Home Pharos Fiction Site Map Updates Search

 

                                                                                                                        Back

Halexandria Foundation
Communications
Sacred Mathematics
Connective Physics
Synthesis
Chronicles of Earth
Justice, Order, and Law
Daath
Extraterrestrial Life
Creating Reality
Tree of Life

Justice Denied

Now showing -- July 4, 2003

  Episode Six

Copyright 1996, 2003 Dan Sewell Ward

FADE IN:

EXT:  POLICE CAR, THE STREETS OF DENVER -- LATE AFTERNOON

Charles Mison is sitting in the front passenger as the Police OFFICER NUMBER ONE pulls the police car out of the Courthouse parking lot.  Several demonstrators indicate their anger, displeasure, and shock at the verdict.  One starts to hits the passenger side windshield, but then thinks better of it.  As they pull away and clear the main demonstration, the Officer takes a look at Charlie.  Charlie is looking exhausted.

OFFICER NUMBER ONE

Looks to me like you done peed in your chili.

 

CHARLIE

Ever served on a jury before?

 

OFFICER NUMBER ONE

Can’t say I have.  It’s not exactly allowed.

 

CHARLIE

You really should try it sometime.

 

OFFICER NUMBER ONE

No thanks.  Where to?

 

CHARLIE

Not real sure.  How about Seattle?

 

EXT:  KATRINA’S APARTMENT HOUSE -- FOLLOWING

An unmarked police car pulls up across the street from where several people are milling about the entrance.  Police OFFICER NUMBER TWO stops and turns off the ignition.  He turns to look at Katrina, taking only a brief glance of Edward, also in the back seat.

OFFICER NUMBER TWO

You sure you want me to leave you here?

 

KATRINA

I don’t have any other place to go.

 

EDWARD

I don’t want to take advantage of your vulnerability, but I might be able to help.

 

KATRINA

I appreciate that... Edward, isn’t it?

 

EDWARD

I have a sister, who would dearly love to have you as a temporary guest.

Katrina looks at Edward, and then turns to the Police Officer, who is gently smiling.  She smiles.

 

EXT:  ALLEY/PARKING LOT OF GEORGE’S APARTMENT HOUSE -- FOLLOWING

Brightman and Duke are in an unmarked police car as it comes around the corner of the alley into the apartment’s parking lot.  A milling crowd of nasty looking individuals take one look at the car and suddenly converge on it.  Several begin hitting the windows with clubs, as Brightman falls back terrified by the attack.  OFFICER NUMBER THREE dodges the tire iron hitting the windshield and quickly radios for help.

OFFICER NUMBER THREE

Officer down!  Thirtieth and Wadsworth!

Back lot of the apartment house.

Duke initially ducks, but then in full anger, slams open the door into one of the demonstrators, knocking the man back and down.  As Duke steps out of the car, a second demonstrator tries to hit him with a baseball bat, but Duke dodges the swing and promptly kicks the man between the legs.  As this man goes down, Duke slams him with both fists in the back of the head.  The others immediately near him suddenly hesitate as they watch Duke.  Then one throws a rock which narrowly misses Duke’s head.  Duke, now loaded for bear, then moves toward the others.  Several yell obscenities, and just as Duke catches one rock from behind, sirens are heard.

 

EXT:  A CHURCH ON MARTIN LUTHER KING BOULEVARD -- FOLLOWING

Thena, with Olivia in tow, get out of a Police car, and scamper for the front steps of an almost deserted church.  Stepping though a door which had been ajar is Thena’s husband, Paul.  He moves to them quickly and then escorts them inside.

 

INT:  CHURCH SANCTUARY ON MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD -- FOLLOWING

Inside the church, Olivia catches her breath, as Thena turns to Paul.  Her expression is one of fright and concern, while Paul seems comparatively calm.

THENA

The children?

 

PAUL

They’re fine.  We watched the verdict from Henry and Gail’s place.  They’re still there.

 

THENA

Thank God.

 

PAUL

I called Frank.  He said there’s a couple of dozen people milling around outside the house.  I figure we’ll have to stay with Henry and Gail tonight.

 

THENA

And then?

 

PAUL

Don’t worry.  We’ll weather it.

 

THENA

Is there room for one more?

Paul looks over at Olivia, who has been watching the other two.

PAUL

Sure.  The more the merrier.

 

EXT:  DENVER STREETS, NEAR LIN SUE’S APARTMENT HOUSE -- FOLLOWING

Jack and Lin Sue are sharing a ride in a police car with OFFICER NUMBER FOUR.  As they pull up across and some distance down the street from a group of nearly twenty people milling about, the officer turns off his lights, and turns to the two former jurors.

OFFICER NUMBER FOUR

You’ve either got a lot of friends, or this could turn nasty.

 

LIN SUE

What do you suggest?

 

OFFICER NUMBER FOUR

If I drive up next to the building, it’s not going to take a genius for them to figure out who you are.  But if you just walk in there like nothing’s happening, you can probably pull it off.  Otherwise, I can take you Social Services.  They might be able to find you a bed for the night.  Assuming they’re not of a like mind as this group.

 

LIN SUE

Oh, God.  I really need to get home.

 

JACK

The officer may be right.  They shouldn’t be able to recognize us.  I could walk up there with you, like we’re coming back from a date.

 

OFFICER NUMBER FOUR

I can keep my eyes on things from here.  If there’s any trouble, I’ll come on the run.

Jack looks at Lin Sue, who taking a deep breath, silently agrees.  Jack gets out of the car and helps Lin Sue out.  The officer smiles encouragingly, and the two begin to walk up the sidewalk.  Jack puts his arm around Lin Sue’s waist.

JACK

We have to make this look good.

 

LIN SUE

I don’t mind.

Jack glances at Lin Sue, who smiles back at him.  Jack smiles as well.  Then Lin Sue leans toward him slightly, kissing him on the cheek.

LIN SUE

We’re on a date, right?

 

JACK

Absolutely.  I always take my first dates on really exotic and unusual adventures.

 

LIN SUE

You got that right.

As the two come within fifty yards of the people milling about, one older TEENAGER turns to look them over.  Then his eyes widen.

TEENAGER

Hey!  There’s two of them!

The rest of the people turn to see, as Lin Sue stops in her tracks and Jack glances back at where the police car is.  The police car then does a U-turn, and drives off.

JACK

That son of a bitch!  Is there another way into the building?

 

LIN SUE

No.

The crowd, with the Teenager leading, begins approaching the two.

JACK

Then it’s time to run like hell.

Lin Sue hesitates and then turns to slap Jack on the face.  The sudden altercation stops the crowd for just a moment.  Jack is still looking shocked, when the Teenager points a finger toward them.

TEENAGER

I'm telling you, it's them!

The crowd starts moving toward them again, as Lin Sue turns to stare at Jack, her hands on her hips.

LIN SUE

            Follow me.  I have an idea.

Suddenly she turns and takes off running down the street.  Jack quickly follows suit, as the crowd suddenly spurred on, takes off after them.  The fugitives sprint for half a block before Lin Sue turns a corner and then runs into a small restaurant.

 

INT:  RESTAURANT / SHOPPING COMPLEX, DENVER -- FOLLOWING

Inside the restaurant, the patrons are celebrating the end of another work day.  Without breaking stride and heading for the back door, Lin Sue and Jack dash past them.

LIN SUE

Call nine one one!

Before anyone can react to the order, the faster runners from the mob come running into the restaurant.  Lin Sue and Jack are already out the back door.

 

INT: A SMALL SHOPPING COMPLEX, DENVER -- FOLLOWING

Lin Sue leads Jack into a sparsely populated shopping complex, where they try to blend in with the crowd.  Their pursuers also enter, but for a moment are perplexed by the lack of a clear quarry.  Then a SHOPPER suddenly takes note of the two of them.

SHOPPER

You two look familiar.  Do I know...?

Shopper’s mouth suddenly drops open, her eyes widening.

SHOPPER

My heavens!  You two were on that jury!

The Teenager and other pursuers suddenly react to Shopper’s exclamation, and start toward Lin Sue and Jack. 

JACK

God, I hate being famous!

 

LIN SUE

Shut up and run!

The two take off running, find themselves partially cut off by portions of the crowd on the one hand, and overly curious, easily converted bystanders on the other, and then in desperation run for a main exit.

 

EXT:  DENVER STREET OUTSIDE SHOPPING COMPLEX -- FOLLOWING

Jack and Lin Sue bolt across the street and begin running down the opposite sidewalk.  As the first of their pursuers exit the shopping complex, a large Ram Truck comes roaring down the street, blasting its horn and causing the first pursuers to dodge the truck.  The truck then roars to where Lin Sue and Jack are, and almost cuts them off as it skids to a halt on the sidewalk.  Lin Sue and Jack come up short, and are about to duck inside another store, when Jack sees Henry Michel in the truck’s cab.

HENRY

Get in!

Jack catches Lin Sue’s arm as she starts for the store, and aims her instead toward the truck.  Her eyes widen considerably as she sees Henry and leaps into the truck.  Jack follows her in to the truck.  Henry floors it and takes off down the street.  The pursuers and their few meager tosses of rocks and bats are soon outdistanced.  Henry’s truck skids around the next corner, but then glancing in the rear view mirror, slows down.

HENRY

And to think I missed out on your celebrity status.  Darn!

 

LIN SUE

It’s not quite as delightful as you might imagine.

 

HENRY

Actually, it looks like hell.

 

JACK

How in the world did you just happen to come along at the right time?

 

HENRY

I’ve been watching since you got out of the police car.  But I didn’t want to drive through that restaurant after you.

 

LIN SUE

I don’t understand.

 

HENRY

Your names, addresses and photos are all over the Inter Net.  They might as well have put out a reward for you.  Dead or alive.

 

LIN SUE

The authorities told everyone where we...?

 

HENRY

They’ll never be able to trace it.  It just showed up on the Inter Net such that every self-styled vigilante could come after you.

 

LIN SUE

That’s unbelievable!

 

JACK

So how did you just happen to be outside Lin Sue’s place?

 

HENRY

Because she’s prettier than you.  Rescuing you was just dumb luck on your part.

 

LIN SUE

You’re kidding!

 

HENRY

Plumstead, Damask and I kind of bonded after we got booted.  Plus we figured there was a fair chance of you guys going the way you did.  We also knew how far the media had gone in making a guilty verdict a foregone conclusion.  Worse yet, the media were also catering to the more bloodthirsty members of the populace.  So we began to make some contingency plans.  Thena’s husband was a willing member of our little conspiracy, as were several others.  So, basically, we covered everybody.  Except for your wife, Jack.  She’s a little strange.

Jack grimaces, while Lin Sue looks at him sympathetically.

JACK

Where is she now?

 

HENRY

If she’s smart, in hiding.

 

JACK

She’s probably at home.

 

HENRY

Where I recommend you don’t go.

 

JACK

I’m not a fugitive.

 

HENRY

Oh really?

 

LIN SUE

I know a place.  If you don’t mind shacking up with another fugitive.

 

HENRY

Gee.  Maybe I’ll become one myself.

Jack smiles for a moment, looking at Lin Sue, while Henry watches the interchange.

 

EXT:  DENVER, OUTSIDE JACK’S HOME -- THREE DAYS LATER

Jack arrives home in a car driven by Lin Sue.  Other than the signs of their previous residence, there’s no crowd of demonstrators on his front lawn.  Lin Sue pulls in to Jack’s driveway, where Jack takes her hand, holding it at seat level.  For a moment they smile in a vain attempt to be lighthearted.

JACK

You’re okay with this, right?

 

LIN SUE

Do I have a choice?

 

JACK

I just can’t dump it all.

 

LIN SUE

I understand.  Vested interest.  You told me.

Jack looks at Lin Sue for a moment, his smile turning to a grimace. 

 

INT:  DENVER, JACK’S LIVING QUARTERS -- FOLLOWING

As Jack walks into the kitchen, Terri meets him in the kitchen, scowling.

TERRI

Where have you been!?

 

JACK

I told you...

 

TERRI

You told me you had to stay away the night of the verdict.  Fine.  But it’s been three days, Jack! 

 

JACK

It was necessary for things to calm down.

 

TERRI

And you think now it’s okay?  Jesus, Jack!  What were you thinking?

 

JACK

I can’t imagine.  And yes, as a matter of fact.  I am home and I did have a nice day.

 

TERRI

Do you realize what you’ve done?  We were set for life!  All your dreams of retiring early.  You just tossed them away!

 

JACK

It wasn’t by choice.

 

TERRI

Then what?  Couldn’t you have warned me?  Weren’t we supposed to make these kind of decisions together?

 

JACK

Terri, this was not a career move.

 

TERRI

Are you kidding?  Your career just ended.  Business had been up, once I had told everyone you were on the jury.  People couldn’t wait to come in and spend money!

 

JACK

You told our customers I was on the jury?

 

TERRI

But the day of the verdict, I had hide in the office.  We’ve had to close down since.  Suddenly, there were all sorts of accidents.  Plants falling over, vases toppling off shelves...

 

JACK

If it’s vandalism, we have insurance.

 

TERRI

They burned it down, Jack.

 

JACK

Good Lord!  Did you call Lawrence?

 

TERRI

Of course, I did.  But tell me, Jack: If they run you out of town on a rail, do you have insurance for that too?  The business or anything else you think you might do here, it’s down the drain.  Did you know that?

 

JACK

Eventually it’ll blow over.

 

TERRI

You must be kidding!  There are people screaming for your blood.  People don’t forget!

For a moment, Jack just stands there.  Then Terri looks back into the room at the TV, which can be faintly heard.  Then she turns back to him.

TERRI

Were you under some kind of pressure to acquit them?  Were you threatened?

 

JACK

No.  Why?

 

TERRI

There’s been some reports on the TV about some possible jury manipulation.

 

JACK

You’re kidding.

 

TERRI

Wait a minute.

Terri goes into the living room, and Jack follows.  They look at the report which shows Veer being interviewed. 

VEER

I, myself, didn’t experience anything like that.  But I suspect some of the other jurors may have been contacted by strictly unauthorized sources.

 

TV REPORTER

But you voted not guilty.  The verdict had to be unanimous.

 

VEER

Yes, I did.  Because I could see that nothing could come of it otherwise.  A hung jury wasn’t going to help anybody.  Besides, I knew if the State indictment didn’t result in a guilty verdict, there was always the Federal trial for denying the victims their civil rights.  I felt it would be better to allow that to proceed...

Jack turns off the TV.

JACK

Shit!  I didn’t hear the cock crow even once!

 

INT:  SESSIONS HOUSE, MAIN COURTROOM -- 1670 LONDON, FOLLOWING

Several of the jurors have lined up to pay the forty marks, as the Mayor and Justices look on.  Several of them are receiving money from spectators -- most of which appear to be family members.  Edward, along with Jack, Charlie and Duke, have remained in the jury box, the latter three looking to Edward for the next move.

EDWARD

Your honor.  Forty marks constitutes for most of these men, half a year’s earnings.

 

STARLING

Perhaps they should have considered that before their rebellion in my Court.

 

EDWARD

I, on the other hand, have considerable wealth, a prosperous shipping firm, and could easily pay the forty marks, even four hundred and eighty marks for the entire jury.  Such a loss would be far less than my continued absence from my business.

 

STARLING

Then perhaps, I can increase everyone’s fine on your behalf.

The other jurors, with the exception of Charlie, Jack and Duke, all look at Edward and the intercourse with the Lord Mayor with horror and dismay.

EDWARD

I will not pay, regardless.  My liberty is not for sale.  To pay anything would emasculate everything we’ve done.  It would be a form of apologizing for acting in good conscience.

STARLING

Then you will taste the fruits of prison.  Along with any others who refuse to pay.

Edward, Jack, Charlie, and Duke all maintain their ground, while the others finish paying.  Three of the jurors look back at the four, and then disappear into the crowd.

STARLING

So be it!

The Lord Mayor nods to the Bailiff, then rises and exits, with the other Justices quickly following suit.  The Bailiff, smiling cynically, then approaches the four hold-outs.

BAILIFF

Gentlemen!  Allow me to escort you to Newgate.  I trust you will find your stay an eventful one. 

As the four exit with police on all sides, the Bailiff laughs sadistically.

 

INT:  LOLA’S LIVING ROOM -- FOLLOWING MORNING

Lola, looking like hell, slowly comes out of her bedroom into her kitchen.  She hesitates and looks around to see if anyone else is there.  Then she begins to creep toward the kitchen.  A brick comes through the window with a note tied to it.  Lola screams at the sound and falls to her knees, weeping uncontrollably, her whole body shaking.

 

INT:  THE CHAMBERS OF SIR JOHN VAUGHAN, CHIEF JUSTICE OF COMMON PLEAS -- 1670 LONDON -- MORNING

An AIDE is holding the door open of Sir VAUGHAN’s chambers.

AIDE

Sir Richard Newdigate, your honor.

Vaughan stands up to come around to greet his visitor, Sir RICHARD. 

VAUGHAN

Richard.  What a pleasure to see you again.

 

RICHARD

And you, John, as well.

 

VAUGHAN

But in my official chambers?  I thought you were retired; that you had had enough of being a Chief Justice under Cromwell.

 

RICHARD

My retirement has never prevented me from championing the people’s liberties.

 

VAUGHAN

Ah, yes.  The Penn trial.

 

RICHARD

Precisely.  I wish to argue the case before your Court.

 

VAUGHAN

I sympathize, of course, but the Court of Common Pleas, as you well know, is a civil court.  This is a criminal matter, and surely must be argued before the Court of King’s Bench.

 

RICHARD

The original trial was, of course, a criminal one.  But the imposition of fines and refusal to pay them was not based on criminal activity, but upon a civil act.

 

VAUGHAN

I think you may be stretching the point.  But I can’t say I’m reluctant to ignore your plea.

 

RICHARD

Then you’ll do it?

 

VAUGHAN

It will take some time, Richard.  I will have to build an unassailable case.

 

RICHARD

As always, I’m at your disposal.

 

INT:  BROADCASTING BOOTH FOR ART BELL’S TALK SHOW -- MODERN DAY

ART BELL (as himself) is broadcasting live from his remote station. 

ART BELL

By now, many of you may already have heard that one of the jurors who acquitted Bill Pense and Billy Matson of the most horrific crime in U. S. history has been found dead in her home.  Initial reports have indicated that Lola Tinsle committed suicide, allegedly because of the media and other pressure she was experiencing following the verdict.  Other reports have suggested she may have been the victim of foul play.  I would agree with the latter, regardless of whether she took her own life or not.  The media and public opinion has been vociferous in their condemnation of the juror’s verdicts, but I for one, while not yet agreeing with the jurors, would say to each of you that at the very least we must respect the stand they have taken, even if we disagree with them.  We have to give them credit for doing what they think was just.  The media has, of course suggested that there were undue pressures by the jurors on this unfortunate lady.  But I have to wonder if perhaps the pressure was media pressure after the fact, and that the media’s current position is somewhat self serving.  I rather suspect some of you listeners may be disagreeing with me on this, or may be agreeing with me -- I’m not sure which would scare me more.  But we already have a caller on the line, so let’s hear from them.  Good morning, you’re live and on the air.

 

CALLER (voice over)

The media has always been a scapegoat for you flaming radicals!  Why don’t you get a clue and admit that maybe, just maybe you don’t know it all.

 

ART BELL

Thank you, Dan Rather.  Or whoever you are.  Sorry you hung up.  It might have been interesting to talk to you.  Caller number two, you’re live and on the air.

 

CALLER NUMBER TWO (voice over)

I don’t know that I agree with Dan, or whoever that was, but there may be a thread of truth in it. 

 

ART BELL

Where are you from, dear lady?

           

CALLER NUMBER TWO (voice over)

Stacy from Denver.

 

ART BELL

Ah, yes!  The scene of the crime.

 

CALLER NUMBER TWO (voice over)

Worse than that.  I work in downtown Denver, and I got to see the circus outside the courtroom every day the court was in session.  The “undue pressure” everyone is talking about was probably from them.  Much more than the media.

 

ART BELL

The media had been pretty clear in its condemnation of the defendants.

 

CALLER NUMBER TWO (voice over)

Maybe so, but the jury was isolated from the media, weren’t they?  Well they certainly weren’t isolated from the demonstrators screaming for blood, the families of the victims pleading for restitution -- however they can get it.

 

ART BELL

But don’t you think the families deserve some sort of compensation?

 

CALLER NUMBER TWO (voice over)

No more than any other lynch mob.

 

ART BELL

Then you agree with the juror’s verdict?

 

CALLER NUMBER TWO (voice over)

I don’t have a verdict.  I wasn’t on the jury.  I didn’t hear all of the evidence.

 

ART BELL

Well said.  Thanks for calling.

 

CALLER NUMBER TWO (voice over)

Thank you.

 

ART BELL

Ah, yes.  The voice of reason.  Okay, caller number three, you’re live and on the air.

 

CALLER NUMBER THREE (voice over)

Fred in Oregon, Art.  Regular listener.

 

ART BELL

Hopefully that’s good.

 

CALLER NUMBER THREE (voice over)

Are you aware of Congressman’s Bratton’s latest brainchild?

 

ART BELL

Can’t say that I am.  Care to enlighten us?

 

CALLER NUMBER THREE (voice over)

Lestor Bratton, the Congress’ latest answer to McCarthyism is now running off at the mouth claiming that laws are needed to better, and I quote, “focus the jury’s attention on the results of their decisions.”  He goes on to ask how any jury can be qualified to judge in complicated cases and on difficult legal issues.  He figures that’s the role of the judge!  And that, again I’m quoting, “the jury must restrict itself to legal authority, not go off on its own wild tangent.”

 

ART BELL

Who boy!  I think we’re in real trouble.

 

INT:  COURT OF COMMON PLEAS --1670 LONDON, MID MORNING

VAUGHAN (presiding)

After two months of deliberation and exhaustive research, I am hereby taking the clearest position I have ever taken, both for the law and for reason.  The power of the jury to determine its verdict, free and untrammeled, is supreme.  No Court can dictate a verdict.  The evidence could not be “clear and manifest” for it did not appear so to the jury.  Acquittal by jury is absolute.

 

 

INT:  BROADCASTING BOOTH FOR ART BELL’S TALK SHOW -- MODERN DAY

Art Bell is again on the air, and reading from several sheets of paper.

ART BELL

The decision by Sir John Vaughan came after nine painful weeks of hearings, legal maneuvering, finally the Court writing its lengthy opinion.  The four jurors, Edward Bushell, John Bailey, Charles Mison, and John Hammond were all during this time suffering the degrading brutality and sadistic jailers of the infamous Newgate Prison.  Sir John had been more or less predisposed to his decision, but it had been necessary to cite many cases in order to build a foundation for the precedent.  On November 9, 1670, the Conventicle Act fell, Williams Penn and Mead were freed, never to be brought to trial again, and the Magna Carta and twelve men had struck a decisive blow for freedom.  Bushell and the others were released on habeas corpus, the first such writ ever issued by the Court of Common Pleas.  And inasmuch as the Quakers had been meeting in an orderly fashion, the jury also set the precedence of the right of peaceful assembly and freedom of speech. 

 

EXT:  DENVER, LIN SUE’S APARTMENT, CARPORT -- VERY EARLY MORNING

Jack is laying hang up clothes in the trunk of his car, while Lin Sue carries a small plant to the car.  The car radio is on, and the voice of Art Bell can be heard.

ART BELL (voice over)

By their courageous stand, these twelve people demonstrated that one of the strongest powers in government is in the jury room.  Punishment of jurors for returning verdicts manifestly against the evidence or the wishes of the Court was and is a common occurrence.  And had for a time actually been authorized by statute.  For example, the London jurors who acquitted Sir Nicholas Throckmartin in 1554 of high treason were fined five hundred pounds each -- a fortune in those days -- and sent to prison.

Art stops reading, his voice changed to his own thoughts.

ART BELL (voice over)

Well, I suppose it’s encouraging that we’re still not sending them to prison.

Jack and Lin Sue exchange glances, both with a chagrin expression.

LIN SUE

I suppose I got off easy.  I’m only banished from society.  You lost your business and your home.

 

JACK

Terri just couldn’t bear the thought that I had blown an opportunity to write a best-seller.  She even took back her maiden name, so as not to ever be associated with me again.

 

LIN SUE

Her maiden name?

 

JACK

Fyed.

Jack smiles and shakes his head.  Lin Sue sets the plant in a small box in the back seat already filled with boxes, clothes and luggage.  She also reaches in and turns off the radio which is currently broadcasting a commercial message for survival equipment.

LIN SUE

I turned the radio off for now.  I don’t want to wake anyone in the middle of the night.

 

JACK

Maybe in a few years, the tide will turn and we’ll be seen as people who did their duty.

Lin Sue stops and looks at him for a moment.  She is smiling, her hands coming up to rest on her hips.

LIN SUE

Sometimes, you’re so cute.  Just don’t hold your breath. The feds is going to try them all over again, convict them this time, and the public lynch mob will finally have their bloodbath.

 

JACK

Isn’t that double jeopardy?

 

LIN SUE

Such legal niceties don’t carry a lot of weight when it comes to immense media and public pressure.  Besides, they’ve just realized that twol federal officers were supposedly included in the explosions. Their death guarantees another trial.  Especially when the first one ends up in an acquittal.

 

JACK

Well, I don’t think we’ll be called as jurors in the Feds case.

 

LIN SUE

Outcasts usually aren’t called, period.

Jack closes the trunk, and looks around.  Nothing is left on the ground or nearby the car.  He smiles, and gets into the driver’s side, while Lin Sue gets into the passenger side.  He’s about to start the car, when he hesitates.

JACK

We did the right thing, didn’t we?  We upheld our honor.

 

LIN SUE

Yes, we did.  And you know what?  I find the idea rather exciting.  This honor kind of gets my juices flowing, if you know what I mean. 

Jack turns to look at Lin Sue, a broad grin appearing on his face, as if he suspects that there may be rewards for such courageous decisions -- not to mention, honor.

JACK

Maybe we should get out of town first?

 

LIN SUE

You want to do it in an open field or something?

Jack just grins and starts the car.  With a laugh from Lin Sue, the car pulls away.

 

FADE OUT -- THE END

End of Screenplay 

 

Episode Five -- Judges

Forward to:

Screenplays         Short Cut to Fictional Work         Trial by Jury

 

 

               

                                                                                      The Library of ialexandriah       

2003© Copyright Dan Sewell Ward, All Rights Reserved                     [Feedback]    

                                                                                                            Back