that bail be set at $50,000 and that the defendant surrender his passport! Next case!” the judge ordered, tapping his gavel.

Joe Flaherty motioned to Carol and her father, who advanced with his checkbook in hand. Together they hustled toward the clerk’s desk to arrange for Gary’s release.

Hustling didn’t help much, by the time Carol and her father got Gary home the hall clock had already chimed 2:00 P.M. Two television equipped vans and half-a-dozen reporters clogged the sidewalk in front of the house on Sandpiper Drive. Mr. Howe drove up the driveway and slowly made his way to the back of the house. Parking in front of the garage, the trio made a dash for the serenity of the fenced-in yard.

Once inside the house, Carol went upstairs to see her mother while Gary hugged his children, and then turned to the man who had posted the bond. “I can write you a check right now if you like.

Randolph shook his head, “That isn’t at all necessary or called for.”

 Don’t worry Randolph, I promise that I’ll show up on January twenty-fourth. You won’t lose your money.”

Randolph nodded, “Honestly, that never crossed my mind.”

Hannah rushed in from the kitchen and gave Gary a hug, then from the pocket of her apron; she pulled out an envelope and handed it to him. “This came for you today.”

Gary glanced at the envelope noting that it came from his Country Club. He started to put the envelope aside, then changed his mind and opened it as Carol returned with her mother. Gary read the brief letter to himself before exclaiming, “The bastards!” He squeezed the Country Club letter to golf-ball size. “They’ve cancelled our membership; it’s effective immediately.”

 Carol, with arms crossed, stood next to her mother and shrugged. “Well,” she said with a sigh, “they sure didn’t waste any time. Gary, I’m afraid I have more news. I’ve decided to take the children to Boston for a while. They are miserable here; who can blame them with all these nosy reporters; they refuse to go to school and their friends snub them. They’ll be so much better off in Boston. My parents have plenty of room. I’ll enroll them in good schools and I promise to return in time for your trial.”

 “Just like that huh?”

“No Gary, not just like that. I’ve given this a lot of thought and I think it’s what’s best for us all.”