Warning: This is a work of fiction, a fantasy. Non-consensual sexual relations in the real world are not fun at all, terrifying and scaring. Fiction is a different beast all together. This story is a bodice ripper variety.
*
The courtroom was filled with sunlight. It made everything look clean and possible, hopeful. Angel Richardson watched sunlight stir up what little dust there was on the table, and refused to think about what would be coming next in his life.
At twenty-three, he hardly looked the part for which he was accused. Blond, shoulder length hair emerald eyes that were as easily guarded in expression as they were flippant or inviting. He didn't really remember much of his life before he'd arrived at Jones University and he couldn't explain where he'd been on the nights in question. He was a slender man, instinctively elegant, with a beautiful face, smooth pale skin, and lush golden eyebrows.
He certainly didn't think he'd killed anyone. Wearing a dark suit with a perfectly knotted tie, it was hard to think he was that kind of person, just from looking at him.
"All rise, the Honorable Judge Mavis Holmes now present!"
His lawyer nudged his elbow and Angel rose, watch for the almost motherly figure to settle herself at the raised desk. The jury followed in a moment later, looking grim.
"Be seated."
Again, Angel's lawyer touched his elbow and the both sat down.
"Mr. Richardson," Judge Holmes started, "This has been a very short trial. The evidence against you is extremely substantial and difficult to refute. The jury's verdict has not been read, but I have the opportunity to offer you a chance to plea bargain."
The room went silent a cold coffee.
The victim's family mumbled.
Angel looked up from the dust he'd been watching. "A plea bargain?"
"I object," Angel's lawyer said. "This is very irregular."
"Mr. Richardson, please approach the bench."
Angel looked at his lawyer, over to the jury foreman, then back to the judge. His lawyer shook his head and Angel realized he'd never much liked his lawyer. He took a step away from him and somehow felt his thoughts begin to clear a little.
"Come here, Mr. Richardson," Judge Holmes said firmly.
He nodded and approached the bench, somehow wishing he'd never go near his own lawyer again. His voice was mellow, softly accented, very softly Southern. "What kind of plea?"
"I think there have been irregularities in this trial which would force a miss trial, but to avoid that I'd like to offer you the opportunity to change your plea to innocent due to temporary insanity. I shall then remand you to the Raven Wood Institute, until such time as medical personal certify that you are sane. It is a private and experimental facility, but I have to think a better option than risking life in prison or execution."
Angel drew a deep breath, his whole body shivering now. The numbness that had clouded his thoughts and future burning off with the dawn. "I don't think I killed anyone."
"That would be difficult to prove, one way or the other, but the doctor in charge of Raven Wood has had some success in resolving these issues. He may be able to help you face whether you committed the crime or not. Do you accept this arrangement?"
"I do."
"I object," his lawyer shouted. "Mr. Richardson's family did not hire me to facilitate his incarceration in a medical facility."
"No, Mr. Bernabe, but I'm not exactly sure what they did hire you for either. If it were within my power, I would investigate Mr. Richardson's family myself." She smacked her gavel down with authority, face grim.
Angel drew another breath, deep and clear, but he was still shivering as the bailiff escorted him out of the courtroom. He wanted to know, really wanted to know, if he were guilty of murder. Perhaps this doctor could help him find the rest of his life as well.
It all moved so quickly, that he found himself leaving the courtroom and being moved into a large windowless van. There were two solidly built guards.
"Clothes," one of them said, "Folded, in the plastic bin."
"What do I change into," Angel asked, backing away again.
"Oh, I don't think you need to change into anything," the second man said, mouth curling into a snarl. "I bet that judge is spitting nails now."
"Why," Angel asked, now pressed against the back doors, hands seeking some kind of latch.