Warning: Hold on tight.
Red Sox: Believe.
FEEDBACK: is welcome at p.phair@comcast.net
THE DRAMATIC CONCLUSION
by Phair
Beth did a quick glance to check on Lindsey sitting in the passenger seat of the Thunderbird. She was trying to determine the woman’s emotional state. Unfortunately, Lindsey was no help. She stared straight ahead as the car continued to close the distance between Blandford and the Hampden Superior Court in Springfield.
“Not one chink in her reinforced suit of armor,” Beth thought to herself with dread.
Lindsey had been withdrawn and far too quiet for the last two weeks. Ever since her disturbing meeting with Jonah, a marked change occurred in her mood. It was all Beth could do to get Lindsey out of the house every couple of days. The situation only got worse when ADA O’Malley called to inform Lindsey she could make a victim’s impact statement at her mother’s sentencing. Lindsey refused to leave the house at all. She sat in front of the computer for hours typing and researching. The old sullen features were reappearing in frown lines around Lindsey’s eyes and mouth. Beth knew Lindsey was waiting to explode but she had no idea if that would be a healthy catharsis or the beginning of Lindsey’s own self destruction.
“I’m glad I made you wear a coat,” Beth decided to venture into treacherous waters.
Lindsey shrugged the black butter soft leather shoulders of the jacket. It had been a sticking point getting out of the house that morning. Beth insisted the black cotton top Lindsey was wearing would not be warm enough even with long sleeves.
“I don’t want any of your stuff,” Lindsey barked when the coat was offered.
“You’re taking it or we’re not leaving,” Beth held firm and the younger woman finally gave in.
“Fine, whatever. Just get me to the courthouse on time.”
Beth wished for the same type of snappy retort now but was only greeted with silence. Self preservation was tossed to the wind as she decided to press onward.
“Do you know what you want to say?”
Lindsey’s frown shifted to a sneer, “Got it all written down,” she patted her chest over the inside breast pocket where the papers were resting. “Didn’t leave anything out. Everybody’s gonna know what a fuckin’ whore Annette really is. Everybody.”
Beth’s cell phone rang ending the conversation. She hit the button for hands free mode.
“This is Beth.”
A familiar voice echoed in the car, “Hello, Mrs. Pretty. Is Lindsey with you?”
“Yes, Officer Charbonnier, I’m here,” Lindsey answered for herself.
“Good. Ladies, we have a bit of a traffic jam up here at the courthouse. In about twenty seconds of so, two motorcycle state police officers will pull up on either side of your car. They’re going to give you an escort in so stay behind them and follow them.”
The motorcycles roared up on either side of the car. Each driver exchanged subtle nods of greeting before the police took the lead. Beth fell in right behind them.
“They found us. I’m following them,” Beth reported.
“That’s perfect. Stay behind them. You’re only about ten minutes away so I’ll be able to get you parked and in the building with plenty of time to spare for the proceedings.” The troopers voice softened a bit, “You doing okay, Lindsey? You ready for this?”
“You got your big mother fuckin’ gun still?”
“I do indeed,” the officer reassured.
Lindsey cleared her throat, “Then I’m ready.”
The connection clicked off. Lindsey was left staring at the darkened phone display. It took her a few seconds to gather her thoughts. The reality of the moment hit her. She was about to watch her mother go to prison. Again. Only this time, Lindsey would have something to say about it. It made her shiver.
“You okay?” Beth asked.
“Yeah. Beth?” Lindsey asked.
“Yeah?”
“I’m sorry I’ve been such a…, jerk lately,” Lindsey could barely get the words out.
Beth stole a look to her right. The sneer was gone and the frown was fading. Beneath the surface bravado, Beth saw real fear in Lindsey’s eyes.
“You haven’t been a jerk but right this instant isn’t the time to get into a discussion about your emotions. We can’t have you crying before the sentencing.” Beth spoke gently, “You’ve got something very difficult facing you in the next hour or two. You need to stay focused on your statement. They only give you one chance to confront your abuser,” Beth gave a smile and wink, “but we have a lifetime to hash out our feelings and troubles and triumphs. So, stay focused and let’s get today finished.”
“Thank you, Beth,” Lindsey replied, “for everything. And, for the jacket too.”
As they come off the Mass Pike, Beth noticed the traffic was really getting heavy. The motorcycle police turned on their sirens and lights. A path broke open and Beth negotiated the narrow margins with ease.
“How can you drive in this?” Lindsey was nervous.
Beth chuckled. “You forget, I’m a big time celebrity. I’m use to trailing behind police escorts.”
“Thank God, ‘cuz I can’t even drive.”
Beth beamed, “Oh, you have to let me teach you. It is so great to drive…,”
Her gushing stopped cold when the courthouse came into view. Hundreds of people gathered on the grounds and street in front of the ugly concrete structure. Some were carrying signs. Some were waving flags. There was even a chartered bus pointing in the wrong direction parked at the curb in front. The police escorts brought Beth into the parking spot immediately in front of it.
“What’s FOL?” Lindsey asked as she looked up at the bus’ destination sign.
Beth cleared her throat, “Friends of Lindsey.”
“What?!” Lindsey was getting very nervous.
Beth reached across the seat and took hold of Lindsey’s hands, “We’re talking Mrs. Ng and Dyvette Pesco and people you know. They got together to stay by your bedside after the attack. Then there was the fundraiser. And, now…,”
“…they’ve hired a bus to come to Annette’s sentencing?” Lindsey asked in disbelief. “Oh my God, Frannie’s their bus driver.”
Frannie, Officer Charbonnier, and the two motorcycle troopers approached Beth’s car. Officer Charbonnier motioned for them to get out. Both women took a deep breath.
“Ready?” Beth asked.
“Stay close,” Lindsey replied. “Hold my hand?”
“Sure.”
The noise was overwhelming as they exited the car. People were talking and yelling and singing and shouting. Lindsey heard her name uttered several times but could not tell which direction it was coming from.
“Welcome to democracy in action, Ladies,” Officer Charbonnier stated with a grim smile. “All we can do as law enforcement is keep the crowd from blocking your path to the courthouse. They can shout whatever stupid thing comes into their heads.”
“Never fear that’s why the FOL is here,” Frannie chimed in. “Girlie girl, we got Mrs. Ng and Viet Nam chopper boy veterans near the front doors…,”
“Motorcycle vets?” Questioned one of the motorcycle riding troopers.
Frannie hissed, “Helicopters, man. Whirly birds. You know, death from above.”
“Oh,” the cop blushed.
“Joe, the mustard man, brought the hogs. He’s got Harley and BMW and some sort of brotherhood of Yamaha riders,” Frannie clarified.
“Cool,” the motorcycle cop grinned.
“We’ve got the Transportation Union and a big group of postal employees and, believe it or not, a good turn out from the Town Squares and the Teachers’ Union. They’re strategically fanned out to block those nasty Christians,” Frannie detailed.
“Nasty Christians?” Lindsey felt sick.
Officer Charbonnier explained, “An extremist group, Lindsey. Annette reached out to them when the Rev washed his hands of her. They’ve turned out in fairly large numbers to back her and…,”
“…crucify me.”
“NO CHANCE!” Frannie announced. “We won’t let it happen. We’ve got too many people here to support you. Now, you’re gonna walk the walk with me and Beth and your head is up high and proud…,”
“And, I’m right in front of you,” Officer Charbonnier interrupted Frannie to say, “with my big MOTHERFUCKING gun. Ladies, this way, if you please.”
Beth took hold of Lindsey’s right hand. Frannie took the left. They stepped up to walk behind the state trooper. The motorcycle troopers fell into step behind them.
Frannie pulled out a small cell phone and spoke, “Flag Day.”
Within five steps, hulking men stood to their full heights with somewhat smaller women on their shoulders. The double decked people hoisted up huge American flags which completely blocked out the people behind them. Shouting erupted and Frannie spoke into his cell phone again. Within three steps, a strong chorus of American Pie rose from the gathering. Lindsey let out a nervous laugh.
“Not enough people knew the National Anthem or could reach all the notes. So, we improvised,” Frannie defended.
The police hustled the group forward to the entrance. Courthouse staff opened the doors to allow the five access. Once they were inside and the doors closed behind them, the noise disappeared.
“Good job,” Officer Charbonnier announced. “Lindsey, Beth, we need to get you two upstairs.”
“Frannie?” Lindsey clung to his hand.
The big man grinned, “I’m waiting right here for you. The courtroom is filled to capacity. I chose to wait by the door to walk you in and walk you out.”
Lindsey wrapped her arms around Frannie’s thick body and confessed in a bare whisper, “I’m afraid.”
“I know. That’s why I’ll be waiting right here for you. No matter what happens upstairs, I’m going to make sure you get home safe and sound.” Frannie disentangled himself from Lindsey and held her at arms length, “Go on, now. Get upstairs and set the wrong to right.”
Lindsey opened her mouth but had no strength to speak. She took a firm hold of Beth’s hand before nodding she was ready. The pair followed the State Trooper to the elevators.
The courthouse was filled to the breaking point with people. If Beth and Lindsey weren’t right behind the Trooper then they never would have made it to the courtroom. Officer Charbonnier shouldered his way through the crowd and got them where they needed to be. Once inside the courtroom, Lindsey was overwhelmed with the shear number of people surrounding her.
“I’m gonna talk in front of all these people? No way!” She thought to herself.
Her body was being pushed along but her mind was looking for a way out. There was no way she was going to read her statement to the packed room. She let them move her to the third row bench. The woman sitting midway stood and took Lindsey’s free hand.
“We were starting to worry about you guys,” Nikki said as she pulled Lindsey down to sit. “It’s absolutely crazy here. I wouldn’t have made it in without Harvey.”
“Hi Lindsey,” Harvey leaned forward and waved, all the while keeping his hand on Nikki’s back.
Beth took the seat next to Lindsey and started to settle in but Lindsey was nearly frantic. Her hands were shaking and her voice was hushed.
“What are you doing here? Where’s the baby?” Lindsey asked.
“My Grandmother has him. She sends her love, Mom. And, wishes you good luck Lindsey.”
Beth and Nikki started a small conversation but Lindsey couldn’t focus. There were too many people around. Once she started to scan the crowd she saw Donny and Mr. Deming. Both gave her a thumbs up. Lindsey felt like she was going to puke. A tap on her shoulder distracted her.
“We’re all behind you, Lindsey,” Dyvette said as Lindsey turned to the bench behind her.
Dyvette’s partner grinned, “Literally and figuratively.”
Lindsey nodded her head but was afraid to open her mouth. “I’m going to be ill. Really, really sick.” She thought to herself.
“Lindsey, Lindsey,” ADA O’Malley hushed as she leaned in from the aisle. “There are only two impact statements. Do you want to go first or last?”
“Last,” Lindsey quickly responded.
It took the bailiffs several minutes to get the courtroom quieted. They were directing people without seats to leave the room. One last person squeezed into the bench next to Beth. It took Lindsey several seconds to realize the man in the blue suit was Mark Breheny.
“Is it okay if I sit with you, Lindsey?” He asked.
Lindsey shrugged her shoulders. “Okay with me. How about you, Beth?”
“Okay by me.”
Lindsey smiled just a little when she added, “I almost didn’t recognize you without your dress, Uncle Father.”
Mark grinned, “It’s at the cleaners.”
With a suddenness that surprised the gallery, the judge entered the courtroom. He went directly to the bench and banged his gavel twice. The room fell silent.
“We have a few orders of business before we begin the proceedings. Media people, I expect you to be on your best behavior; no running in and out of the room, no obnoxious flash bulbs, and don’t block the hallways. You know the drill. As for the rest of you, no shouting, yelling, clapping, or other uncivilized behavior. We have lots of court officers and cells downstairs to deal with folks engaging in contemptible actions. It maybe a circus out on the lawn but it will not become one in my courtroom. Finally, shut off the cell phones and pagers.” The judged gave a heavy sigh before continuing. “Lawyers, are we ready?”
“Commonwealth is ready, your honor.”
“Defense is as well.”
“Good. Now, somebody get the prisoner so we can get going with the sentencing phase,” the judge pointed to an older bailiff.
Several minutes passed. The only people in the room moving or talking were the lawyers and judge. Finally, the bailiffs brought Annette in through a side door.
Lindsey dropped her gaze when she saw a flash of the orange jumpsuit. She really didn’t want to see her mother shuffling across the courtroom. Hearing the shackles jangle was difficult enough.
“You honor, Reverend Cornway is prepared to make the first of two victim impact statements.”
The judge gave a weary nod of approval. ADA O’Malley turned to the gallery and motioned for the Reverend to approach. The man quickly followed the pointed directions to the witness chair next to the judge’s bench.
He cleared his throat with a wet rattle directly into the microphone, took a deep breath, and began, “You go by many names but the one name which suits you best is Jezebel. No lie is beneath you if it furthers your aims. No love is sacred if it stands in your way. You manipulated my son. You confused his good sense. You twisted the word of the Lord. For what end? All to attain worldly comfort. You are a fool. You are a Heretic! Blasphemer! You are beyond salvation, beyond redemption. This court will punish your actions but the Lord will take vengeance on your soul for your sins. No prison cell can compare to the fiery damnation awaiting you in eternity.”
Lindsey was shaking in her seat. The impassioned sermon being delivered by the Reverend was horrifying. Not the description of suffering awaiting her mother but the hatred emanating from the man. His heart was broken and he was lashing out but where would he put his anger when he stepped off the stand? How would he ever go on to find happiness while carrying such burning rage?
“Glad I’m not him,” Lindsey thought to herself. Her hand instinctively reached for her typed out statement. “I’m not him, right?”
“Lindsey, it’s time?” Beth spoke softly as she guided Lindsey out of the bench.
Lindsey mutely followed along. The ADA met her on the other side of the court railing. She guided Lindsey to the witness chair and then adjusted the microphone. Once she stepped back, Lindsey automatically removed her speech from her jacket pocket.
“Am I him?” She asked herself again as she looked at the pages in her hands.
“You can begin anytime,” the judge prompted her.
“I have this speech, right here,” Lindsey waved the papers as she spoke. “I’ve been working on it for days and days. And, well I’m not going to read it. ‘Cuz it’s not what I want to say anymore. What I want to say…,” Lindsey stole a quick glance at Beth and Nikki and Harvey and Mark. “I want to say, I love you.” The room was painfully quiet. “You’re my Mother and I don’t think I can help loving you. So, I forgive you. Whatever the court needs to do, it’s gonna do but I forgive you.”
Lindsey finally made eye contact with Annette. The woman stared back at her dully. “I should thank you too. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be alive. If it wasn’t for the way you neglected me then I would never been put into DSS. I would have never met the most important people in my life; Ms. Pesco, Donny, Mr. Deming, Mrs. Ng, Tomas and Frannie and the Patricks.”
Lindsey gave a broad smile before saying, “And, if you didn’t try to kill me then I would’ve never known my father’s family. My family. See, his wife Beth, she made a home for me. I’ve got Grandpa Stu and a sister, Nikki and my new nephew, Lee; we’re a real family. They’re all with me today because…they love me. So, thank you Mrs. Cornway for everything you put me through.”
Lindsey turned to the judge and said, “I don’t care what you do with her, Sir. I just want to home to my family now. May I be excused?”
“Of course,” the judge replied in a somber voice.
Lindsey left the stand and headed straight for Beth.
“Please take me home, Beth,” Lindsey said.
Beth put and arm around the young woman’s shoulder and walked her out of the courtroom. Officer Charbonnier followed them out.
The judge adjusted his microphone. “Instruct the defendant to rise,” the judge said impatiently to the defense lawyer. “Do you wish to make a statement?”
“Yeah, I do. I want to say, I’m sorry Lindsey had such a tough time but I was really young when I had her. I was just a kid myself. So, we both suffered. But, I care about her. Of course, I care about her. That’s the reason I’m agreeing to any of this. Out of concern for my kids. I could’ve went to trial and probably gotten a not guilty but I’m sacrificing myself for my kids’ sake. I hope you’ll take that into consideration,” Annette said.
The judge rolled his eyes. “Because of the agreement reached by the district attorney and the defense, I am limited with what I can do to you. The recommendation was for between two and five years so I’m imposing the full five years at state prison. Upon your release, you’ll be on probation for ten years. Plus, I’m issuing a two hundred and fifty thousand dollar fine. Hopefully, that will keep you busy enough to stay out of your children’s lives for the next fifteen years.”
“I would like to add one thing,” the judge spoke directly to Annette. “You got an amazing gift today. In my opinion, you don’t deserve it but Lindsey believes differently. Perhaps, there is something lovable about you but you tried to kill the only person I know of who still feels that way about you. Pretty pathetic. Take her away. Court’s adjourned.”
Lindsey hurried down the grassy slope with the black robes of her graduation gown flying in the breeze. She kept one hand on the flat topped mortar board and the other clutching her diploma. Her family members were gathered under the oak tree at the edge of the field. She picked the meeting spot herself so she could see them during the commencement ceremony.
A small boy broke free of the pregnant woman holding his hand. He raced up the hill to meet Lindsey half way. He jumped into her arms and wrapped his own around her neck.
“Linny, Linny, you were the best one!” He shouted nearly deafening her.
Lindsey laughed and spun around twice with him, “Oh Lee, I’m so glad you came to see me. Shall we go show my diploma off to Granny and Greatpapa Stu?”
“And, after dinner and ice cream?” He said as she set him back on his feet.
“You bet, lots of ice cream.”
“Hey Lindsey, congratulations,” Harvey stepped forward and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Lindsey said, “Thanks. I thought I was gonna faint when they called my name.”
“Couldn’t tell from down here, kiddo,” Nikki reassured as she awkwardly managed to give her sister a hug around her bulging belly. “If this baby doesn’t come soon, I think I’ll explode.”
“Um, not today, okay? I think one home delivery is enough for both of us,” Lindsey teased before turning to Beth.
“Honey, you did terrific!” Beth was teary eyed.
“Oh, don’t cry. It makes me sad,” Lindsey gave her a big hug.
“Happy tears,” Beth replied.
“Thank you, Beth. I love you so much,” Lindsey choked on a few happy tears of her own. “Did Stu wake up? Did he hear?”
Beth shook her head. “You get to tell him yourself.”
Lindsey stepped closer to the snoring man in his wheelchair. He was determined to attend the graduation. He wasn’t well and hadn’t been for some time. But, he pressed the family to bring him to see his last grandchild graduate from college.
“Grampa Stu,” Lindsey touched his cheek as she spoke.
“Honey bunch, you looked so beautiful up on the stage,” he said.
Lindsey leaned down and kissed his forehead. “I got something to show you.”
She put the diploma into his hands. He ran his shaking fingers over the pebbled leather. Lindsey opened it to show the official document.
“Look at that, will ya?” Stu marveled. “Be it know by all persons…conferred on this date…to Lindsey Lee Pretty…, Honey Bunch?” Stu was stunned.
“I hope it’s okay with you, Grampa. I wanted to have your name so I got it changed. It’s all legal and everything. Is it okay?” Lindsey started to worry she may have made a mistake not asking his permission first.
Stu raised both his hands and cupped her face, “It belongs to you too. Always did. Always will. Lindsey, you made me so happy.”
“I love you, Grampa.”
“My sweetheart Lindsey, it’s so good to have you home.”
Lindsey grinned back at him and then at Beth, “It’s so good to have a home.”
