Date: Sun, 20 Nov 2016 16:39:46 -0600
From: Eric Trager <trager2275@gmail.com>
Subject: It Is What It Is: Chapter 31

Please don't forget to donate to Nifty if you enjoy reading the stories!

Email feedback can be sent to trager2275@gmail.com. © 2015 by Eric Trager.

Yahoo group: https://groups.yahoo.com/IIWII



CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE



On Monday morning after receiving the call from George Dickson, Sean
reported to the clinic. He let them do what they needed to do for the
paternity test, only asking the Technician how long those things usually
took. The Technician said that it was usually about five business days,
meaning the following Monday and that if he wanted to he could stop by
himself and get the results.

Sean knew that meant that the analysis of Colleen's DNA test would be done
well before it was known, if indeed there was a pregnancy, whether or not
he was the father of the child. He knew that timeline worked to his
advantage. While he really wasn't thrilled with having to wait two days it
gave him a lot more leeway. On his way back to school, he texted Andy,
John, Tim and Brett to let them all know most likely Wednesday would be the
day. That is all he said. They would know exactly what he meant.

Sean also called George and let him know that if Colleen's DNA test came
back showing a match with the DNA collected the night of his rape, he
wanted her arrested immediately. George said that could be done, and
brought up the possible subject of bail. Sean asked what that meant.

"Well, Sean, there would be an arraignment scheduled where the Judge will
review if there's enough evidence for probable cause and for her to be
charged and bound over for trial. If the test is a match, the answers to
both those questions will be yes. There would then have to be a bail
hearing scheduled.  That would determine if she is to be freed on bail
pending trial. I know you're smart, but just tell me if you've understood
everything I said."

"Yup. I understand it."

"OK, good. Now at the same time she is arrested, there will likely be a
search warrant served for the Kennedy house, her locker at school, and
anywhere else the Police deem reasonable to look for evidence. Colleen will
of course have Ed Steele as her Attorney. Ed and I are old friends. That
doesn't matter, though, because this is a matter of law. He'll know that
Colleen's got no case and he'll tell Bill Kennedy that. How do I know?
Because if I were in Steele's shoes that's what I'd tell my client. As my
dad always said, ya can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear...

"Anyway, depending on what they find may have a bearing on the bail
hearing. For example, we should hope that they find something to prove that
Colleen knew she was pregnant before she was tested at the
hospital. Anyway, you let me worry about that. If we can, we will want to
go for no bail so that we know she gets proper medical care and is not on
her own. Bill Kennedy won't go for that, but I happen to know that he's
not, shall we say, in the driver's seat here. I think we got a good chance,
Sean."

"OK, George. I guess let's just wait and see what happens... Have a good
one, George!"

"You, too, Sean!"

Sean was at school just a tick before lunch so he made his way to the
cafeteria texting the others to meet him at for lunch at an out-of-the-way
table. Once everyone had their lunch and were seated Sean began.

"OK guys, here's the deal. And as always, no one speaks a word of this. I
gave blood and DNA for the paternity test this morning. I didn't see
Colleen at the clinic, thank God, but Tim's dad called me and said it was a
go, so we know she gave her DNA sample. Her sample might already be at the
State Labs in Madison. They told me forty-eight hours for her sample. Mine
will take longer, probably about a week.

"Anyway, Wednesday and Thursday if necessary I'd like us to keep a watch
out. If her test is positive I'm pretty sure she'll be arrested. J.R., can
you be over at the Kennedy's after school those two days? I'll make sure
Coach excuses you from practice those days. That way if the Cops come to
haul her off, I'll know. I'll need to know right away because if that's
what happens, me and dad will need to get with George right away. I have a
question for you guys. I've given it a lot of thought, but I want to run it
by you guys just for some feedback..."

"Whadya got, Wymo?" Tim asked.

"OK, if they arrest Colleen it can only mean that her DNA matched the DNA
they found when I was raped. That would mean she raped me. Now, there's the
pregnancy thing, too. If she is pregnant the chances the baby is mine are
probably pretty good. I don't trust her. I don't trust her not to do drugs,
or drink and maybe damage the baby. I don't trust her not to run off and
get an abortion that I don't know about. Like I said, I thought about this
long and hard and if she's arrested I'd like her in jail. Where she goes
after that we can work with Ginny about later, but I don't want her
arrested and released pending trial and all those other steps George told
me about. I don't fucking trust her. Not one bit. What do you guys think?"

"Sean-o," Andy answered. "I totally fucking agree. She can't be trusted. Or
her father."

"I'll be at Kathleen's for ya, Sean," John said. "Count on it. I won't tell
Kathleen, though. She hates her sister, but I won't blow our cover."

"Thanks, Squirt," Sean said. "You guys?" he asked, looking at Tim and Brett
and motioning them to answer.

"I agree with everything you said, Sean," Brett said. "You can't trust
her. So don't."

"You don't need me to tell you what I think about that cunt," Tim
deadpanned. "Do whatcha gotta do and I'm behind you a hundred percent."

"OK, thanks, guys. J.R., I'll talk to Coach after practice tonight. It'll
be fine."

"What reason you gonna give him?" John asked.

"Coach knows I was raped. I'll be honest. I'll tell him it has something to
do with that, and in only a very general sense, but I won't name
names. Loose lips sink ships."

"That's exactly how I'd handle it, Sean-o," Andy said.

"Alright, then, guys. We got a game plan. I'm glad I don't have to go
through this alone. No matter what happens, I'm gonna lean on you
guys. Especially you, And..."

"It's my job, Sean-o. Always and forever," Andy said as he squeezed Sean's
hand.

"OK, well, let's get to class then..."

The boys went their separate ways, Andy as luck would have it to his Math
class where Colleen Kennedy was one of his classmates. He noted that she
seemed unusually subdued today. Since he didn't talk to her anyway, he made
no effort to make conversation, but he did text Sean letting him know what
he'd seen.

The four boys decided to gather at lunch that day. John was off with
Kathleen as he usually was, but he was acting as Sean's scout on this at
least until the dust settled whichever way it was going to settle.  None of
the boys felt this was duplicitous in any way toward Kathleen as she had no
involvement. In John's mind was the kicker that Sean was, as he always said
and meant with all his heart, his hero. His function was merely to keep his
ears open for any tidbit that might come their way.

At the table, Sean started, "OK, look, I don't think anything is gonna
happen today, but it could be tomorrow, or the next day. And if it happens,
I dunno when. The first people I'm gonna call when I know, well besides my
dad and Andy of course, are gonna be you guys and Ginny. I just have this
feeling that Ginny needs to be on board here."

"I agree," Brett said. "We all saw her take charge when we were at her
house. And I bet she has more power than we think she does."

"Um, she does..." Tim said.

"I don't have much to add here," Andy said. "Like I said, she looked normal
in Math class. Well, as normal as she can..."

"And just so you guys know, I'm not afraid of her dad, either," Sean went
on. "I stood him down pretty good when we were at the Club. I took his
measure. He's not that smart, and he's just a fucking loud- mouth. If it
comes to it, he'll have to accept the terms I give him. He's got no
choice. He might think I'm just some kid, but I hold all the cards. And he
knows it."

"I wish I could have seen it, Sean-o..." Andy said, somewhat wistfully.

"Next time you will, I promise. If there is to be another meeting on this,
we will do it at the Club just like last time, and you guys will all be
there. If Kennedy says anything about it, I'll swat him down. Fuck him..."

The rest of the day finished up as any other normal day. At home that
evening, Sean repeated for Joe and John's benefit what was talked about at
school over lunch. Joe was satisfied, adding just that George Dickson was
to be involved every step of the way.

"And I want you guys to know I'm proud of how you're handling this
matter. This is a lot bigger of a deal than most adults will ever have to
deal with and you guys are doing it in a very mature way. Just keep it that
way, and if you have any questions you come to me. Immediately."

"We will, dad," Sean said.

"I know you will. The way you guys have handled this so far tells me
that. OK, I'm gonna go get some work I brought home done. You guys get your
work done and we'll call it a day..."

"Yes, daaaaaaad." The boys said in unison, laughing.

Tuesday passed at school much the same way Monday had. Nothing of note
happened. Classes went as they always did. Football practice saw the team
sharpening up for their next victim under Coach Slater's recipe of hard
work, confidence, discipline and reality. As much stress as he was under,
Sean never showed it on the field. As always, he viewed football as a job
he had to do and other, unrelated things in his life he would not allow to
interfere with that upon which Andy, John, his team mates and his friends
depended. They depended on him.

Wednesday proved to be a different story. The morning and lunch break went
as they always had. Sean began to wonder to himself what was going on, or
if the DNA test proved not to be a match. He didn't have long to wait. In
his first class after lunch, a class that Andy shared with Colleen Kennedy,
Sean felt his phone vibrate indicating an incoming text.

It was from Andy.

It said that Colleen Kennedy had been summoned out of class to the
Principal's office, and not by a student hall monitor as was standard
practice, but by one of the Vice-Principals.

Sean had pause for thought at that. At minimum, she was being summoned for
something serious, although as he reasoned it through he couldn't know
what. Curiosity got the better of him and he asked the teacher for a
bathroom pass. Being one of the better students in the class, and one who'd
never bothered the teacher before, his pass was granted without issue.

Sean for his part had no intention of using the bathroom. He knew from
Andy's text that it was most likely that Colleen was being escorted to the
Vice-Principal's Office which also served as the Attendance Office. So, he
set off toward the Attendance Office noting that his teacher had neglected
to stamp his hall pass and instead simply initialed it. That would be his
pretext, having them initial it. No doubt they would think it odd that a
student would be so overly-conscientious about something like that, but
Sean could always feign not knowing since he'd never been to the Attendance
Office before.

Approaching the entrance to the Attendance Office, Sean could already hear
voices. He paused and decided that if he walked in at the moment Colleen
Kennedy was being arrested it would look suspicious, so he simply stood
stock-still and listened, making sure that if people came out he could duck
around the corner and out of sight quickly. He couldn't hear everything
that was being said, but he could tell the voices were heated.

He was able to discern the following:

Colleen: I'm not going anywhere!

Officer: Miss Kennedy, I've already informed you that I have a warrant for
your arrest. I've already placed you under arrest and I've already read you
your rights. It would be a simple matter for me to add Resisting Arrest to
the charges already against you. In addition to that, you are eighteen
years old and therefore an adult. There will be no waiting here for your
parents, or an Attorney to show up in the hopes that you can drag this
out. You are coming with me and I will take you downtown where you will be
booked. You can see your Attorney then. That's it!

Colleen: I already fucking told you, dickhead, I'm not fucking going
anywhere! Now get the fuck out of my face!

Officer to the Vice-Principal: Please summon the Officer that's on duty in
the school to come down here as back-up. I believe I will need assistance
in transporting Miss Kennedy to my squad car.

Colleen: You will so fucking regret this if you do it. You don't know who
you're fucking with!

At that moment, Sean heard footsteps approaching which he took to be the
Duty Officer, so he ducked around the corner in order to remain unseen.

A few seconds later, Sean heard Colleen loudly again, then what sounded
like a garbled voice, then nothing. Then came footsteps, so he peeked
around the corner. He saw Colleen Kennedy with an Officer on either side of
her. She appeared to have been gagged with duct tape. He then went to the
front doors of the school and saw them pile her into the back seat of the
squad car and drive off.

Returning to his class, he apologized to the teacher for having taken so
long, took his seat and acted like all that had happened was that he had
taken too long with a massive dump. Then he texted the rest of the guys and
told them to meet at the Italian Restaurant for lunch.

At lunch, Sean opened the discussion. "OK, guys, they arrested her. That
means she's the one who raped me."

"Ayup!" Tim said.

"Fucking bitch!" Andy spat.

"Well," Brett said, "I mean I don't wanna get us all tied in knots here,
but there is the matter of her pregnancy. I'll just put it straight
out. You're probably the father, Wymo..."

"I fucking know that!" Sean snapped, eyes ablaze.

The other boys stared as an outburst like that was out of character for
Sean under any heretofore known set of circumstances.

"Hey, Dowls.... Sorry I was testy with you. It's not your fault. And you're
right. Well, once again I'm just gonna hafta do what I'm gonna hafta
do. She ain't keeping that kid. I mean, if it really is mine. There's no
fucking way."

"So, whada we do now?" Andy asked.

"Not a fucking thing," Tim said. "Look, I grew up around Lawyers all my
life so let's just take the lay of the land here."

"Go on..." Sean said.

"OK, just stay with me here... She's been arrested. Right now, she's in
jail. Considering she's pregnant, that's a good place for her. She can't
drink, or do drugs. She'll be in jail until her Arraignment hearing which
will probably be in the next two days. At the arraignment hearing, there
will be a motion to set bail. I don't think she's got any priors, so the
Judge will want to grant bail."

"Sweet..." Sean said, rolling his eyes.

"Wymo, I said just stay with me here. That's where my dad comes in. In two
days, I'm sure he can cook something up to say she's mentally unstable
right now and requires evaluation. If nothing else, that'll keep her locked
up until he can get something concrete. The thing you want to do here is
protect your unborn child, if in fact it is yours, from any harm that an
unstable person who has a history of drinking and possibly drugs, might
do. You have rights here too, you know, if you're the father. And the
unborn child has rights, one would assume."

"Wow!" Sean answered. "Dix, man, don't ever let anyone tell you you don't
know your shit... That was pretty tight. Fine, that'll be our game plan for
now. In the meantime, how long is this gonna take to get around school ya
think?"

"OK," Andy said, "You were standing by the Attendance Office. How many
other kids were around when this was going on?"

"Nobody," Sean answered.

"OK, and where did they take her once they had her out of the building?"

"Toward the south parking lot"

"OK, so they walked out on the side of the large auditorium. There's no
windows there, and no classrooms face that direction. Plus, it was before
lunch. I don't think anyone saw her get taken away."

"Yeah, I'd be surprised, too," Brett said. "Hopefully they put something
over her head when they took her out..."

"Well, they DID gag her..." Sean laughed.

At that moment, Sean's phone went of indicating he had a text. It was from
Joe. It said, "Family meeting tonight the minute everyone is home." Sean
relied in the affirmative, telling Andy about it and saying they'd have to
let John know, too.

"I imagine my dad will be making a trip over tonight as well," Tim said. "I
don't think me and Brett need to be there. Besides, I've got plans for him
for later anyway."

"Oh? And what might those plans be?" Brett asked, eyebrows arched.

"It involves me, you and a tree stump..." Tim deadpanned.

"Sounds interesting..." Brett smiled as he took stock of his mate. To a
certain extent, Brett was still the shy, nerdy boy he always had been even
though being a not-unsuccessful member of the Varsity Football team changed
a lot of his peers' perception of him. To him, he merely regarded his
recent athletic success as another way of understanding what one had been
taught and executing it as taught. He felt lucky, though, that Tim had
proven to be the steady, faithful mate he said he would be. He loved Tim
dearly and he knew his love was reciprocated.

At the same time, his heart went out to both Sean and Andy. It seemed to
Brett as if those two could just never catch a break long enough to live
their lives in a quiet, normal way. He resolved to plan a strategy with Tim
at some point in the nearest future, that they could do what they could
once the dust settled to make sure the lives of their friends would be a
little bit quieter. He recalled what Ginny had said that Andy and Sean
would sail through life no muss, no fuss and he resolved to ask her about
that, too, since it seemed not to be coming true.

Practice went as it always had, Sean letting John know there was a family
meeting that night and that it had to do "with you-know-what." John reached
up as high as he could, patted his much-taller brother on the back and
said, "Don't worry, Sean. Everything's gonna be OK. I promise!"

"I know, Squirt. I appreciate it..."

Once home, Joe called the boys into his study. "Have a seat, guys. I'm just
going to go over this quickly.  Some of it you might already know. Anyway,
here's the deal: Colleen Kennedy was arrested at school today. As I
understand it from George, there are multiple charges against her and they
are serious. Rape is one of them, and the other charge having to do with
the use of the date rape drug. She's in a lot of trouble. I got a call at
work this afternoon from Kennedy. I did not take the call, nor did I call
him back.  George will be here in a little bit to go over everything. Sean,
how are you doing, son?"

"I'll get through this, dad. It is what it is and I have to deal with
it. I'll be fine."

"And what of the pregnancy? What if the baby is yours?"

"Then you will have a grandchild in the house, dad. I will not let that
bitch raise my kid if it turns out that way, and I will not put the kid up
for adoption. And Kennedy can't stop me. I don't give a fuck."

"I was hoping you'd say that, son. Yes, that is the way it will be."

At that moment, the front gate buzzer rang. It was George Dickson. George
entered and found his way to the study. "Evening, gents," George said.

"Hey, George," Sean answered. "I guess we better get started, hey?"

"Yup. I'm gonna make this short and sweet. I already know your dad talked
to you guys and you have the preliminaries. Here's where it's gonna go from
here. In the next couple of days there will be an arraignment hearing. Tim
already told me he went over that with you, and as far as what he told me
he said it's accurate, so I won't waste your time. If you need to stop me
at any point to ask a question, go ahead."

"OK..." Sean said, sitting up in his chair to pay attention.

"Now, one thing probably you guys don't know is that at the time they
arrested Colleen at school, the Police also executed a search warrant at
the Kennedy home. Some rather interesting things were found.  They found a
quantity of the date rape drug. They also found a black wig, and reviewing
the tapes from that night, that's how she got in. She was wearing a wig and
makeup. No one recognized her in that disguise. Also found was a small
amount of methamphetamine as well as a meth pipe. She's in a shitload of
trouble."

"Can she get out on bail?" Sean asked.

"Well, bail will probably be addressed at the time of arraignment. Now the
way I see it, we can argue that since she's pregnant she can't be on her
own given her drug use and abuse. We can also argue that since she is an
adult that to remand her to the custody of her parents is meaningless. I
will also ask the Court to have her evaluated for mental competence. That
can take as long as we can make it take, up to a couple of weeks in the
County Hospital. If I have to, I can make it a little longer."

"Then what?"

"Well, Sean, that all depends. See, the D.A. calls the shots on that. I
understand Ginny told you she'd made some arrangements. And those would
certainly be ideal, but we have no control there. She very well may be sent
to jail. The list of charges against her are serious, and to be honest with
all of you she hasn't got a defense. This is an open-and-shut case."

"I'm most concerned about the baby," Sean said.

"As I expect you would be," answered George. "What makes matters worse for
her is that she's an adult and you're a minor. Now, I expect Kennedy will
have their Attorney make some kind of a move that Colleen be given custody
and that custody be awarded to the Kennedys while she serves whatever
sentence she's given. But that's for down the road and we can get around
that, but I'll need your help, Joe."

"Just say what needs to be done, George," Joe said.

"You need to amend Sean's paperwork with respect to the assets that were
found on Main Street.  Kennedy's an ass and he'll probably have his
Attorney try to run a gambit saying that Sean's a minor and has no
financial ability to raise a child. If the paperwork is amended it will
show that Sean is a millionaire in his own right. And we will include the
book value of the Scotch in the calculation of Sean's assets. I'll have my
CPA draw up the Balance Sheet in advance. And you need to make sure your
will is updated to indicate that should you pass prior to Sean attaining
majority that there are no loose ends there. We can take care of all of
that in about an hour at my office.

"The care of the child will also be an issue. Kennedy will raise the issue
of how Sean can care for a child when he's still in High School. I had a
meeting with Ginny before I came over here. As you know, Sean, whether or
not the child is yours that child will be Ginny's great-grandchild. She's
adamant that the Kennedys don't raise that child. And as you also know, she
owns property in London and has for many years. She's already made
arrangements to hire an English Nanny at her expense while you are still in
school. And not just any kind of Nanny, but from the firm in London that
provides Nannies for English upper class and nobility. They don't come
cheap. So, we can show that both the financial ability and the care
arrangements are there for the child. Besides, Kennedy won't look real
asking for custody of the child with what went on with his own daughter in
his own house. I doubt if he'll press it much beyond some bluster."

"He doesn't scare me, anyway," Sean said. "He seems like an asshole if you
really wanna know what I thought. I can stand up to him, don't worry. Now,
when do you expect the arraignment hearing to be?"

"Well, today is Wednesday, so I'd think Monday. And yes, since Colleen's
been charged they can hold her that long. There has been no bail set, so
she's gotta stay put until the arraignment."

"Good, I didn't want it on Friday. I have to think of my team mates. They
depend on me, well, they depend on me and Tim working together. And I don't
want to let them down."

"I know you don't Sean. And I don't want to let you down. At this point, I
wouldn't worry too much. Like I said, this is an open-and-shut case. And
she's in a shitload of trouble."

"OK, George, so we wait until Monday, then," Joe said. "By the way, you
should know that Kennedy tried to get a hold of me at my office today. I
think you might want call his Attorney and have him advise Kennedy never to
do that again. Were that to happen, it could make for a bad day for him."

"Yes, I suppose it could," George winked. "Anyway, I'll get out of your
hair now, guys. Joe, let's get together before the week's up and do that
paperwork we talked about. I can have the CPA whip up Sean's balance sheet
over the weekend. I doubt if it will come up at an arraignment hearing, but
I'd like to be prepared."

"Do I have to stop seeing Kathleen?" John asked.

"No, son, you don't," George replied, "that is if your dad approves of
her. As of this time, she's in the clear and did nothing wrong. And I don't
believe she did anything wrong."

"That's right, John. I like Kathleen. You can continue to see her, but it
might be a good idea if you didn't go over to their house. I can't imagine
that would be real swift here," Joe said.

"I want to add something," Andy said, "I think at school we need to play
dumb. I don't know if and when this is gonna get around, but when it does
we need to just say we don't know anything, nobody's contacted us and act
like we never heard of it."

"I would agree," Joe said. "Loose lips sink ships."

"Well, it sounds to me like we got it down. I'll vamoose now. I'll be in
touch tomorrow, Joe, and if you could get me a copy of your will, too."

"You got it George and thanks."

With that, George Dickson took his leave. What he didn't know was that
Peggy had already been in touch with the County Hospital to ask the
Administrator for a meeting. Peggy sat on the Hospital Board and had done
so for many years, having thrice in previous years served as President of
the Board. She hadn't told the Administrator the purpose of the meeting,
and while Peggy naturally had no ill-will toward anyone, and was
ever-scrupulous that things would be done by the book, she did not wish to
chance a too-quick evaluation of Colleen Kennedy and it was her intent that
any evaluation would be as thorough as it could be in terms both of scope,
and how much time it would take given the time constraints that might be
imposed by the Court. In other words, Peggy didn't want Colleen Kennedy out
on the streets anytime soon. Her blue-collar West Allis roots told her as
clear as a bell that there was no reason to trust Colleen Kennedy here and
every reason not to trust her. In addition to that, she felt for Sean as it
seemed more likely than not that he would have the responsibility of a
child thrust on him at the age of seventeen. She steeled herself, though,
in the knowledge that her grandmother had been only eighteen when her
father was born, and at that after a shotgun wedding. She knew that if it
came to pass Sean would do right by a child.

On this, Peggy would work behind the scenes not even letting George
know. She might let him know once everything was arranged, but not
yet. She'd been married to `the Old Country Lawyer' long enough to know how
things worked themselves through the Courts, and in what time frame. She
regarded what she would do as no more than insurance.

Across the street, Ginny Miller was on her patio enjoying an evening Brandy
Old Fashioned Sweet and a cigar. It was probably her one vice no one knew
of, that Ginny enjoyed a good cigar just like a man. She contemplated the
events about to transpire. She wasn't worried. She knew there would almost
certainly be another meeting in the Founders' Room at the Club over
this. One thing no one else knew was that as titular President-Emeritus of
the Club, Ginny was not only notified any time there was to be a meeting in
the Founders' Room, but that she had the right to attend. It was an ancient
right that as far as she knew hadn't been exercised since 1934, or
`35. Possibly no one else knew of that right, but Ginny knew of it and that
was sufficient. And if there was to be a meeting, she would be there.

For now, for the Old Clique, and one of the Heirs Presumptive that Ginny
had created it was a waiting game. Wait until the arraignment hearing, wait
until bail was set, or not, wait until the results of the paternity
test. Hurry up and wait.

The next morning at his office, George Dickson received a call on his
private line from Ed Steele, Bill Kennedy's Attorney.

"George, I think we need to talk about the matter between young Mr. Wyman
and Colleen Kennedy..."

"I'm not clear what you mean, Ed. Didn't we talk that over at the Club last
week? I thought we were waiting on some test results, or something..."

"George, there are new developments."

"I see... What are they?" George was not about to indicate that he so far
knew anything of the matter.

"Well, I am informed that today Colleen Kennedy was arrested for the rape
of Sean Wyman."

"Oh dear, really?"

"It seems so. She is being held at the Rock County Jail. She's eighteen, so
they would not put her in Juvenile Hall. We might need to arrange another
meeting."

"I'm not sure why this requires a meeting between you, me and our
respective clients, Ed... There's nothing that can be done at this point
that I can see."

"Well, we would like to see if there's something that can be done when bail
comes up at the arraignment."

"Ed, I'll be candid with you. I do not believe my client would be so
inclined. You must recall that Colleen Kennedy is also pregnant. In
addition to that she is known to abuse alcohol and drugs. If it turns out
that my client is the father of that baby, I can almost guarantee you that
he will wish to see her detained until trial for the sake of the unborn
child's health. At any rate, I can tell you that I'd not trust her if it
were my child. Would you?"

"Please speak to your client, George."

"I'm sure I will once the arraignment hearing is set. But I have to be
honest with you, Ed. Whatever stance my client takes on that particular
matter is not something that I am bound to share with you, and by extension
Colleen Kennedy. He will make his position known if, and when he's asked
for it and not before."

"So that's how this is gonna go..."

"You'd do the same, Ed. This isn't personal, it's just business. You know
that."

"I know, George. I'm only trying to get the best deal for my client."

"I understand, and I'd do the same thing if the shoe were on the other
foot. I would ask you to advise Bill Kennedy that he is to have no contact
with any of the Wymans, or with Andrew Churchill. In this matter he is not
your client, and he's certainly not mine. I'm only saying that because it
is my understanding that Bill called Joe Wyman at his office. Joe, of
course, didn't take the call."

"I will so advise him. That could only make matters worse."

"Yes. Yes, it could... Just between you and me, Ed, Joe Wyman is ex-Marine
and he's a self-made man.  He commanded troops in Desert Storm. He's not
going to take any crap. So, please, no more phone calls.  And none to me,
either, from Kennedy."

"I understand what you're telling me. I appreciate it, George. Just one
last thing... Do you think young Mr. Wyman will wish to be present at the
arraignment hearing?"

"I would assume so, Ed."

"Will you be speaking on his behalf if the Court wishes to hear from him?"

"If he and I deem it to be better that I speak, then yes. Otherwise, no."
George gave away nothing even though Ed Steele was a long-time colleague
and friend. That's the way lawyering was done in George's book. Ed Steele
knew that, and for his part as `an Old Country Lawyer' himself he knew
George wasn't going to give up any information, or even a hint.

After hanging up the phone, George took out the file that he'd been keeping
ever since the night that he had Joe give him the dollar bill to retain him
as his Attorney in the matter. He made several notes on the legal pad that
was inside the file and replaced it into his personal file cabinet. On
cases George considered to be of major import, he kept no computer
records. That way there was zero chance of unwanted internet activity
gaining access to information not intended to be in the public domain. In
addition to that, George made his notes in shorthand which, if not totally
dead, was a dying art and there were very few people these days that could
read it and make sense of it.

Friday came, and George was notified that Colleen's arraignment would be on
Monday at 9:00 a.m. at the Rock County Courthouse. He informed both Sean
and Joe and said they should come over to the Dickson's for lunch on
Saturday to prepare for the hearing. George had a strategy set out and he
would explain it at that time.

Sean took all of it in stride. He helped the Cougars deliver another
near-flawless performance on Friday night and to remain undefeated. He had
the support of Andy, for which he was eternally grateful as well as that of
John, Tim and Brett.

All five young men were surprised that there was no word around school as
to what happened with Colleen Kennedy. John was surprised at lunch on
Friday when Kathleen asked him to eat outside and while calm and steady,
asked John to let Sean know that she was on Sean's side. As she told John,
"You know, my sister is so fucked up. I mean, I love her because she's my
sister, but even knowing her as well as I do I never thought she'd do
anything like that! And she's pregnant and was doing meth? I mean, I just
can't imagine... Promise me you won't hold it against me, John."

"No, of course not. You're not your sister. And, um, you know I really like
you. I mean, I like spending time with you and, um, I like..."

"You like the sex?"

"Yeah. I like the sex. And we're being responsible about it. I mean, I use
rubbers and you're on the pill.  Plus, we don't do drugs and shit."

"Good, I'm glad we had this conversation. And yeah, we have to be
responsible."

"Me, too. Wanna come over after school? I mean, we can, you know..."

"OK, but first we're gonna do our homework. After that we can fuck. I don't
wanna really be around my house anyway any more than I hafta be. Dad will
go nuts. Mom is like she's there, but she's not there.  She's in fucking
denial, or whatever... She just sits there and sips a cocktail like nothing
ever happened.  It's weird... Anyway, I never fucked a guy before you,
Johnny, but you drive me nuts when we do it. I can't even make myself cum
as good as you do..."

"That's good! I like doing that to you. And I, um, I like what you do to
me, too. And, um, you remember what we were talking about? I think I'd like
you to fuck me with a strap on..."

"OK, I will. We're naughty, you know that?" Kathleen grinned with a wink.

To John, she was his red-haired Irish lass. She was naughty, but she was
also level-headed and responsible.

"Yes, you ARE naughty, Kath!" John laughed. "And that's fine as long as we
do what we're supposed to do. You know all about me. Other than you, only
my family knows. I have to work hard, Kath. I have to be somebody. God gave
me just this one chance, and I have to make the most of it."

"I know. You will. And I will help you!"

"Good. OK, then, we'll do our homework and then we can fuck. I wanna play
with your clit for a long time first. I love it when it gets all hard and
you squirm around and squirt your juice all over me.  Sometime I want you
to juice in my mouth. I wanna taste it. I really like making you cum. Wanna
know something, Kath?"

"What..."

"I um...I well...I think I love you."

"I know you love me, Johnny. And I love you, too. I did since the first
time I saw you. I could see what you are. I knew. And I admire you so much
for it. You're a worker. I respect that."

"OK, I guess I can live with that!" John laughed. "Hey, do your parents
know about me?"

"I told my mom there's a guy I like. I dunno if she heard me say it, or
not. They don't know it's you, though..."

"Well, maybe we should keep it that way for now. Whadya think?"

"I think you're right."

Friday turned into Saturday and the Wyman clan found themselves at the
Dicksons. In George's office they prepared for the hearing on
Monday. George began, "Alright, this is how it's gonna go. Colleen will be
brought in and she'll be seated with her Attorney. On the other side will
be the D.A. representing the State. The charges will be read to
Colleen. She will then be asked if she understands them, and how she
pleads. She will most likely plead not guilty and in that instance the case
will be bound over for trial.

"At that point, they will begin the bail portion of the hearing. The Judge
will ask the D.A. what bail he recommends. I am already informed he's going
to be asking for bail to be denied. Ed Steele is probably going to ask for
either release on a signature bond, or a small bail amount, say $5,000. At
that point, the D.A. will inform the Judge that the victim is present and
if the Judge will entertain a statement from the victim. That's you.

"Now, Sean, do you wish to make the statement, or do you think I should do
it for you?"

"I want to do it," Sean answered. "Can you give me a pad and maybe five, or
ten minutes and I'll write down what I want to say and you can tell me if
it's OK?"

"That's fine, Sean. Here's a pad and a pen. We'll go outside and come back
in ten minutes." The others rose, and left Sean with his pen and pad.

Ten minutes later, they returned. Sean handed George what he'd
written. George read it, pursing his lips and nodding. It read as follows:

"Your Honor, I'd like to thank the Court for entertaining my statement
today. If it pleases the Court, this is what I have to say.

"I understand a bail hearing is not to argue the case and I shall not do
so.

"I will speak only to the matter of the Defendant's pregnancy for which she
is not on trial.

"There is a possibility that I am the father of the child.

"To that end I have taken a paternity test, the results of which should be
in at some point this week. I beg the Court that the matter of bail not be
addressed until the results of the paternity test are known, and that the
matter of bail be revisited at that time.

"If the child is mine, then I am responsible for its well-being and should
that be the case I shall fully assert my rights as the father. If required,
I shall provide the Court with a personal financial statement and other
documents showing my ability to care for a child in a more than adequate
fashion.

"I feel certain that the rights of the unborn child to life, health and
safety must outweigh any temporary convenience for the Defendant.

"Thank you, your Honor."

"This is perfect, Sean!" George said. "It's brief and to-the-point. Judges
like brief and to-the-point. If I were the Judge, I'd certainly entertain
what it says. I think the Judge will agree to reschedule the bail portion
of the hearing. There's no requirement that bail be set at the time of
arraignment."

Joe read it and nodded his approval as well as Andy. It did not go
unnoticed that Andy wiped a tear from his eye.

The meeting went on a little while longer, then the men adjourned to the
Dickson patio and enjoyed a lunch of cold crab legs, Cesar salad and a lime
Jell-O desert with whipped cream and pineapple. By that time, Tim and Brett
had arrived and expressed their support for Sean. Sean thanked everyone and
simply asked that everyone pray the next few days go as well as they could.

At the Rock County Court House on Monday morning at precisely 9:00 a.m. the
Bailiff opened the Court session.

The first case on the docket was the arraignment of Colleen Kennedy.

Once the Court was in session, the Judge instructed, "Will the accused
please rise."

Colleen rose, looking not at all cowed, and in fact looking defiant.

"You are Colleen Kennedy?" The Judge asked.

"Yes."

"Miss Kennedy, you are charged with First-degree sexual assault of a minor,
the use of drugs in the commission of a crime, aggravated assault, false
imprisonment, possession of a Class-A controlled substance, possession of
drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest. Do you understand the charges
against you?"

"I never did anything!" Colleen blurted out. "This is a lie! All lies!"

"Mister Steele, will you admonish your client to answer the question I
asked and say nothing more? I asked whether, or not she understood the
charges against her. Now, let's have an answer to the question, shall we?"

Ed Steele briefly consulted with Colleen who was still acting
defiantly. Steele answered the Judge that she understood the charges.

"Very well then. How do you plead, Miss Kennedy?"

"Like I said this is all lies, it all a bunch of..."

"Let the record indicate the Defendant has entered a plea of Not Guilty,"
the Judge said. "Mister Steele, I will ask you to admonish your client that
if there is another outburst she will be removed from the Court Room and we
will wrap up without her."

"We understand, Your Honor," Steele replied, whispering into Colleen's ear
that she needed to treat the events with the gravity they commanded.

"Very good. We will now move on to the bail portion of the hearing. Mister
District Attorney, what does the State have to say on the matter?"

"Your Honor, the State feels that it would not be in the people's interest
to grant the Defendant bail.  The charges in this case are many and
serious. We will show overwhelming evidence as to her guilt. She is an
adult, and therefore to remand her to the custody of her parents would be
meaningless. We also are unconvinced that she is not a flight risk given
her reckless conduct and conduct she has displayed thus far in Court
today. Finally, and in addition, there is the matter of her pregnancy. The
State recommends the Defendant be held without bail pending trial."

"Very well. Mister Steele?"

"Thank you, Your Honor. Your Honor, my client has no prior arrests. She is
currently a Senior in High School and has a 3.5 grade point average. She
represents no threat to the community. We ask the Court grant bail in the
amount of ten-thousand dollars."

"Thank you, Mister Steele. Mister District Attorney, I understand you may
have something else?"

"Yes, Your Honor. If it pleases the Court, the victim in the case is
present and wishes to address the Court on the matter of bail."

"Objection!" interrupted Attorney Steele. "This is a hearing, not a trial."

"Overruled, Mister Steele. This is a bit unusual but not totally
unprecedented. The Court will entertain a brief, and I do mean very brief,
statement from the victim that does not address, or argue any portion of
the case to be tried. Will the victim approach the podium?"

Sean rose, strode to the podium. He noted Bill Kennedy's glare and stared
right back at him, never blinking.

"State your name," The Judge demanded.

"Sean Wyman, Your Honor."

"Mister Wyman, I admonish you of what I said a moment ago. Your statement
shall be very brief, and shall not address, or argue anything at issue in
any trial there may be in this matter. It shall only address the matter of
bail. Am I clear?

"Yes, Your Honor," Sean said matter-of-factly. He then without printed text
with which to refer delivered to the Court the same statement he wrote at
the Dickson's home.

He was interrupted once by Colleen shouting "Liar!" at which the Judge
pounded his gavel, called for order, admonished Ed Steele to control his
client, and motioned Sean to continue.

"Thank you, Mister Wyman," the Judge said once Sean had finished. "Mister
Wyman, where did you have the paternity test done?"

"At Saint Mary's Hospital, Your Honor. The outpatient clinic."

"I shall retire to my chambers. This hearing is hereby recessed and shall
reconvene in ten minutes."

Ten minutes on the dot later, the Judge returned to the bench and the
hearing was recalled to order.

"Mister Steele, Mister District Attorney. During the recess I telephoned
the hospital where Mister Wyman had his paternity test. I was informed that
they expect the result to be in between today and Wednesday of this
week. They have agreed to provide me with the written result as soon as
they have it, and once Mister Wyman and Miss Kennedy been notified. Miss
Kennedy, due to present circumstances your notification shall be to your
Attorney. The hospital has been so instructed.

"Once I have the result I shall decide bail at that time, but not before,
and I will issue my decision the same day. There will not be a need to
reconvene as I will issue my decision in writing and distribute it to both
Attorneys via email and text message. Hard copy will be hand-delivered by
courier to your offices. In the meantime, the Defendant shall remain in the
custody of the Rock County Sheriff's Department at the Rock County
Jail. This hearing is concluded."

"This is bullshit!" Colleen screamed. "I told you I didn't fucking do
anything! I'm going home! Fuck this!"

"Order!" the Judge pounded his gavel. "Bailiffs, remove the Defendant from
the Court Room to the custody of the Sheriff for transport to the County
Jail! Clear the Court Room!"

George leaned over to Sean and whispered, "She's not going to get bail. I
guarantee you. Not after that.  The Judge was being reasonable and she blew
it. Big time."

Sean, for his part, continued to keep his gaze straight ahead, his posture
erect and his shoulders square.  He knew he had nothing to fear and had
done nothing wrong. Colleen Kennedy, Sean appraised, was simply not
mentally well. Her father simply seemed like a bully who thought he could
intimidate Sean, a prospect Sean might have found amusing were it not for
the gravity of the situation. As it was he found it annoying, and more than
a little bit disgusting.

On the way out of the Court Room, Sean and George were accosted by a very
angry Bill Kennedy. His face was red, and although his physical posture was
non-threatening, he looked like he was about to blow his top.

"Wyman, you're not going to get away with this! I don't know who you think
you are and who you think you're fucking with here..."

Instead of waiting for George, Sean turned, faced Bill Kennedy square in
the eye and told him in businesslike, matter-of fact tones, "Mr. Kennedy, I
am not going to be on trial here. Neither are you. I don't see how this
matter could possibly make you upset with me. I've done nothing. Your
daughter has been charged with felony crimes. She has an Attorney. I did
not accuse her, the D. A. did. If you have a beef, it's with him, not with
me. Now, I need you to understand what I am about to say to you: you are
never to speak to me again. Not unless my Attorney informs your Attorney in
advance and in writing that I've agreed to it."

"You fucking little cunt! How dare you speak to me that way! Just exactly
WHO the FUCK do you think you are! You're going to fucking regret this if
it's the last thing I ever do!"

"Mr. Kennedy, once we leave the Court House I am going to instruct Attorney
Dickson here to obtain a Restraining Order against you. You just threatened
me, and Attorney Dickson is a witness. Good day."

Sean then turned and marched off, George Dickson doing the same and not
saying a word, both hearing

Bill Kennedy shouting, "God damn you! You haven't seen the last of this,
you little fucking punk!" in the distance.

Once in George's Escalade, George chortled, telling Sean, "Sean, that was
incredible. He really doesn't scare you, does he..."

"No. He's an asshole. But I meant what I said about the Restraining
Order. I might have got ahead of myself, though. I mean, can we get one?"

"Yes. We'll have it this afternoon. Steele will get a copy and it will be
served to Kennedy's home as well."

"Good. I just want this to be over with. I mean, I'm not a pussy, or
anything, but all I want to do is just live a quiet, peaceful life. First
it was the guys on the Tremper football team, then I had to move, then it
was the guys that beat Andy, then it was John Berrifield, then it was Jane
Berrifield, and now it's that fucking crazy Colleen Kennedy and her asshole
dad. And what if I AM the father? I mean, I'll do what I have to do, that's
not the issue, but it'll mean that my kid is Bill Kennedy's
grandchild. Jesus Christ..."  Sean said, ending with the sarcastic laugh
one has when something is so awful that all one can do is laugh.

"Sean, I want you to hear me when I say this. We'll cross that bridge when
we come to it. You don't have anything to worry about, son. Trust me. You
don't."

"Well, OK... I guess so..."

"And don't forget, before any trial happens there's the discovery
process. You and I will know exactly what evidence the D. A. is going to
bring in the case. I can just about guarantee you it'll be open and
shut. I'd be surprised if the trial took longer than two days, three
tops. And that's counting time for breaks, lunch and other crap."

"Alright. I won't wimp out. I'll see it through."

"I know you will, Sean. There are a lot of people in your corner. Not that
you need the help, I'd say, though. But however many people are in your
corner doesn't really matter."

"Whadya mean?"

"It doesn't matter when you're in the right. Which you are."

"I suppose. Well, for now we'll just wait to get those test results and see
where we go from there..."

"That's all we can do, Sean. It is what it is."

George dropped Sean off at school, for which Sean thanked him and reminded
George that he would let him know the minute he was notified of the test
results. Instead of going to class, Sean made his way to Coach Slater's
office. He knew, once again, that sooner, or later word would get out and,
once again, Sean decided his Coach should know. Stepping up to Slater's
office door, Sean gave his trademark door- knock and Coach Slater answered
with his trademark "Enter."

"Mr. Wyman, aren't you supposed to be in class? Never mind, what can I do
for you today?"

"Coach, I just came from the Court House. You remember when I was raped?"

"Yes. Go ahead, son, tell me what it is you have to say."

"Well, they have the person who raped me. I can't say who it is. It was a
girl. She's pregnant. In the next day, or two the paternity test results
will be back. I'm probably the father, but we won't know until then.  I
don't think this is a particular matter that I need to let the team know
about because there will be a trial scheduled at some point, and I probably
shouldn't be talking about it. I just wanted you to know, that's all,
Coach. And I want you to know this won't affect my play. I said when I came
here that I was gonna be a team player, and I keep my promises. So, in case
you hear anything floating around, it will be bullshit. And if you do, I'm
going to ask you to let me know if you think it proper."

"Thank you for letting me know, Mr. Wyman. I appreciate how this might
place you under some stress. I think you will handle it just fine. We're
well into the shank end of the season now. If for any reason you think you
are having issues coping with everything please come and talk to me. I'd
hate to see this affect what you've worked so hard for. You're a good man,
Mister Wyman. Always remember that."

"It won't affect me on the field, Coach. I can compartmentalize. And there
won't be any trial until after the season is over anyway. I won't let this
affect you, either. You said we were a once-in-a-lifetime team and I won't
let anything get in the way of that. I won't let you down, Coach, and I
won't let the team down, either. But I just want to say again, these most
recent events I don't see as a matter for public consumption at this
moment."

"Neither do I, Mr. Wyman. You have, as usual, judgment mature beyond your
years."

"I just figure it as I see how the road might unfold in front of me,
Coach. Someday, maybe my life will be normal, but right now it isn't and I
just have to live with it."

"Maybe someday," Coach smiled. "Go on and get to class now, son. Maybe
that'll make your day at least somewhat normal. I'll see you at practice
later."

"Thanks, Coach, I appreciate it."

With that, Sean exited Coach Slater's office and made his way to the
Attendance Office to check in and get his pass. The rest of the morning
went as normal. Actually, Sean thought it surreal in one particular way,
and that was that as far as he could tell there wasn't any buzz going
around school about Colleen Kennedy's absence. He reasoned that there
probably would be once word got out. After all, she had been arraigned and
Court proceedings are a matter of public record. As a minor, he hoped
perhaps he'd not be named.

What Sean did not yet know was that George Dickson had already been working
behind the scenes with both the Janesville Police, the Rock County
Sheriff's Office and the D. A. to establish a gag on Sean's name being
released to the public. They all agreed, and the Judge in the case issued a
gag order at the same time he issued the Restraining Order against Bill
Kennedy. George had not informed the local newspaper because for as long as
it could be withheld and for obvious reasons, he didn't want Colleen
Kennedy's name in the news, either.

The next day, Tuesday, in his third-hour class Sean felt his phone vibrate
in his pocket. He took it out and saw that he had a voice-mail message from
St Mary's hospital. Between classes he listened to the message informing
him that the test results were in and he should contact their office at his
earliest convenience. He returned the call and was told that he would need
to come in to receive the results in person. Due to the patient privacy
laws, they weren't able to give them out over the telephone. Sean then
texted Andy letting him know to meet him at the car at the beginning of
lunch. He then texted John, Tim and Brett to stand by for a further message
after lunch.

The hospital was a less-than-five-minute drive from school, and they should
be in good shape time-wise.  Getting through the next class proved
unusually difficult for the ever-cool Sean. Thankfully, the fourth- hour
teacher had seen fit to give a pop-quiz that day which kept his mind off
matters. Once the bell rang, Sean bounded out of class and straight to the
parking lot. Finding Andy's Cruze, he waited not more than a minute for
Andy to materialize.

"Is this what I think it is, Sean-o?"

"Yeah. They got the test results back and I have to get them in person. So
I don't know anything yet.

Let's roll."

Pulling into the hospital parking lot, both boys made a beeline to the
clinic, Andy keeping up with Sean as well as he could which by now was
almost back-to-normal.

At the desk, Sean announced himself and was told to have a seat. Five
minutes went by and a Nurse came out asking for Sean. Both boys stood.

"I can only release the results to Sean. I'm sorry... If you will just wait
here," she said to Andy. Andy agreed not wanting to cause any problem for
Sean.

Once in the Nurse's office, Sean was offered a seat which he took.

"I have the results here, Sean. I'm sorry it took an extra day, but they
had to run the test twice. I'll explain how the test was conducted, what
they looked for and what the results are. As you know, they took a sample
of the amniotic fluid from the mother's uterus. From that, DNA was
extracted which yields the DNA profile of the fetus. That was then compared
to the DNA samples from both you and the mother."

"I understand, and it makes sense to me. Can you tell me the results?"

"Yes. You are going to be a father, Sean."

"Wow..."

"I know it's a lot to absorb."

"No. No, I'm fine," Sean said.

"I want you to know that my office received a gag order from a Rock County
Judge this morning concerning this matter. You can rest assured that I am
the only one here in the office who knows the results and I am going to
furnish you with the only copy of them that we have. I did, of course, have
to furnish the Judge with a copy and I've already done that. You will
probably want to give the results to your Attorney. I think that's what I
would do."

"Yes, I will. Is there anything, Nurse?"

"Well, yes."

"What's that?"

"Well, it has to do with the baby..."

"Is there anything wrong?"

"From what I know, and from what the test results show, there is nothing
developmentally wrong that these tests would show, in other words things
like a marker for a physical birth defect, or Downs Syndrome, or those type
of things that this type of test would indicate if you know where to look."

"OK, what then?"



END OF CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE