ROMANCE: The Surprise That Rocked Me

by Linda Wright

  I reached out my hand and caressed his shoulder to try and soothe him. He looked up at me and immediately tried to shove his feelings down. I looked at him with sympathy in my eyes and said, "John, I'm not going to let you lose everything over this. I will work to resolve this as soon as possible so that you can get back out on the field. It's going to be alright. Do not lose hope. I'm going to get you out of here and back to your life."

  He didn't say anything, he just nodded slowly. I could tell he was in a bit of a daze. I felt for him. I knew there was nothing I could really say to him to make him feel better. Unfortunately, we were going to have to prep for the case. I couldn't let him off the hook. We had to get to work. I took out my phone and my legal pad and said, "John, you have to try and tell me what you do remember from Friday night."

  "I remember there had to be hundreds of people at my house. I was probably drunk before 10 o' clock. I remember at one point going in my room to be alone. Some woman came in there and we had sex. After that I went down and had some more drinks. I passed out in one of the guest rooms for a while. That's when it starts to become a blur. The next thing I fully remember is the cops coming in and busting the party up. Everybody had to go after that. I think I passed out on the steps. I slept in late. That's it. I don't know how many more details I can give you. I can tell you who I remember being there. There are some cameras set up, but there are a lot of blind spots. I'll get you the footage."

  After that I got a list of potential witnesses and began to lay out a plan. It was really too bad that he did not remember anything. It could negatively effect his case, but I would try not to let it impact him. I had to get the full details of the charges and the accuser. I would need her story so I could figure out how to approach the case. For now, I had to prep for the bail hearing. We wrapped things up and it was time for John to be put in his cell. He looked like he was about to walk the plank. I wish that I could stop him from having to go back into that cell. After dealing with men in prison for so many years I had heard time and time again what it was like being locked up. Especially with an uncertain future. But there was nothing I could do for now.

  I tried to give him some soothing words, but he didn't seem to be hearing me. I could understand that. As they took him away, it look like he shrunk two feet. I immediately went to get all of the case files and everything else I would need. I had to find out who the judge was and how the process of setting the bail hearing was going. If he were not arraigned in the morning, I knew they would just be trying to prolong it for as long as they could. I would not allow that. I would have to sit down with Larry and make sure I had all of the information required. It was safe to say that I was all in.

  Chapter 2

  After leaving the police station I had been sure to get all information and be sure I would be able to secure bell. I knew the best way to get it done was to hand over his passport and insist that there be an order placed between he and his accuser to insure that they would go nowhere near each other. Considering it would be a case of her word against his. There was supposedly some physical evidence, but that was subjective. I hated to use the stereotypes to my advantage, but it was fairly easy to cast doubt in a rape case. The other charges were easy to manage, seeing as the assault and rape were the same charges and the other charge could be talked up to simple ignorance. I would have to handle things tactfully while making sure to do all I could for John. First thing was to get him out of jail.

  The following morning I got up and went to the jail early to have some time to talk to John before we went into the courtroom. He looked like he had a terrible night. It did not appear that he had gotten any rest at all. We sat down to talk for a moment and I began, "I am very positive that we will get a bail set. After that it will just be maybe an hour or two to go through processing and then you can go home. That's when the work begins."

  "I'll do whatever it takes not to spend another night like last night. It was horrible. It was different from my little stints in the past. I didn't really have anything to lose then. I have everything to do lose now. I need another chance."

  "I know. I'm going to make sure that I get it for you."

  "I don't know. I'm a Black man, famous, an athlete, and a past offender. You can't guarantee me anything."

  I took John's hand and looked him in the eyes intently. I held the gaze for a few moments to be sure he felt everything I was saying. I said, "Look, I can't guarantee you what other things may happen, but I can tell you this, I will do everything I possibly can to make sure that you are okay. I need you to trust me. Can you do that?"

  He looked me in the eyes and nodded. With that all done, it was time for us to go into the courtroom and face the judge. As was to be expected the courthouse was swamped with cameras and people. Unfortunately, it was open to the public and quickly turning into a circus. It was difficult to get into the courtroom. I got up in front of the judge and John was brought out to sit beside me. There were some yelling for him and some yelling for him. His family were there sitting behind us. John kept his eyes straight ahead. I wished we would have prayed. The prosecution came in, then the bailiff said, "All rise! The court is now in session. The honorable Judge Nolton now presiding."

  As the judged called for order, the courtroom fell silent. The people took their seats and they began. The prosecution ran down all of the charges. They then launched into a full on attack of John's character, citing his past and money as indicators that he should be held without bail. That was my cue to chime in that these were still unproven allegations and that John deserved to remain free until he was able to prove his innocence. I had already brought his passport in and proposed an order be placed between he and the young lady. The judge tended to agree with me and against the prosecutions protestations set bail.

  Bail was set at half a million dollars, which was a hefty sum, but perfectly achievable for John. Myself and Larry would be pulling it all together to have him out as soon as possible. At thee same time I was still gathering everything I could so that we could begin preparation on the case. As we finished up processing the case so that John could leave, his family went ahead to prepare the house for his return and Larry had to go deal with another of his clients. That meant it would just be myself and John in the car for the ride home. I wasn't quite sure how it would go. It might get a bit awkward.

  They took their sweet time processing the papers, but finally they had everything done and John was free to go. He grabbed his things and we went to head for the car. We had to bee strategic because of all of the people waiting outside of the station. I decided that it would be best if I went to get the car and he ran and got in when I pulled up. I had to do some ducking and dodging of reporters as I made my way to my car. I threw a few "No comment"s over my should and kept going. I got into my car and pulled it around in front of the entrance. John then jogged through the crowd and climbed into the passenger side. It was hard to pull off because there were people mobbing the car. John tried to duck himself down in the seat. Finally, I was able to roll away.

  I made a few extra twists and turns to try and lose the paparazzi. I was sure they knew where John lived, but still. I did not want us to be followed. Once the coast was clear, I began to drive normally. I said, "Home sweet home, huh? I'm sure your bed will feel particularly good tonight."

  "Yeah it will. Especially compared with that pitiful excuse for a mattress in that cell. It was like a piece of cardboard. I could not sleep on that thing."

  "I can imagine. Well, the good news is that the search of your home didn't turn up anything else illegal. The other charge of serving minors alcohol also looks as if it will be dropped. Apparently it came from someone saying it, but there are no actual minors turning up."

  "I guess that's good news. That was the small stuff though."

  "True, but that means now we can focus on these other charges. They will need all of our focus. It has been a bit difficult to get people to agree to testify. Most would rather not get involved.
I'm trying to solidify some. We only really need one or two. The only thing is they shouldn't be on your payroll."

  "None of my so-called friends are chomping at the bit to help me, huh? Figures."

  "There isn't anyone you were really close to there?"

  "No. It was just one last blow out. My homies aren't out here. They went back for one of the dudes from the old neighborhood's funeral. I paid for it, but I didn't want to go. Too depressing. That just left Hollywood friends."

  "I see. Well, we should be able to find someone. I believe she has no witnesses on her side, either, so that should work in your favor. You know it's a bit more difficult for women to believed in these things."

  "That doesn't bother you?"

  "Of course it does. But that's how it is."

  "One of my guys from the neighborhood was involved in a rape. You should probably know that. I wasn't nowhere near it and I haven't dealt with dude since, but I'm sure it'll come up. They'll be digging up everything."

  "There aren't any women in your past that the prosecution might bring in, are there?"

  "I don't think so. I'm a hothead, but not with women. That's weak as hell to me. I don't hit women and I know that no means no. That's why this whole thing got me twisted. I may be a real ass, but I'm not a rapist."

  "I'm sure it's tough on you to deal with such unfounded allegations."

  "I been balling my whole life and people been warning me that a chick was gonna try to get me one way or another. I should've known it would happen in Hollywood. See I went to Ohio State University, but still nothing really went down there."

  "I know that you were a Buckeye."

  "You do?"

  "Yeah, I've known that since the draft. I know a lot about you."

  "Since the draft? You're a football fan."

  "A lifelong, die-hard LA Foxes fan."

  "Oh wow! I didn't know that."

  "Yes, I love football. I'm actually a big fan of yours as well."

  "Oh, I couldn't tell."

  "I have to remain professional. Besides, I'm not the groupie type anyway."

  "Is that why you took this case?"

  "No. I owed Larry a favor."

  "Oh, I see."

  That was the final word as we were pulling into his driveway. There was a crowd of people waiting just outside of the gates. John gave me the code and we hurriedly made our way in, the gates closing before anyone could get through. I pulled in behind the line of cars already parked. I turned off my car and we got out. John took a deep breath and we walked into his home. He was immediately taken up by his family. He went around hugging his sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, some friends, and finally his mother, who pulled him towards the kitchen to feed him. He allowed himself to be led. I followed behind at a distance not wanting to interfere. I would be waiting until things died down before we began to discuss what came next.

  Sitting around watching the family move about made me miss my own. As crazy and dysfunctional as they could be, when I was away from them for too long, I missed them. That is until I got around them and then it took less than a half hour to remember why it had been so long. John seemed to have a nice family, though. They were certainly very funny and entertaining. John even laughed at them a few times. It was almost easy to forget why we were all there. After about two hours or so, John's mother began to clear everyone out so that John and I could prepare and then he could rest. She seemed like a very strong woman. I could tell that John loved and respected her very much. It was very nice to see, especially considering my own strained relationship with my mother.

  Finally, it was only John and I left in the house. Part of me wanted to leave him to rest and appreciate his home, but I knew that time was of the essence. Soon his court date would be set and the real trial would begin. We had to be as prepared as possible. I started by telling John what the woman's story was. "According to this woman, she attended your party because she wanted to meet the great John Mackey. She claims that once you all met that you pulled her into a room alone and began to get aggressive. When she was not receptive to your advances, you grew angry, said, 'Do you know who I am? Well I'm going ot show you', then proceeded to rape her. Afterwards you just got up and walked away like nothing had happened."

  "Who is this woman?"

  "Her name is Courtney Freeman. She is a 22 year old college student attending UCLA. She has a bit of a past, mostly shoplifting as a teen and some fights. She has a bit of money in her family, but just upper middle, mid-western money. She's here with just a cousin and friends she's met from school."

  "She came alone?"

  "With some guy she knows from school. Somehow he got invited and when she heard about it she asked if she could come along. He did not want to leave when she was ready to go, so she had to take an Uber back to campus. Now, reportedly she went home and showered, but she did go to the doctor the following day to have an exam. There was no semen recovered, but there was some evidence consistent with possible sexual assault, but it's not definitive. The only thing that the guy she came with had to say was that she was here, but he didn't see anything."

  "You make this sound open and shut. Somehow I doubt that."

  "The toughest thing about this case is going to be your notoriety. If you weren't such a troublemaker, you wouldn't have these problems. Everybody would be ready to dump this case and get back to football."

  "Ha! I thought you were a fan."

  "I'm speaking as your attorney. But also as a fan."

  "So now what?"

  "Now, we wait for the court date. We just have to be prepared."

  "Can I ask you something?"

  "What's that?"

  "You say you're not a lawyer anymore, right?"

  "I don't practice law regularly anymore, no."

  "So why are you doing this? It can't just be about a favor. This is too much to take on for that."

  "When I came in to see you initially I was not sure I was going to take your case. It was not until I sat down with you that I knew that I was going to take it."

  "Why?"

  "Because I know that you are innocent."

  "How?"

  "I just do? It's my gut. I trust it."

  "Look, this is going to be a lot."

  "I know that, but all I ask is that you make it easier on me. You can not change your past, but you can control your present and future. Please be on your best behavior. If not for yourself, then at least for your daughter Dalia."

  "Wow, you really are a fan! I got to be better. For her and my mother."

  "Your mother is an amazing woman."

  "Yeah. She's the best. She's one of the reasons I do all of this."

  "Well keep her in mind. I have another question for you. Do you feel that you have a dependency on drugs or alcohol?"

  He looked down, seriously, clearly thinking about it. After a long pause he said, "I don't know. I guess I drink pretty regular and smoke too. Mostly just to clear my mind and calm myself. I've been drinking and smoking since I was young. It's what I know."

  "You're going to have to deal with that. You're going to have to deal with a lot of things if you want to be better going forward."

  "You really care do you?"

  "Yes."

  "As my attorney or a fan?"

  "As a human being. It's possible for someone to car what happens to you without it being about money or football, you know?"

  He took a moment to think on this. He looked into my eyes seriously. It felt like in that moment something shifted. It was beyond attorney and client or athlete and fan. It was two people understanding each other beyond what was being seen. There was a connection forming between us. I did not like it. It was too close for a client and attorney to be, especially in a case like this. I had to pull myself together. I cleared my throat and said, "Well I think that's enough for today. You should really get some rest."

  I went to get up off of the sofa, but John grabbed my hand. He said, "Wait, I don't want you to go yet."
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  "There's only so much we can do with the case for now."

  "I'm not talking about the case."

  "What are you talking about then, Mr. Mackey?"

  "Oh, now it's Mr. Mackey again? I'm just saying, maybe we should talk some more. You said you help people. I need help."

  "I'm not sure if I'm the one to do it. It may be a conflict of interest."

  "You feel this thing between us. Only you can understand. It's you."

  He got up and came over to the sofa where I was sitting. My mind knew I should get up and go, but my body stayed right where it was. He leaned in and hugged me close to him. I put my arms around him an allowed us to melt into each other. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I decided to ignore my better sense and just allow things to happen. I could not ignore what was building up between us. It was like nothing I had experienced in my life. He began to rub his hands across my back. I did not move, I barely even allowed myself to breathe. John drew back a bit and looked down into my eyes. We held the eye contact for several long moments.

  Finally, John bent slightly and put his lips to mine. I breathed him in an held still, not returning the kiss, but not spurning it either. He pulled me into him and began parting my lips with his tongue. I allowed myself to be swallowed up in the embrace. Then I felt my blazer being pulled off. I knew that I could still stop it if I really wanted to. But I didn't want to so I allowed it to go on. John came around and knelt in front of me. As he leaned slightly forward, I wrapped my legs around him. He then picked me up and carried me off to what I assumed was one of the bedrooms.

  I had lost all connection to reality and physical space. All there was with this moment with this man. Right and wrong be damned! I felt myself being tipped onto a bed and then the clothes being tactfully pulled from my body. I opened my eyes and began to help John do the same to himself. Once we had both shed all of our clothing we took a moment to appreciate each other's body. I ran my hands over his wide shoulders, strong, broad chest, and six-pack abs. He then began to run his hands over 7my body, gently caressing me. I closed my eyes and took in the sensations he was sending through my skin with his fingertips.