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Anyone who is under the age of 18, along with anyone offended by stories of a sexual nature or containing sexual situations or offended by the idea of mind control in any fashion, please do not read this story.
This story takes place in the fictional city of Chrystal Heights. This is not significant in any way other than I hope to continue creating stories involving this town.
"I want 'The Rack.'"
Steven, my lawyer, went into a coughing fit. He thumped his chest a few times and finally caught his breath. "No, you don't want Judge Hanover to preside over your case, Tracy. Trust me."
I narrowed my eyes. "Don't tell me what I want, Steven. I'm nineteen years old. Nobody tells me what I want."
Steven looked at me incredulously. "Tracy, why in the world would you want Judge Hanover?"
I lit a cigarette. I knew smoking in Steven's office would piss him off, but I didn't really care. As my public defendant, he had to keep my case. "Because, from what I hear, he never gives jail time."
Steven took a drink of water. He actually looked a little pale. "That's true. Still, trust me, you don't want Hanover. How did you hear about him, anyway? He only handles special cases."
I shrugged. "The night they locked me up, some of the girls were talking about him. Anyway, get me on his docket. I don't want any jail time. I'll do fucking community service or whatever."
Steven shook his head. "Not a good idea, Tracy. You'd rather have jail time."
I slapped his desk. "What's the problem with Hanover, Steven? Fucking A...I mention his name and you practically wet yourself."
Steven shifted uncomfortably. "He's...he's a boob man."
I blinked. "What? What the hell does his preference have to do with my case? Have you fucking lost it?"
Steven sighed and shook his head. "Fine, Tracy, have it your way. If you want 'The Rack' so bad, I'll see what I can do. Don't say I didn't warn you, though."
***
On trial day I made sure to dress really nice. I wore brand new jeans and made sure my t-shirt didn't have any bands on it that might offend his Honor's sensibilities. I slid my cigarettes into my pocket, even though Steven had made me swear not to light up in the courtroom.
I met Steven in the main lobby of the Chrystal Heights' courthouse and we made our way toward the courtrooms. Instead of going down the usual hallway, however, we went down a little used passageway that I had thought was only for maintenance personnel. It wasn't very well lit and it smelled a bit dank. We walked pass a sign that stated, "No media beyond this point." At the end of the hall there stood a set of double doors. A clipboard hung on the wall next to the doorway. I picked up the clipboard and flipped through it until I located my name. I handed Steven the docket.
"Alright, Mr.Lawyer-Man, let's go get this over with. I'll say I'm sorry, Judgey-poo slaps me on the wrist, and I'm home in time to catch Dr.Phil."
Steven rolled his eyes. "Tracy, you have no idea what you're in for. Just look contrite and say as little as possible, alright? Don't get him mad, whatever you do."
We entered the courtroom and slid onto an empty bench. The room was surprisingly full, though not packed. Still, it was a strange contrast to the dark empty hallway just outside the doors. Then the bailiff shouted "All rise" and everyone around me got up. I stayed sitting. I was in the back, so Hanover couldn't see me. The hell with him.
Everyone finally sat down, so I got my first look at Judge Hanover, also known as "The Rack." I had heard of hanging judges, so I assumed his nickname was based on being a torture rack or something. He didn't look like much. Older guy, maybe in his fifties. Black hair, though really receded. I could usually wrap his type around my finger easily enough. I leaned against Steven and whispered, "Wow, he really looks tough."
Steven gave me a dirty look but didn't reply.
The judge said something to the bailiff, who then looked at the clipboard in his hand. Then the bailiff said, "The people of Chrystal Heights vs. Christine Pollard." A thin redhead stood up and walked before the judge, her hands clasped in front of her. Judge Hanover looked up from the paperwork.
"Well, Ms.Pollard," said the judge in a surprisingly deep baritone, "It says here that you assaulted a waiter because your hamburger was undercooked. What do you have to say for yourself?"
The pretty redhead wrung her hands nervously. "I'm sorry, your Honor. I was, um, drunk."
"Yes, so it says here. It also states that this is the fourth time you've assaulted somebody while under the influence of alcohol."
The redhead looked at the floor. "I'm working on that, um, problem, your Honor."
The judge looked around. "Is the waiter, ah, Ron here?"