I called Lola to let her know what happened. She picked it up after the first ring. "Hey Chickie" she knew it was me because we both have special ring tones for everyone that we talk to on a regular basis. "What's up? Are you okay?
"Yes, I am fine. I was on my way to meet with Karla, the girl we talked about hiring as your assistant and my phone rang. It was the hospital so I am headed down there. If I ask Karla if she can meet with you at nine could you interview her? I asked
"Oh yeah, of course. Just give me a call to let me know if she can make it."
"Will do. Lola, thanks."
"No problem. Do you know who you are meeting down at the hospital?" she asked
"No. However, I have a feeling it is Ricki McAlister because the police have not been called yet." I explained
"Oh shit. Good luck!! I hope you can talk her into coming back."
"Me too" I said "I will call you in a few." I ended my conversation with Lola and then hit the phone button on my steering wheel. I called Karla and explained everything.
"Thank you Karla. If you come to work for me you will learn that hospital calls are my top priority. I will let Lola know that you will meet with her. Thanks Karla."
I pushed the end call button just as I pulled into the hospital's parking lot. I quickly called Lola and then went inside.
I walked up to the nurses station in the emergency room.
"Hello DJ" the nurse from behind the desk said.
"Hello Anna." I smiled
"She is down here in room 4. Would you like me to introduce you?" Nurse Anna offered
"No thank you." I declined because I felt by me introducing myself it kept things less formal. I don't want to be looked at as a person with authority.
I poked my head around the closed curtain and there laid a woman with two black eyes, a broken nose and a face so swollen and beaten I could not tell if I knew her or not.
I peeked at the chart that was hanging in a file right outside the room. Rickie McAlister it read.
"I knew it" I said to myself. I pushed the curtain aside just enough to allow me to see if there was anyone in there with her. Seeing she was alone I went in. I stood next to the bed and pushed the fly a way strands of hair that fell in her face.
"Hi Rickie. It's DJ from My Friend's House. Do you remember me?" I questioned softly.
"Yes" Rickie whispered and then she began to cry. "How could I have been so stupid? I am so sorry." she cried.
"Rickie, you do not have to apologize you didn't do anything wrong. And sweetie you are far from stupid." I told her
"I didn't want to be a loser. I wanted my marriage to work." she kept her face turned away
"Rickie, look at me. You can not beat yourself up for trying. All you can do is learn from it. I am just glad to see you alive. Please tell me you are not wanting to go back." I told her
"I don't dare go back. DJ the next time he will kill me." she replied
"You are correct there. Once they release you from the hospital are you planning on coming to the shelter?" I questioned
"Yes, if you will allow me to." She looked away
"Rickie, you are very much welcomed to come and stay. Please let us help you to get away from him and out of that abusive marriage." I told her
"The doctor said I should stay overnight for observation. He wants to make sure there is no internal bleeding. He beat me up pretty bad this time. My face looks like it was used as a punching bag and it's the first time he broke a bone besides my nose." she explained
"Broke a bone?" I asked
"Yes, he broke my left wrist." Rickie said as she still cried.
"Rickie, you know we have to call the police don't you?"
"Yes, but why there are not going to do a damn thing." she said
Rickie's husband is a police officer for the Oakburg City police department. So whenever he does anything wrong it gets swept under the rug.
"DJ, can you please have someone take my car over to the shelter?" she asked me
"Hon, I am not sure going to your house is such a good idea."
"Oh no, my car is downstairs in the hospital parking garage. I drove myself to the hospital." Rickie explained
"Oh my gosh Rickie." I was going to lecture her on the safety of driving in the condition she is in but I figured she already knew that. "Yes I will bring Lola over and I will follow her back to the shelter. Where are your keys?"
Once I had the keys to her car and knew where to find it in the parking garage I let her fall asleep and I went over to the office.
Lola was done interviewing Karla so we went back to the hospital. Before leaving I went back to the nurse's station and let nurse Anna know that Chuck McAlister is not to be near Rickie. She said she knew the routine. It wasn't Rickie's first visit with them.
Back at the shelter Lola sat in my office and went over how Karla's interview went.
"So when does she start?" I asked
"Tomorrow. And since we are behind closed doors I need to tell you that Detective Truaxe is for real. And DJ that scares me." Lola replied
"I kind of knew he was telling the truth just by the way he looked at me. And Lola it scares me too. However, I can't let that rule my life I have a job to do here and I am not going to let these people down. I will call Truaxe and find out what's all involved with him protecting me. However, right now I need to get ready for Kenneth's court hearing. He needs this restraining order. And Lola I know you didn't sign up for this so if you want to go to your moms until all of this is over I will understand." I told her
"DJ you know I am not going anywhere. Now, how about I go to court with Kenneth and you take care of stuff with Truaxe?" She offered
"Are you sure about this? Lola, he needs this to happen."
"Yes, I am sure. Deej I have seen you do this a thousand times. It's pretty cut and dry, I can handle it." She insisted
"Okay, I guess the baby bird needs to fly on her own sooner or later." I smiled
"I won't let you down." She told me
"All right let me call and have Kenneth come over here.. I need to make sure he is okay with this." I explained
Although My Friend's House helps both female and male victims of domestic abuse I can not house the two together. Most of the women either hate men or are deathly afraid of them. So the hotel across the street from the shelter donates rooms for our male victims.
Most men that are being abused deal with emotional, verbal, and/or financial abuse. However, there are a few men that come forward to seek help due to physical abuse.
And this certainly was the case with Kenneth. His live in girlfriend stabbed him with a butcher knife because Kenneth refused to put her name on his bank account.
A Page A Day
My book is a fictional book about a non-fictional subject - Domestic Abuse. It's setting takes place between a Domestic Abuse Center and the Administrator's home. This is my first time writing a book. I plan on writing it as a blog so I can write a page a day. (I hope to not miss a day) I honestly have not chosen a title for my book yet, so please, as you read if you think of a title feel free to share it.
First Draft
This is not only the first book I've written, this is also the first draft of my book. If you find errors please keep in mind that this has not yet been edited. I admit my punctuation is poor so if you feel the need to correct me please feel free to do so, however, be gentle.
Saturday, May 28, 2016
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Page 6
As we were walking up to the door a deep voice came from behind us.
"DJ Martin?" We both turned around and there stood the most handsome man I've ever seen.
He stood about five foot nine inches. He was muscular, had short brown hair with a touch of grey at the temples. I myself always find that to be sexy on a man.
"Detective Truaxe?" I asked
"Nice to meet you." Truaxe said as he showed me his credentials and shook my hand.
"This is my best friend Lola Neu." I said as I pulled the entrance door open.
Truaxe grabbed the door and let us walk in first.
After we were seated and ordered coffee for the three of us Truaxe started to explain why he was looking for me.
He looked me straight in the eyes "DJ I am from the Kimberly County Detectives Unit. I am here because I believe you may be in grave danger. Seth Greenly escaped from prison and is probably looking for you as we speak. I don't mean to scare you however I have to keep it real."
"What makes you think he's going to be looking for DJ?" Lola asked.
"First off it was DJ's testimony that put him away. Secondly, he left a note on the cot in his cell that read 'keep it warm for me I will need it after I make the DJ sing." he explained
"Yes, but why are you so willing to protect me? Why not have a detective from up here in Oakburg?" I questioned.
"How do we know someone didn't hire you to harm her?" Lola asked
"You may call Kimberly County Police Station and check out what I am telling you." He told Lola then he turned his attention back to me.
"The reason I asked to do this is because years ago Seth Greenly killed my sister. I didn't have enough evidence to put him away and he walked. Then he almost killed that other girl, your friend. I do not want him hurting anyone else." Truaxe explained
"So, if I call Kimberly County they will tell me that the are paying for a babysitter?" I asked
"Not exactly." I interrupted him, "Who are you and what in the hell do you want?" I was starting to get upset.
"Please let me finish" he said "You can call Kimberly County and they will tell you I am here to protect you. However, I am not getting paid. When I was trying to prove Greenly killed my sister I cost the county a bunch of money and he walked. So the county doesn't want to spend more money on one of my hunches, that is their words not mine. They believe Greenly wrote that note to throw the police off his path. It's not a hunch DJ, you know Seth if he says he is out to get someone that is exactly what he is going to do. How can I get you to see the urgency here?"
Truaxe seemed to be sincere in what he was saying.
"I'll tell you what detective, tomorrow morning I will call Kimberly County. If what you are telling me is true I will pay you to protect me." I told him
"You are not going to pay me. All I ask is that you do things my way. I am going to catch this guy if it is the last thing I do. I will never rest knowing I could have prevented Greenly from having another victim." Truaxe said "I am going to need to know quite a bit about you so I need you to be one hundred percent honest with me."
"Okay detective, I have to be in my office at eight a.m.. I will check all this out first thing." I told him
"Where do you work?" He asked
I simply replied "Like I said I will talk with you after I make the call."
I was sure he did his homework and knew quite a bit about me already. However, since I opened the shelter all my information is confidential so I wasn't sure how much he knew.
"Okay fair enough. Please be careful and be on the lookout for any strange vehicles, people, etc." Truaxe instructed
"Oh we will." Lola promised
On the way home Lola and I talked about what just happened. "Lola, if Truaxe is telling the truth, and I suspect he is, I can not have him around the shelter even if he is there to protect me. I can not and will not break their trust in me. And that trust is all about confidentiality.
"I hear ya DJ. Are you scared? Lola asked
"Hell yeah Lola, I am terrified. Seth Greenly is a terribly horrible man. And I have a feeling Truaxe isn't lying because he looked me dead square in the eyes. I can tell he is an honest man."
"Yeah well he better be damn good at what he does. I can't have anything happen to you. And Deej, I am scared too."
The next morning Lola checked up on Detective Truaxe since I had to be in the office a bit early. I was interviewing a girl to be Lola's assistant, except I never made it to the office.
"DJ Martin?" We both turned around and there stood the most handsome man I've ever seen.
He stood about five foot nine inches. He was muscular, had short brown hair with a touch of grey at the temples. I myself always find that to be sexy on a man.
"Detective Truaxe?" I asked
"Nice to meet you." Truaxe said as he showed me his credentials and shook my hand.
"This is my best friend Lola Neu." I said as I pulled the entrance door open.
Truaxe grabbed the door and let us walk in first.
After we were seated and ordered coffee for the three of us Truaxe started to explain why he was looking for me.
He looked me straight in the eyes "DJ I am from the Kimberly County Detectives Unit. I am here because I believe you may be in grave danger. Seth Greenly escaped from prison and is probably looking for you as we speak. I don't mean to scare you however I have to keep it real."
"What makes you think he's going to be looking for DJ?" Lola asked.
"First off it was DJ's testimony that put him away. Secondly, he left a note on the cot in his cell that read 'keep it warm for me I will need it after I make the DJ sing." he explained
"Yes, but why are you so willing to protect me? Why not have a detective from up here in Oakburg?" I questioned.
"How do we know someone didn't hire you to harm her?" Lola asked
"You may call Kimberly County Police Station and check out what I am telling you." He told Lola then he turned his attention back to me.
"The reason I asked to do this is because years ago Seth Greenly killed my sister. I didn't have enough evidence to put him away and he walked. Then he almost killed that other girl, your friend. I do not want him hurting anyone else." Truaxe explained
"So, if I call Kimberly County they will tell me that the are paying for a babysitter?" I asked
"Not exactly." I interrupted him, "Who are you and what in the hell do you want?" I was starting to get upset.
"Please let me finish" he said "You can call Kimberly County and they will tell you I am here to protect you. However, I am not getting paid. When I was trying to prove Greenly killed my sister I cost the county a bunch of money and he walked. So the county doesn't want to spend more money on one of my hunches, that is their words not mine. They believe Greenly wrote that note to throw the police off his path. It's not a hunch DJ, you know Seth if he says he is out to get someone that is exactly what he is going to do. How can I get you to see the urgency here?"
Truaxe seemed to be sincere in what he was saying.
"I'll tell you what detective, tomorrow morning I will call Kimberly County. If what you are telling me is true I will pay you to protect me." I told him
"You are not going to pay me. All I ask is that you do things my way. I am going to catch this guy if it is the last thing I do. I will never rest knowing I could have prevented Greenly from having another victim." Truaxe said "I am going to need to know quite a bit about you so I need you to be one hundred percent honest with me."
"Okay detective, I have to be in my office at eight a.m.. I will check all this out first thing." I told him
"Where do you work?" He asked
I simply replied "Like I said I will talk with you after I make the call."
I was sure he did his homework and knew quite a bit about me already. However, since I opened the shelter all my information is confidential so I wasn't sure how much he knew.
"Okay fair enough. Please be careful and be on the lookout for any strange vehicles, people, etc." Truaxe instructed
"Oh we will." Lola promised
On the way home Lola and I talked about what just happened. "Lola, if Truaxe is telling the truth, and I suspect he is, I can not have him around the shelter even if he is there to protect me. I can not and will not break their trust in me. And that trust is all about confidentiality.
"I hear ya DJ. Are you scared? Lola asked
"Hell yeah Lola, I am terrified. Seth Greenly is a terribly horrible man. And I have a feeling Truaxe isn't lying because he looked me dead square in the eyes. I can tell he is an honest man."
"Yeah well he better be damn good at what he does. I can't have anything happen to you. And Deej, I am scared too."
The next morning Lola checked up on Detective Truaxe since I had to be in the office a bit early. I was interviewing a girl to be Lola's assistant, except I never made it to the office.
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Page 5
Once I was finally able to make the move Lola decided she would help me to help victims of domestic abuse.
I took the money my mother left me and purchased 2 houses side by side. One would serve as the shelter and the other would house the administration offices.
Lola takes care of the financial part of running the shelter as well as all the P.R. work. I take care of intakes, interviews, hospital calls, court hearings, overseeing the shelter, host the support group and anything else that goes with running a shelter and helping the victims.
Lola is going to school so that we can hire a bookkeeper and a PR person. This way Lola can help me with everything else.
I named the shelter in honor of my friend because without her I do not think I would have been able to leave my abuser. So "My Friend's House" seemed to be the appropriate name. Plus I wanted anyone that stayed there to feel that they had a friend in us.
Anyways...I was getting ready to go upstairs, however, my cell phone lite up and started ringing. I looked at the phone's screen "It's Billie from PB's." I told Lola
"We are not going out." Lola quickly said before I answered it.
"Hey Billie I haven't heard from you in awhile. How's it goin?" I asked
"Hey Deej, It's goin. Same shit different day. Hey listen I don't mean to spring this on you but there was a detective in here asking about you.." Billie replied.
"A detective? What does a detective want with me?" Lola overheard me say.
"What detective? From where? she whispered frantically.
I put my index finger up and whispered back "Wait a minuet I will tell you.".
Billie went on "His name is Anthony Truaxe. He's from the Kimberly County Detective's Unit. Deej, is everything ok?
"Umm I don't know." I replied
"Well he left his number. Deej I wasn't going to say anything but he said your life could be in danger." Billie was worried.
"What's his number?" I grabbed a piece of paper and wrote his info down. "Thanks Billie, I will let you know what it's all about once I find out." I ended the call
"DJ why is a detective looking for you?" Lola asked
"I am not sure. Billie said he told her that I could be in some danger. I am supposed to call him." I explained.
"Well call him Deej. Why the hell would you be in danger?" Lola was very worried and so was I
"I am not sure" I said as I was dialing the number I had just written down.
"Detective Truaxe here" I heard his voice but I froze I couldn't say a word.
"Hello," Truaxe said louder which startled me.
"Umm Hello. This is DJ Martin. I was told you have been looking for me." I nervously said
"Oh yes, Ms Martin, thank you for getting back to me so quickly.."
I was now unfrozen and a bit scared and upset at the same time. "It's DJ not Ms. I'm told my life could be in danger I am certainly not going to put this off until later detective. What is this about?"
"If it's okay with you I would rather talk to about this face to face. Can you meet me some place?"
He asked
"Listen Detective I have no idea who you are" I was interrupted
"DJ, please this is very important. You can bring Billie the body guard if it will help you to feel more at ease."
"I will be bringing my best friend."
"Great. Meet me at the Classic Denny's on highway 32." he said
"I know where Classic Denny's is at" Let me get my stuff together and we will meet you. Detective you better not be wasting my time." I hung up before he could say anything else.
I looked over at Lola but didn't get a chance to say anything. I guess the look on my face said it all.
"Girl, don't even ask. You know I am going with you. There is no way I would let you go alone." Lola said.
I started to cry which is something I seldom did.
"Thank you" I told Lola
"DJ do you know what this is about?" she questioned
"I am not sure. However, do you remember when I told you about that Seth guy that beat his wife so bad she almost died?" I asked
"Yeah. And you said he went to prison." Lola added
"Well that woman was a close friend and I did the unthinkable. I was on the phone with her when he started to hit her. I hung up on her so I could call the police. I didn't know what else to do" I was now sobbing.
"DJ, you didn't do anything wrong. Think about it this way if you wouldn't have called the police you may have lost her. He might of killed her." Lola stated.
"I did lose her. She moved away and told me she could no longer stay in contact with me. It was part of her safety plan." I cried
"DJ, you know you did the right thing. Your friend is alive today and hopefully doing well because of you." She reminded me.
"Yes, I know you are right. I accepted that a long time ago. In fact, the reason I don't tell people about it is because we both moved on with our lives." I agreed
"Then why are you crying so hard?
"I don't know. Maybe he got out of prison?"
"Girl, breathe. You said because he was a repeat offender and the judge was sick of seeing him he was sent away for life. The three strike rule or something like that. That's what you said so c'mon let's get going and find out what the hell this detective wants. I will drive."
It was kind of fun watching Lola drive her Dodge Ram pick up. She only stands 4 feet 11 and a half inches. She always says that half inch counts when you are short. She is a small woman with a huge truck and a huge heart.
"I forgot to ask the detective what he looks like. How are we suppose to know who is is?" I sniffled and wiped my eyes. I didn't want him to see that I was crying.
Lola pulled into the parking lot. "I don't think we need to worry about that, this place isn't very busy right now." Lola told me.
I took the money my mother left me and purchased 2 houses side by side. One would serve as the shelter and the other would house the administration offices.
Lola takes care of the financial part of running the shelter as well as all the P.R. work. I take care of intakes, interviews, hospital calls, court hearings, overseeing the shelter, host the support group and anything else that goes with running a shelter and helping the victims.
Lola is going to school so that we can hire a bookkeeper and a PR person. This way Lola can help me with everything else.
I named the shelter in honor of my friend because without her I do not think I would have been able to leave my abuser. So "My Friend's House" seemed to be the appropriate name. Plus I wanted anyone that stayed there to feel that they had a friend in us.
Anyways...I was getting ready to go upstairs, however, my cell phone lite up and started ringing. I looked at the phone's screen "It's Billie from PB's." I told Lola
"We are not going out." Lola quickly said before I answered it.
"Hey Billie I haven't heard from you in awhile. How's it goin?" I asked
"Hey Deej, It's goin. Same shit different day. Hey listen I don't mean to spring this on you but there was a detective in here asking about you.." Billie replied.
"A detective? What does a detective want with me?" Lola overheard me say.
"What detective? From where? she whispered frantically.
I put my index finger up and whispered back "Wait a minuet I will tell you.".
Billie went on "His name is Anthony Truaxe. He's from the Kimberly County Detective's Unit. Deej, is everything ok?
"Umm I don't know." I replied
"Well he left his number. Deej I wasn't going to say anything but he said your life could be in danger." Billie was worried.
"What's his number?" I grabbed a piece of paper and wrote his info down. "Thanks Billie, I will let you know what it's all about once I find out." I ended the call
"DJ why is a detective looking for you?" Lola asked
"I am not sure. Billie said he told her that I could be in some danger. I am supposed to call him." I explained.
"Well call him Deej. Why the hell would you be in danger?" Lola was very worried and so was I
"I am not sure" I said as I was dialing the number I had just written down.
"Detective Truaxe here" I heard his voice but I froze I couldn't say a word.
"Hello," Truaxe said louder which startled me.
"Umm Hello. This is DJ Martin. I was told you have been looking for me." I nervously said
"Oh yes, Ms Martin, thank you for getting back to me so quickly.."
I was now unfrozen and a bit scared and upset at the same time. "It's DJ not Ms. I'm told my life could be in danger I am certainly not going to put this off until later detective. What is this about?"
"If it's okay with you I would rather talk to about this face to face. Can you meet me some place?"
He asked
"Listen Detective I have no idea who you are" I was interrupted
"DJ, please this is very important. You can bring Billie the body guard if it will help you to feel more at ease."
"I will be bringing my best friend."
"Great. Meet me at the Classic Denny's on highway 32." he said
"I know where Classic Denny's is at" Let me get my stuff together and we will meet you. Detective you better not be wasting my time." I hung up before he could say anything else.
I looked over at Lola but didn't get a chance to say anything. I guess the look on my face said it all.
"Girl, don't even ask. You know I am going with you. There is no way I would let you go alone." Lola said.
I started to cry which is something I seldom did.
"Thank you" I told Lola
"DJ do you know what this is about?" she questioned
"I am not sure. However, do you remember when I told you about that Seth guy that beat his wife so bad she almost died?" I asked
"Yeah. And you said he went to prison." Lola added
"Well that woman was a close friend and I did the unthinkable. I was on the phone with her when he started to hit her. I hung up on her so I could call the police. I didn't know what else to do" I was now sobbing.
"DJ, you didn't do anything wrong. Think about it this way if you wouldn't have called the police you may have lost her. He might of killed her." Lola stated.
"I did lose her. She moved away and told me she could no longer stay in contact with me. It was part of her safety plan." I cried
"DJ, you know you did the right thing. Your friend is alive today and hopefully doing well because of you." She reminded me.
"Yes, I know you are right. I accepted that a long time ago. In fact, the reason I don't tell people about it is because we both moved on with our lives." I agreed
"Then why are you crying so hard?
"I don't know. Maybe he got out of prison?"
"Girl, breathe. You said because he was a repeat offender and the judge was sick of seeing him he was sent away for life. The three strike rule or something like that. That's what you said so c'mon let's get going and find out what the hell this detective wants. I will drive."
It was kind of fun watching Lola drive her Dodge Ram pick up. She only stands 4 feet 11 and a half inches. She always says that half inch counts when you are short. She is a small woman with a huge truck and a huge heart.
"I forgot to ask the detective what he looks like. How are we suppose to know who is is?" I sniffled and wiped my eyes. I didn't want him to see that I was crying.
Lola pulled into the parking lot. "I don't think we need to worry about that, this place isn't very busy right now." Lola told me.
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Page 4
"Man, Oakburg City must be the water park capital of the world" he added as he passed water park after water park. There were some more on the other side of the street. They were everywhere big and small. But he wasn't looking for anything fancy.
He finally seen a sign "2 Rivers Hotel. Air, Refridge, Mic-Wave & POOL in every room.
Guessing that the sign read wrong he pulled in and went inside.
Yep, he was right, there is not a pool in every room. If he wasn't so tired he would let them know they should change the way the sign reads. Instead he just took his key and got back in his car. He was happy to see that he could park his baby right in front of his room.
He went inside and opened the blinds just enough to be able to see the mustang.
About ten pm he started to dose off.
Chapter 2 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"This trial will be set to begin on June 16th at ten o'clock a.m. Will the attorneys for each side be ready?" The Honorable Judge Karl Kloski questioned.
"The state is ready your Honor." The District Attorney replied.
"Well your Honor" the defense attorney started to say.
"Mr. Jacobs, does this have to do with another court hearing?" the Judge asked.
"Well, no your Honor." Jacobs replied.
"Well then, I suggest that you arrange your schedule so that you can be in my court room on June 16th at ten a.m. Do I make myself clear? Every time you come before me you need to reschedule. If you can not be here Mr. Jacobs I strongly suggest that you hand this case over to one of your colleagues."
"That will not be necessary your Honor. I will be here."
Kloski looked down from his bench as if he was ready to scream at him. Instead he just took a deep breath, let out a sigh and shook his head.
It was almost comical.
"Fine" Kloski said "The matter is set for June 16th at ten o'clock a.m." He picked up his gavel and hammered it down hard enough that it startled Attorney Jacobs.
As the DA and I walked back to his office I was thinking how happy I was to see that we have Judge Kloski. I had seen him in action many times and he is always so caring when it came to our survivors.
Once the DA and I reached his office he asked me if I had five minutes to speak with him.
Truthfully, I was hoping for more than 300 seconds of his time.
"Well DJ are you prepared to get up on the witness stand?" he asked
I thought about his question before answering him. If I said yes I most certainly would be lying However, if I said no I am sure he would have a shit fit. So, I simply replied "I think so."
"DJ I really need you to know for sure. I cannot put you up on the witness stand and have you fumble around for the words you need in order to tell the jury what happened."
I looked him straight in the eyes and said "I will be fine. No fumbling around for words."
"I hope so. Well DJ I have another case to plea, you go home and if you need to write out your testimony just to make sure you cover everything.
"Will do. Have a good day." I said and turned and left his office.
Have you ever been so deep in thought that you can't remember driving home?
I did exactly that. I can remember leaving the courthouse and the next thing I knew I was pulling my yellow wrangler into my garage. Man, that was dangerous. What if I would have caused an accident?" I said to myself. I promised myself from now on my mind stays on my driving.
I walked through the door that leads from the garage into the kitchen.
Lola, my best friend,was sitting at the breakfast table with her laptop in front of her. Her fingers were just a flyin all over that keyboard.
"Hey Chickie, you writing a book?" I joked
She raised her left hand and waved hello while her right hand just kept on typing never missing a beat.
"Whatcha working on?" I interrupted
"The grant. I am going to try to get carpet for both of the buildings." She explained
"Can you take a break?" I asked
"Sure, what's up?" she had a look of concern on her face.
"Everything is fine. In fact we finally have a trial date set, June 16th." I told her "in front of Judge Kloski"
"Well that is awesome. He's the "victims judge" right?"
"Yes" I simply answered
'Well than what's wrong? You sure don't seem happy about it."
"Oh no, I am thrilled that he is the judge. I am just not sure where to start with my testimony."
"Deej, begin from the beginning. Start with Rae'Anne"
"Yeah, I suppose you are right. I am going to go upstairs and change into something more comfortable."
"Okay, I will be here typing away.
"You rock!" I told her
"That's why you have me as your best friend." she chuckled.
"Yep" I agreed "What do you have planned for tonight?"
"Vegetate. Maybe watch a movie." She talked and typed at the same time.
"Cool, mind if I join you.?" I asked
"Well, duh it wouldn't be much fun watching a movie alone. Besides this is your house you can do whatever you want." she said as she was looking down at the keyboard.
"Stop typing and look at me." I told her "I am going to explain this one last time.This is our house. Do you remember when I gave you the tour and we came to a room unpainted and unfurnished? I asked you if you would share my home with me. I didn't ask you if you want to just move in with me. Right?"
Lola could never figure out why I would just give her half of my house.
It was the only way I could think of to thank her for all the things she had done for me.
We became friends approximately 15 yrs ago. In those fifteen years we've dealt with births, deaths, marriage, divorce, break ups and the list goes on.
After my mother passed away I promised myself I would see my mother's dying wish come true. I would leave my abusive husband and start up a shelter for victims of domestic abuse.
I did just that. I left my abuser with the help of a friend. Once the divorce was granted I made plans to move to Oaksburg City and open a shelter. I met Lola while I was going through my divorce.
He finally seen a sign "2 Rivers Hotel. Air, Refridge, Mic-Wave & POOL in every room.
Guessing that the sign read wrong he pulled in and went inside.
Yep, he was right, there is not a pool in every room. If he wasn't so tired he would let them know they should change the way the sign reads. Instead he just took his key and got back in his car. He was happy to see that he could park his baby right in front of his room.
He went inside and opened the blinds just enough to be able to see the mustang.
About ten pm he started to dose off.
Chapter 2 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"This trial will be set to begin on June 16th at ten o'clock a.m. Will the attorneys for each side be ready?" The Honorable Judge Karl Kloski questioned.
"The state is ready your Honor." The District Attorney replied.
"Well your Honor" the defense attorney started to say.
"Mr. Jacobs, does this have to do with another court hearing?" the Judge asked.
"Well, no your Honor." Jacobs replied.
"Well then, I suggest that you arrange your schedule so that you can be in my court room on June 16th at ten a.m. Do I make myself clear? Every time you come before me you need to reschedule. If you can not be here Mr. Jacobs I strongly suggest that you hand this case over to one of your colleagues."
"That will not be necessary your Honor. I will be here."
Kloski looked down from his bench as if he was ready to scream at him. Instead he just took a deep breath, let out a sigh and shook his head.
It was almost comical.
"Fine" Kloski said "The matter is set for June 16th at ten o'clock a.m." He picked up his gavel and hammered it down hard enough that it startled Attorney Jacobs.
As the DA and I walked back to his office I was thinking how happy I was to see that we have Judge Kloski. I had seen him in action many times and he is always so caring when it came to our survivors.
Once the DA and I reached his office he asked me if I had five minutes to speak with him.
Truthfully, I was hoping for more than 300 seconds of his time.
"Well DJ are you prepared to get up on the witness stand?" he asked
I thought about his question before answering him. If I said yes I most certainly would be lying However, if I said no I am sure he would have a shit fit. So, I simply replied "I think so."
"DJ I really need you to know for sure. I cannot put you up on the witness stand and have you fumble around for the words you need in order to tell the jury what happened."
I looked him straight in the eyes and said "I will be fine. No fumbling around for words."
"I hope so. Well DJ I have another case to plea, you go home and if you need to write out your testimony just to make sure you cover everything.
"Will do. Have a good day." I said and turned and left his office.
Have you ever been so deep in thought that you can't remember driving home?
I did exactly that. I can remember leaving the courthouse and the next thing I knew I was pulling my yellow wrangler into my garage. Man, that was dangerous. What if I would have caused an accident?" I said to myself. I promised myself from now on my mind stays on my driving.
I walked through the door that leads from the garage into the kitchen.
Lola, my best friend,was sitting at the breakfast table with her laptop in front of her. Her fingers were just a flyin all over that keyboard.
"Hey Chickie, you writing a book?" I joked
She raised her left hand and waved hello while her right hand just kept on typing never missing a beat.
"Whatcha working on?" I interrupted
"The grant. I am going to try to get carpet for both of the buildings." She explained
"Can you take a break?" I asked
"Sure, what's up?" she had a look of concern on her face.
"Everything is fine. In fact we finally have a trial date set, June 16th." I told her "in front of Judge Kloski"
"Well that is awesome. He's the "victims judge" right?"
"Yes" I simply answered
'Well than what's wrong? You sure don't seem happy about it."
"Oh no, I am thrilled that he is the judge. I am just not sure where to start with my testimony."
"Deej, begin from the beginning. Start with Rae'Anne"
"Yeah, I suppose you are right. I am going to go upstairs and change into something more comfortable."
"Okay, I will be here typing away.
"You rock!" I told her
"That's why you have me as your best friend." she chuckled.
"Yep" I agreed "What do you have planned for tonight?"
"Vegetate. Maybe watch a movie." She talked and typed at the same time.
"Cool, mind if I join you.?" I asked
"Well, duh it wouldn't be much fun watching a movie alone. Besides this is your house you can do whatever you want." she said as she was looking down at the keyboard.
"Stop typing and look at me." I told her "I am going to explain this one last time.This is our house. Do you remember when I gave you the tour and we came to a room unpainted and unfurnished? I asked you if you would share my home with me. I didn't ask you if you want to just move in with me. Right?"
Lola could never figure out why I would just give her half of my house.
It was the only way I could think of to thank her for all the things she had done for me.
We became friends approximately 15 yrs ago. In those fifteen years we've dealt with births, deaths, marriage, divorce, break ups and the list goes on.
After my mother passed away I promised myself I would see my mother's dying wish come true. I would leave my abusive husband and start up a shelter for victims of domestic abuse.
I did just that. I left my abuser with the help of a friend. Once the divorce was granted I made plans to move to Oaksburg City and open a shelter. I met Lola while I was going through my divorce.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Page 3
"Hmm nearly seven pm and the place has an empty parking lot. Not a very happening place" He said to himself. "But hey by the looks of the place I am not under dressed." he added
PB's had a country atmosphere, however, the kid behind the bar was once again mid twenties, bleached hair and tan skin. And once again Truaxe heard "What can I getcha?"
"Is there a school around here that you kids go to in order to become a preppy bartender?" Truaxe asked.
"Huh?" the kid looked confused
"A bud"
"Here ya go." the kid said as he placed the beer in front of Truaxe. "A buck fifty." he added
Truaxe paid the kid and once again took the photo out of his shirt pocket.
"One more thing." he slid the picture across the bar "Do you know her?"
"Not personally"
"But you do know of her?"
"Yeah, why do you ask?"
"I need to find her."
"My wife knows her better than I do. Hold on." The bartender told him and then went off to a back room.
A few minuets later he came out and told Truaxe that his wife would be out shortly.
"Thank you. What's your name kid?" Truaxe asked
"Justin" the kid answered and then went back to stocking coolers.
Truaxe watched Justin stock the coolers and couldn't help but to think the kid was overstocking. "It's pretty dead in here, why so much beer?" he finally had to ask
"Karaoke night. We get pretty busy." Justin answered.
"Can I help you?" a woman with short brown hair asked from behind the bar.
"Yes, this woman" Truaxe said as he slid the picture back across the bar again. "Your husband said you know her?"
"Yeah, what of it?" the woman said
"I need to find her."
"Yeah well she ain't here." the woman turned to walk away.
"Wait, I didn't catch your name." Truaxe stopped her
"Its cuz I didn't give it to you." She crossed her arms across her chest "Listen mister I don't give out information about my employees or my customers. Especially that customer."
Truaxe pulled out his badge. "Let me start over. Hello, I am detective Anthony Truaxe. I am with the Kimberly County Detectives Unit. I need to find the woman in this photo." He repeated
"I don't care if you are the King of Kimberly County, I do not hand out personal information." She was starting to get frustrated with Truaxe and his persistence.
"Look I didn't want to have to share this with anyone, however, you seem like you know her situation pretty well. This woman may be in some serious danger." He pleaded
"Listen Detective Truaxe is it? This woman has a crazy ex husband. I am not about to give out her info to anyone!!" the woman told him.
"I can appreciate that. However, you would be." Truaxe stopped in mid sentence. He knew no matter what he said he wasn't going to get what he needed. "Listen, how about we do this, I will leave my card with you. Please get a hold of her and give her my number." Truaxe offered.
"I will do that only because I know about her ex and I could see the possibility of her being in danger. However, she isn't going to meet with you unless it is in a public place."
Truaxe didn't bother to tell her it wasn't about the ex husband. "Perfect. I'm sorry, you name?"
"Billie" the woman told him
"Deal Billie. Now tell me if I go to Lefty's "
Billie interrupted him "If you need to find the woman in that photo why didn't you say her name?"
"For the same reason you didn't." Truaxe replied
"So you do know her name?"
"Yes," Truaxe pulled out a business card and wrote the name DJ Martin on the back of it. Then handed it to Billie.
"Okay. By the way if you are going to Lefty's to get info on her don't bother. My bar is the only bar she hangs out at." Billie told him
"Ok Thanks for saving me the trip over there. Billie, please make sure you give her my number, you could be saving her life." Truaxe slide a $10 bill across the bar.
"Detective, you do not have to tip me. I own the place." Billie told him
"Oh I'm not. That is for the one actually working." He winked and nodded his head toward's Justin.
"Have a good night detective. Hey come back later and join us for karaoke." She grinned
"Thanks" Truaxe walked out of the bar thinking 'why would I want to listen to a bunch of tone deaf drunks?' He got into his car and grabbed a note book out of the glove box and wrote down a few notes.
"Well time to find a hotel room" He told himself.
PB's had a country atmosphere, however, the kid behind the bar was once again mid twenties, bleached hair and tan skin. And once again Truaxe heard "What can I getcha?"
"Is there a school around here that you kids go to in order to become a preppy bartender?" Truaxe asked.
"Huh?" the kid looked confused
"A bud"
"Here ya go." the kid said as he placed the beer in front of Truaxe. "A buck fifty." he added
Truaxe paid the kid and once again took the photo out of his shirt pocket.
"One more thing." he slid the picture across the bar "Do you know her?"
"Not personally"
"But you do know of her?"
"Yeah, why do you ask?"
"I need to find her."
"My wife knows her better than I do. Hold on." The bartender told him and then went off to a back room.
A few minuets later he came out and told Truaxe that his wife would be out shortly.
"Thank you. What's your name kid?" Truaxe asked
"Justin" the kid answered and then went back to stocking coolers.
Truaxe watched Justin stock the coolers and couldn't help but to think the kid was overstocking. "It's pretty dead in here, why so much beer?" he finally had to ask
"Karaoke night. We get pretty busy." Justin answered.
"Can I help you?" a woman with short brown hair asked from behind the bar.
"Yes, this woman" Truaxe said as he slid the picture back across the bar again. "Your husband said you know her?"
"Yeah, what of it?" the woman said
"I need to find her."
"Yeah well she ain't here." the woman turned to walk away.
"Wait, I didn't catch your name." Truaxe stopped her
"Its cuz I didn't give it to you." She crossed her arms across her chest "Listen mister I don't give out information about my employees or my customers. Especially that customer."
Truaxe pulled out his badge. "Let me start over. Hello, I am detective Anthony Truaxe. I am with the Kimberly County Detectives Unit. I need to find the woman in this photo." He repeated
"I don't care if you are the King of Kimberly County, I do not hand out personal information." She was starting to get frustrated with Truaxe and his persistence.
"Look I didn't want to have to share this with anyone, however, you seem like you know her situation pretty well. This woman may be in some serious danger." He pleaded
"Listen Detective Truaxe is it? This woman has a crazy ex husband. I am not about to give out her info to anyone!!" the woman told him.
"I can appreciate that. However, you would be." Truaxe stopped in mid sentence. He knew no matter what he said he wasn't going to get what he needed. "Listen, how about we do this, I will leave my card with you. Please get a hold of her and give her my number." Truaxe offered.
"I will do that only because I know about her ex and I could see the possibility of her being in danger. However, she isn't going to meet with you unless it is in a public place."
Truaxe didn't bother to tell her it wasn't about the ex husband. "Perfect. I'm sorry, you name?"
"Billie" the woman told him
"Deal Billie. Now tell me if I go to Lefty's "
Billie interrupted him "If you need to find the woman in that photo why didn't you say her name?"
"For the same reason you didn't." Truaxe replied
"So you do know her name?"
"Yes," Truaxe pulled out a business card and wrote the name DJ Martin on the back of it. Then handed it to Billie.
"Okay. By the way if you are going to Lefty's to get info on her don't bother. My bar is the only bar she hangs out at." Billie told him
"Ok Thanks for saving me the trip over there. Billie, please make sure you give her my number, you could be saving her life." Truaxe slide a $10 bill across the bar.
"Detective, you do not have to tip me. I own the place." Billie told him
"Oh I'm not. That is for the one actually working." He winked and nodded his head toward's Justin.
"Have a good night detective. Hey come back later and join us for karaoke." She grinned
"Thanks" Truaxe walked out of the bar thinking 'why would I want to listen to a bunch of tone deaf drunks?' He got into his car and grabbed a note book out of the glove box and wrote down a few notes.
"Well time to find a hotel room" He told himself.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Page 2
Truaxe pulled his 78 black Ford mustang into the parking lot of Classic Denny's. He realized he was in a tourist town when he walked up to the entrance. He didn't quite get the door opened and a young lady handed him a camera "Do you mind? I'd like my picture taken with James Dean."
Truaxe took the picture of the young lady as she stood next to a life size statue of James Dean. "I think I may have gotten the Marilyn Monroe statue in there." he said as he handed the camera back.
"That's fine, thanks."
"You are welcome." Truaxe said and opened the door and went inside.
He understood why the sign said "Classic". The outside reminded him of a stainless steel train car. There were life size statues of James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis and the Blues Brothers that stood right next to the entrance. Inside the chairs were chrome with red vinyl seats and the juke box played a song called It's My Party, "yep it's classic alright." He said to himself.
After being seated he pulled his cigarettes out of his shirt pocket along with a zippo lighter and the picture.
There was only one other thing that meant anything to him besides his mustang and that is the lighter he received from the wife of a former partner. This was back in his blue uniform cop days.
He and his partner, Jack Birdwin, stopped a vehicle for a routine traffic violation. When his partner asked to see a driver's license the driver showed him the barrel of a 357 revolver instead. He shot Jack point blank in the chest.
After that Anthony Truaxe decided two things; no more partners and no more uniforms. It was then when Truaxe joined the Kimberly County Detectives Unit (KCDU).
"What will it be handsome?" the waitress asked him as he stared at the menu.
He looked up to tell her his order only he was caught off guard."It's her" he thought. "It's really her." Her hair was done up the same, her accent was the southern accent he remembered and she even had the same gum chewing technique.
"Did anyone ever tell you that you look like Flo? You know the waitress on an old show called Mel's Diner?" he asked
"I hear it all the time sugar. Now what can I getcha?" she smiled and winked and cracked her gum.
"How about a classic burger and let's keep to the classic regime add a coke a cola please."
"You got it toots, be right up."
Now that he placed his order he lite up a cigarette and thought about his plans. He figured he would check out PB's first then Lefty's than find a room for the night.
He picked up the picture and thought, 'since Seth Greenly had escaped from prison approximately 14 hours ago it would take him some time to cover his tracks. Then it would taken him some time to find her.
"Let's hope I find her first." Truaxe told himself as he slid the picture back into his shirt pocket.
He picked up the huge burger that Flo set down in front of him and ate it military style (as him mom used to call it). He sipped the last bit of soda and was ready to move on.
In and out make room for the next hungry soldier is how he was taught.
Meal paid for, waitress well tipped then a stop in the men's room and he was back in his mustang.
Truaxe took the picture of the young lady as she stood next to a life size statue of James Dean. "I think I may have gotten the Marilyn Monroe statue in there." he said as he handed the camera back.
"That's fine, thanks."
"You are welcome." Truaxe said and opened the door and went inside.
He understood why the sign said "Classic". The outside reminded him of a stainless steel train car. There were life size statues of James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis and the Blues Brothers that stood right next to the entrance. Inside the chairs were chrome with red vinyl seats and the juke box played a song called It's My Party, "yep it's classic alright." He said to himself.
After being seated he pulled his cigarettes out of his shirt pocket along with a zippo lighter and the picture.
There was only one other thing that meant anything to him besides his mustang and that is the lighter he received from the wife of a former partner. This was back in his blue uniform cop days.
He and his partner, Jack Birdwin, stopped a vehicle for a routine traffic violation. When his partner asked to see a driver's license the driver showed him the barrel of a 357 revolver instead. He shot Jack point blank in the chest.
After that Anthony Truaxe decided two things; no more partners and no more uniforms. It was then when Truaxe joined the Kimberly County Detectives Unit (KCDU).
"What will it be handsome?" the waitress asked him as he stared at the menu.
He looked up to tell her his order only he was caught off guard."It's her" he thought. "It's really her." Her hair was done up the same, her accent was the southern accent he remembered and she even had the same gum chewing technique.
"Did anyone ever tell you that you look like Flo? You know the waitress on an old show called Mel's Diner?" he asked
"I hear it all the time sugar. Now what can I getcha?" she smiled and winked and cracked her gum.
"How about a classic burger and let's keep to the classic regime add a coke a cola please."
"You got it toots, be right up."
Now that he placed his order he lite up a cigarette and thought about his plans. He figured he would check out PB's first then Lefty's than find a room for the night.
He picked up the picture and thought, 'since Seth Greenly had escaped from prison approximately 14 hours ago it would take him some time to cover his tracks. Then it would taken him some time to find her.
"Let's hope I find her first." Truaxe told himself as he slid the picture back into his shirt pocket.
He picked up the huge burger that Flo set down in front of him and ate it military style (as him mom used to call it). He sipped the last bit of soda and was ready to move on.
In and out make room for the next hungry soldier is how he was taught.
Meal paid for, waitress well tipped then a stop in the men's room and he was back in his mustang.
Friday, May 13, 2016
Chapter 1 - Page 1.
"What can I getcha?" A younger looking, probably mid-twenties male bartender asked.
His arms tan and his hair bleached Truaxe figured the kid hung out at the outdoor water parks looking for college girls.
Truaxe didn't answer instead he reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a picture.
"This woman, do you know her?" he asked as he slid the photo across the bar.
"No Sir, can't say that I do." the kid answered
"Ever seen her in here?"
"No sir, I can't say that I have."
Remembering that she had mentioned she liked country music Truaxe had one more question for the preppy bartender. Only he was ready to rip the kid's tongue out if he called him sir one more time. Taking a chance that he wouldn't Truaxe asked his last question. "Is this the only country bar around here?"
"There are two others; PB's and Lefty's".
'Lucky kid' Truaxe thought. "Can you tell me where to find PB's and Lefty's?"
"Yep, now that I can do." The preppy bartender grabbed a napkin and drew a map showing that PB's was the closer of the two.
"Thank you" Truaxe slid a $10 bill to the kid and left.
As he was driving through town he noticed quite a few fancy places. It made him wonder if he was under dressed. Blue jeans, t-shirt and cowboy boots was the way Anthony Truaxe felt the most comfortable.
He had been told to dress it up a bit a few times, however, he figured since he was a single detective what did it matter how he dressed? He was not some highly decorated officer looking to impress some pompass politicals, so why not dress comfortably?/
He noticed a sign for a Classic Denny's Restaurant, he looked at his watch. "It's 5:40 p.m. Hmm a meal sounds pretty good right now. His stomach growled in agreement.
His arms tan and his hair bleached Truaxe figured the kid hung out at the outdoor water parks looking for college girls.
Truaxe didn't answer instead he reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a picture.
"This woman, do you know her?" he asked as he slid the photo across the bar.
"No Sir, can't say that I do." the kid answered
"Ever seen her in here?"
"No sir, I can't say that I have."
Remembering that she had mentioned she liked country music Truaxe had one more question for the preppy bartender. Only he was ready to rip the kid's tongue out if he called him sir one more time. Taking a chance that he wouldn't Truaxe asked his last question. "Is this the only country bar around here?"
"There are two others; PB's and Lefty's".
'Lucky kid' Truaxe thought. "Can you tell me where to find PB's and Lefty's?"
"Yep, now that I can do." The preppy bartender grabbed a napkin and drew a map showing that PB's was the closer of the two.
"Thank you" Truaxe slid a $10 bill to the kid and left.
As he was driving through town he noticed quite a few fancy places. It made him wonder if he was under dressed. Blue jeans, t-shirt and cowboy boots was the way Anthony Truaxe felt the most comfortable.
He had been told to dress it up a bit a few times, however, he figured since he was a single detective what did it matter how he dressed? He was not some highly decorated officer looking to impress some pompass politicals, so why not dress comfortably?/
He noticed a sign for a Classic Denny's Restaurant, he looked at his watch. "It's 5:40 p.m. Hmm a meal sounds pretty good right now. His stomach growled in agreement.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)