by K. C. Turner
* * *
With the help of government funds, aka Annapolis County’s taxpayer dollars, victims of crime can now summon an advocate once the police are dispatched to and reach the scene of a crime. While many argue these services are necessary, some say it is open for debate.
* * *
Statistically, the number of protection orders granted at arraignments is quite low compared to the number of crimes committed, which would be eligible for such government assistance. Alternatively, the number of protection orders that are actually granted at the time of arraignment and subsequently dropped one week later, are outrageous. (Source)
* * *
Although these services are offered to all victims of crime, the Prosecutor’s Office claims that the majority of its use will likely come from victims of domestic violence. Ironically enough, this is the one crime in which victims typically request the order, then subsequently drop it within days of charges being filed.”
* * *
Well, no shit, Sherlock! Elizabeth was so frustrated she slammed the computer screen shut, grabbing her wine glass for a sip of calm. It was mind boggling to her that so many people in the 21st century still were not educated on the facets of domestic violence. When women and men alike were assailed by a loved one, at the time of the attack they’re frightened enough to call the police and request a protection order. Once the reality set in, they were even more terrified the abuse would worsen at the mere fact of the protection order. And it sometimes did.
Elizabeth knew all too well that a piece of paper wouldn’t keep someone at bay. Not someone who was bound and determined to unleash his or her power over the other individual in every way possible. These people were already rule breakers. They didn’t give a rat’s ass about a 500-foot invisible line. But, if it gave a battered woman one good nights rest, she was ready to be there to help make sure it was enforced.
Frustrated, she finished her wine as she walked into the kitchen. She turned on the faucet and rinsed out her glass, setting it on the counter. Staring out of the window above the sink she thought, Nice job, Brandon DeFranco. Nothing like an article from a ‘reputable’ source to force people to focus on something other than the real problem.
She walked back through the dining area and stopped at the doorway to her bedroom. All the negative thoughts dissipated as she watched Martinez sleeping in her bed. The cool lake breeze gently swung the sheer curtains from side to side. Turning out the light on the nightstand, she crept into the bed, trying not to disturb him. As soon as she was comfortable, he rolled over, spooning her from behind and cradling her breasts with his arm. Safety: A luxury unknown to her for some time.
“I’ll go to the hearing,” she whispered.
He pulled her closer to him and rested his cheek at the nape of her neck. “And I’ll be right next to you the whole time.”
Chapter 4
Elizabeth had never felt so good pulling into the parking garage before work on a Monday morning. Reaching her spot and putting her Beamer in park, China was sitting in the driver’s seat of her car in the adjoining space, finishing her cigarette. Looking at each other, Elizabeth’s eyes widened and she smiled, mouth open, as she waved excitedly. She pulled the keys out of the ignition, barely making it out of the door fast enough to jump in the passenger side of China’s Buick.
In unison, they cheered, “Good morning!”
Becoming skeptical, she lifted her chin, squinted her eyes sideways, and deviously grinned, “You had bacon and eggs yesterday morning didn’t you?”
Elizabeth pulled her shoulder bag into her stomach and tilted her head back as she drew in a deep breath and released it as if savoring the smell of a freshly mowed lawn.
“Oh my God. Oh-my-God! - Hot damn! It’s about time. So…” egging her on for all the dirty details.
Taking another deep breath, she explained, “I have never felt anything like it in my entire life. And that’s the God’s honest truth.”
“Day-um… Oh, Liz. Oh, honey,” China said. The look on her face became worrisome. “Maybe you should’ve stayed a vegetarian.”
Elizabeth slapped her forearm, “Really, China? You’ve been pushing this for months. ‘Little sausage gravy on your biscuit,’” she laughed.
Her eyes widened, “You’ve already fallen for the guy. Holy shit. That man must be an Angel to have won over Elizabeth Strong.” Her face turned serious. “He better not hurt you.”
“Oh come on, it’s more likely I’ll hurt myself, right?”
“Cop or no cop, I will cut him, Liz.”
The windows were down, causing Elizabeth to look around in every direction. “Don’t say that too loud, China!”
“Oh, stop being so paranoid.” She took one last drag of her cigarette and turned to her like a childhood defender. “Seriously, I will cut a bitch,” she said flicking her cigarette out the car window.
“Don’t be so dramatic.”
“Hey, I just said you should have sex with the man, not fall in love with him.”
“I’ll have you know he talked me into going to the hearing.”
China’s mouth dropped a little, “Well I’ll be damned.”
“He’s going with me. Said he is setting it all up. He’ll be with me the whole time.”
“Okay. Impressive. I’m just saying cops are a different breed, Liz. I have one word for you, Thomas.”
Pursing her lips and grabbing the door handle she retorted, “Oh, Thomas is a different breed alright. Remember, not all cops are cheating assholes, either.”
China rolled her eyes as she exited the vehicle. They walked to the automatic sliding doors and Elizabeth hit the oversized button on the wall forcing the doors to separate, allowing them entry. Their heels clanked on the tile floor as they made it to the elevator. Elizabeth pushed the button for the fourth floor and the doors began to close.
“So, how was your date with the mysterious Chester?”
Leaning her back against the glass wall opposite the elevator door she sighed, “God, don’t even ask.”
“Oh, come on. The other day you were singing the man praises and telling me I should be happy for you.”
“Yeah, well, that was until he mentioned marriage.”
“What? Get the hell outta here!”
“I kid you not. One minute we’re sitting there enjoying the best lasagna I ever put to my lips; all I could think about was ripping his clothes off, slathering his body with pasta sauce, and having myself one big cannoli for desert, right? The next minute he’s talking about getting married and having kids. Kids, Liz! The man has lost his damn mind.”
The bell dinged to remind them they made it to the fourth floor. As the doors opened, they exited and headed down the hall toward the office. China continued, “We managed to make it back to my place, he drove after all, did our thing and I rushed him out the door quick as I could. He didn’t seem too happy about that.”
Shaking her head and giggling slightly, Elizabeth said, “Well, I would imagine anyone would have a problem with that. He did just take you out to dinner.”
China punched in the code on the hefty door to the prosecutor’s office. “Maybe on his next date after only a few months he won’t bring up kids. Frigin’ amateur.” She pushed the door open and held it for Elizabeth. The scent of fresh coffee and bagels drifted through the air. Walking past Marilyn’s office and exchanging ‘Good morning’ with the office manager, they stopped in the middle of the main office near Constance’s desk to take a peak at the goodies.
“Who brought bagels?” asked Elizabeth.
“Who cares? It’s breakfast,” said China.
Constance, one of the main secretaries, turned around from her position at her desk and smiled. “I did. Enjoy! I think you’re gonna need it.” She winked, whirled her chair back around to her computer, and started typing again.
Disconcerted, Elizabeth said, “Thanks. I think,” and turned to China who shrugged her shoulders as she stuck a cinnamon bagel in her mouth
so she could pour herself a cup of coffee.
Mildred made her way from the back end of the office. “Good morning ladies! It’s been interesting for sure!” Her red shoes nearly matched the color of her short spunky hair.
“Mildred, I just love your shoes! Are they new?” Elizabeth loved Mildred and always complimented her unique styles.
“Oh, no. I picked these little gems up last year. But thank you! By the way, as you can see, the office is a buzz this morning...”
Elizabeth looked to her left then her right as she slapped cream cheese on her bagel, “I see that. What’s going on anyway?” she asked before stuffing her mouth with a bite of the toasted asiago cheese crust.
Stomping a foot on the ground and rolling her eyes she confessed, “I just can’t believe no one, especially you girls, didn’t know this was coming. Marilyn acts as if none of us need to be a part of anything around here!”
“Mildred, spit it out.”
Looking down the hall, Mildred motioned to Marilyn who was speaking with a short, stocky, blonde as if she was giving her a tour of the place. “That is what’s going on,” she said snidely.
China pushed her way into the conversation. She took a sip of her coffee to wash down the cream cheese on the roof of her mouth, “Who’s that?”
Mildred’s eyes went from China, to Elizabeth, and back to Marilyn and the other woman. She crossed her arms on her chest, tilted her head aggravatingly, and tapped her toe on the carpet, “That is your new director of victim services, ladies.”
China and Elizabeth’s thoughts were corresponding and mutually vocal. “Oooh-shiiit...”
Making their way down the hall, Marilyn made eye contact. Mildred smiled at her and returned to her desk before Marilyn could speak, “Good morning, ladies. I’d like to introduce you to Peggy Cabot. Peggy, this is Elizabeth Strong and Mia Lee, or China as we call her. Our two advocates you’ll be working with.”
After exchanging handshakes and nice-to-meet-you’s, China quickly and defensively added, “It’s Mia. Welcome aboard.”
“Elizabeth handles all the domestic violence cases, China -”
Giving Marilyn a strong look she interrupted, “Mia...” In China’s mind, you had to earn the right to call her by her nickname.
“Sorry, Mi-a, handles everything else. The rape cases have been split between the two. Of course, until now.” Marilyn took a breath before continuing, “So, ladies, Peggy will be taking over the victim services department as well as all the rape cases. You will be reporting to her from here on out. I know this may come as a bit of a surprise, however, you’re also aware we have been considering this for some time...”
They continued to listen, as if interested, nodding and smiling fictitiously while eyeing up their new boss. China looked over at Elizabeth, her slanted eyes widening and narrowing at each statement careful not to be noticeably rude. Elizabeth continued to smile as Marilyn spoke, forcefully containing her laughter.
Giving her throat lubrication with a sip of coffee after Marilyn seemed to finish, Elizabeth said, “Welcome aboard, Peggy. Look forward to working with you. We have a busy morning, so, we should probably get ready to go to court.”
Agreeing, China tipped her coffee mug at Peggy and walked back to her office. Elizabeth followed behind her. Making it to her office, Elizabeth turned on the computer and pulled up the morning docket. China slipped in and sat in one of the chairs in front of Elizabeth’s desk. Nestling her coffee cup in her lap, she leaned forward, “What-in-the-Sam-Hell?”
Trying not to be negative, Elizabeth sighed, “We knew this was coming right? I mean, I didn’t think it would be today! But we knew this was coming.”
“Liz, as if Marilyn wasn’t bad enough, now we get Cankles?”
Drawing her eyebrows together and squinting she asked, “Cankles? What the hell is that?”
“Cankles, you know, when your calf muscle literally blends in with your ankles? Frigin’ Cankles!” She laughed out loud from deep within her belly and Elizabeth cautiously joined her. “Seriously, that woman should not be wearing a skirt.”
“Oh my God! You are entirely too much. Okay, I need to get this docket printed and get over to court. I had a call out Saturday night, and I really should get there early. I have a feeling she is going to want to drop the protection order first thing.”
Rolling her eyes as she stood up, China said, “Really? Imagine that!” She stood in the doorway and held her mug of coffee nonchalantly. “So, what was the Saturday drama anyway?”
Before Elizabeth could answer they heard footsteps coming down the hall. China peeked across her shoulder and saw Peggy coming. Turning back to look at Elizabeth, she rolled her eyes and sighed.
Peggy stopped in front of Elizabeth’s office and in a nasally, snobbish voice said, “Ladies...” China and Elizabeth looked at each other with mutual discomfort. Either completely ignorant or oblivious to their discontent, she continued, “I’d really like to meet with you both so I can go over some things. Can you please follow me to my office?”
They looked at each other once more. China crossed her eyes out of Peggy’s sight and Elizabeth bit the inside of her lip to keep from giggling. Being the brave one, China spoke up, “Sorry, Peggy. Docket starts at nine o’clock sharp. Gotta get going!” She winked at Elizabeth, spun on her heel, and returned to her own office to grab her things for court.
Peggy stood at the doorway, a tad shocked, her eyes going back and forth between the two of them before landing on Elizabeth. Shrugging, Elizabeth honestly explained, “Sorry. The judge doesn’t like us to be late.”
Looking down her nose she responded, “Then I would like you both in my office after court.”
Geeze lady, it’s your first day. “Well, see, we usually grab lunch right after court. Monday dockets are pretty full and take up the entire morning.”
“Good, that means we can have lunch together, get to know each other a bit and I can fill you in on the changes taking -”
“Sorry, Peggy. Our lunch hour is unpaid.” She grabbed her docket from the printer and stuffed it in her bag. “I’m sure we should have some time to meet up after lunch,” she said, spitting a smile at Peggy as she swiftly passed by her to leave. “Can’t keep Judge Bennett waiting!”
Crossing her arms, Peggy was perturbed and left in the dust.
Judge Bennett was typically late, but he was the only one allowed to do so. Elizabeth and China waited patiently in his chambers until he decided to grace them with his presence. At 9:05 am the door finally swung open, “Good Monday morning, Ladies. How was your weekend?” asked the Judge.
China laughed and sarcastically answered, “Spectacular, Judge. And you?”
Opening the closet door, he reached for his robe on the hook and placed it over his head. Pulling it down over his tie he smiled as he claimed, “It was memorable.”
Lacing her fingers together and setting them on her knees, China lit up with interest. “Ah, do tell, your Honor!”
“A gentleman never kisses and tells my dear.”
There was a knock at the door from the clerk’s side and then it opened. “Hey, Liz, there’s a Pamela DeFranco out here that needs to speak with you.”
Grabbing her bag she gave a half grin, “Here we go!”
Judge Bennett held the courtroom door open and waved China through. She reluctantly began walking into the courtroom. “Come on Judge, don’t leave a girl guessing,” she whispered.
The court bailiff stood from his position as China walked to her seat at the table at the front of the courtroom and the Judge made his way to the bench, still smiling as China prodded for information.
“All rise.”
Elizabeth found Pam sitting on the wooden bench in the lobby. Hearing the shoe heels click on the marble flooring made her stand to meet Elizabeth. She seemed anxious and timid.
“How are you doing this morning, Pam?” she asked as she took a seat on the bench.
Seemingly frazzled, she sat next to Elizabe
th gripping papers to her chest. “I’m really not sure. I – I’m not sure about anything anymore.” Her brown hair was neat and her clothing, schoolteacher appropriate. She was casually average. Her face was more that of a frightened deer.
“Did your husband obey the order from Saturday?”
Shutting her eyes for a moment and breathing deeply, she nodded her head. “His ‘friend’, Samantha, called Saturday night wanting to know what was going on. They work together.” She rolled her eyes. “He stayed with her the rest of the weekend and she was bringing him today. They may already be here.”
Approvingly shaking her head, Elizabeth continued, “Okay, good. Once his case is called, we will go in front of the judge, he will go over the charges, explain both of your rights, and Brandon will enter his plea. Before we go up there, you need to decide if you want to continue the protection order. The order is only temporary and ends once the case is over. If you decide that you want something more concrete, we will need to go over to Common Pleas Court and request a Civil Protection Order. That order can last for five years. Have you given any thought to - ”
Pam cut her off and handed Elizabeth the papers she had been gripping. “I found this yesterday as I was gathering some things for his co-worker to take to her house for him.”
Taking the papers from her, Elizabeth’s eyes grew as she read the first page, “Psychological Evaluation of Brandon J. DeFranco, by Warren D. Frasier, MD.” She looked up at Pam and sighed, “Wow.”
Looking over her shoulder and trying not to attract any attention to their conversation, her voice trembled as she whispered, “I didn’t even know he was seeing anyone!”
“Have you read through this?”
“I did... Elizabeth, that is not the man I married.” A tear fell down her cheek as she turned her sad brown eyes to the large glass windows facing the busy street outside.
