The Doctor Gets a Visitor V
by: E Walk

(© 2007 by the Author)
Editor Radio Rancher

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...


Chapter 31

No Hung Jury

On Monday morning Beau started a breakfast casserole and went out to see if anyone was running with him.  Father W. and Jeremy pulled up and they were followed by Mr. Leavitt Jr. with his three oldest sons.

“Hey Beau, the guys had a great time.  John hasn’t stopped talking since he got home.  You and Jason need to get a full report.  I’ll be back in thirty minutes to pick the guys up.”

Everyone took off; Beau ran at a leisurely pace and had the guys back as the Leavitt boys’ father pulled up.  Beau did his usual deliveries and wake up calls and went to the kitchen.  Rebecca was there and started on Beau.

“Beau, why did you make me do what you did last night?  I feel so dirty and worthless.”

“Becca, I did what I did to help you realize that what happened was not your fault.  None of us think any less of you.  I guess you haven’t been reading the folders that we put together.  I want you to read through a folder after breakfast.  Now come on, everyone is going to be here shortly.  There are grapefruits ready in the fridge.  Toast some bagels and put the cream cheese on the table and pour the orange juice.”

After the breakfast cleanup, Beau was waiting for Norm and Mr. Everett to bring their paperwork so he could include it in the folders.  Rebecca finally read through the folder and asked, “Is this all true?   You mean I don’t have a father?”

Beau said, “Somewhere, but we don’t know who or where?   I hope you can understand why I have done what I did after this afternoon.  I apologize for embarrassing you, but I know how rough it can be from personal experience.”

Beau was saved from further explanation by the arrival of Mr. Everett.  “Beau, we have done all we can in a short time.  Where do you find all of these problems?”

“Mr. Everett, it’s like they're just sitting there waiting for me.  I promise I’m going into retirement.  Now how much do I owe you for all of your diligent work?” Beau asked.

“Beau, your Grandmother has taken care of it.  She said if I accepted anything from you she would relieve me of some of my body parts.”  Mr. Everett said.

“I’ll bet that those parts are not round but oval and the size of two robin’s eggs.” Beau laughed.

“Yes and you will never know what size they are.”  Mr. Everett said as Beau was showing him out.  Beau hugged Mr. Everett.

Carole Anne arrived and Beau assigned her the task of getting Grandma Renee and Becca outfitted for court.  He fixed sandwiches and a salad and everyone was eating when Norm arrived with his paperwork.  Beau made the necessary copies and completed the folders.

Beau went to get dressed and came down in his dark suit and tie.  We all met at the assigned courtroom at 1:30.  Beau had only asked a few select people to attend the hearing.  Beau and Norm walked in with Mrs. Gleason and Rebecca.  Carole Anne had the two ladies dressed impeccably.

The three judge panel entered and the bailiff had everyone stand and made his announcements.  The prosecuting attorney stood and made his opening arguments.  As he was concluding, he said, “We were expecting a jury.”

The lead judge said, “This is not a criminal case, so why would there be a jury?  We have three judges on the panel to make sure that everyone is treated fairly.  Now would the defense attorney like to make an opening statement?”

Norm stood and said, “Your Honors, I’m turning the defense over to Mr. Benson who has prepared the information.  He has done such a thorough job that there is no way I can do this case justice.”

The judges conferred and nodded.  Beau stood and said, “Your Honors,

the people involved in bringing this case before you are out for one thing.  They want to make sure they take all of Mrs. Gleason’s liquid assets and make her a ward of the state.  They have a total disregard for Mrs. Gleason as a person or her well being.  We have prepared some folders that we think will show their greed and malice.  They have been manipulating Mrs. Gleason’s money for their own benefit ever since her husband died six years ago.”  Beau sat down.

“Mr. Benson, we would like you to present your case.”  the lead judge said.

Beau stood, “Thank you your Honors, but before I begin, I would like to ask Mr. Mead the prosecuting attorney a question.”

The lead judge nodded and Beau said, “Mr. Mead, I hope that you got your retainer in cash before you agreed to take this case.  The plaintiffs do not have enough money to even buy a cup of coffee.  They will have nothing at all after this afternoon if I have my way.”

The lead judge said, “Mr. Benson could you please get on with your case?”

Beau said, “Sorry your Honors.  I have made copies of this original folder that I will be giving to all participants.  I have left certain information out of the plaintiffs’ folders because they do not need to know what those documents say.  I would ask that the folder be entered as a defense exhibit A.”

He passed out the folders.  He had one for each of the families but they were a little thinner.  He had a full folder for the judges and the prosecuting attorney.  He handed another folder to Mrs. Gleason and Norm already had his.

“With your Honors' permission, I would ask that you let me walk you through the folders so that you will better understand what you have been asked to rule upon.”

Beau walked everyone through the folders.  He covered each of the three families’ finances and how they used Mrs. Gleason's funds to buy their houses and luxury cars.  He then covered their current financial status that showed they were totally devoid of funds.

He had included a copy of Mrs. Gleason’s assets in only the folders that did not go to her family members.  He said, “I’m sure that Mrs. Gleason’s family will be accusing me of trying to take advantage of Mrs. Gleason and her money.  I have included a copy of my financial status, so that you will understand that is the furthest thing from my mind.  I just detest the way that her children have used her.  I have not included any information about the rest of the people in my family because they have nothing to do with the case.  They are merely acting as hosts to Mrs. Gleason and Rebecca.”

Beau continued, “The charge that Mrs. Gleason is incompetent to handle her own finances is totally unfounded.  I have three medical opinions that say she is of sound mind and her physical state has improved in the short time that she has been out of the control her children.

“You will notice that the next section of the folder has the details of the beating administered to Miss Rebecca Roadman.  There are two sets of photographs and two individual physician reports on the state of her body when she arrived at our house.  You will also notice some copies of additional documents that we were able to obtain.”

“It seems that Mr. Rodman is not her biological father.  You will notice that Miss Rebecca’s birth certificate is for Rebecca Lynn Gleason and that her father is listed as unknown.  Mr. and Mrs. Rodman were married almost a year after Rebecca's birth and there are no records to indicate that he has ever adopted her.”

“The next section deals with the three families and how they make their livelihood and their extra curricular activities.  Their income tax forms show significant incomes are non existent.”

“In fact, Mrs. Rudolf Gleason has been maintaining a lover in a condominium where she goes almost every weekend.  Mrs. Archie Gleason has a gambling debt that totals nearly $250,000.00.  Mrs. Rodman is into drugs and has been spending nearly $1500.00 a week to feed her habits.  I am going to skip over the three men for the time being and would like to call Mr. Leroy Gleason to the stand.”

Leroy was sworn in.  “Mr. Gleason, would you please tell us who the first person to use you sexually was?”  Beau asked.

“I have never had sex with anyone.”  Leroy snarled.

“But Mr. Gleason, we have documents right here that say different.  I have sworn affidavits from Mr. Tad Andrews and some of your other acquaintances at school as well as the staff at the school who cooperated with our investigation.  They are tired of you blackmailing and forcing them to do things they don’t want to do.  Now, who was the first person to use you sexually?”

Leroy had lost some of his swagger, “My two uncles.  They came to our house one night when my parents were out and took me to my bedroom.”

“So did you like it?”  Beau asked.

“No, but after a few times, I realized that I was beginning to enjoy what was happening.  I also realized that I could demand money for what they were doing to me, which they gladly paid.”

“Did you ever have sex with your father?  Beau asked.

“Yes, and I made him pay through the nose as well.”  Beau smirked.

“Did you ever have sex with Rebecca?” Beau asked.

“No.” Leroy answered emphatically.

Beau said, “I invite everyone’s attention to tab G.  It contains a statement from Rebecca that says otherwise.  There is also a statement from Tad Andrews that contradicts Leroy’s statement.  If everyone will notice that the only way Leroy stayed in school was because he bought passing grades by using his body to obtain the minimum grades to stay in school.  We also have reports of him prostituting his body. By doing so he could be a big time spender as you will notice from his checking account records.”

Beau just threw up his hands and said, “Mr. Mead, would you like to cross examine Mr. Gleason?”

Mr. Mead nodded no and Leroy was dismissed.

Beau took over, “The next tab contains our demands and countersuits.  You will notice that we are seeking damages that equate to all of the main structural holdings and all secondary abodes such as Mrs. Rudolf Gleason’s condominium in Kansas City where her current gigolo is residing.  We also understand that the Mr. and Mrs. Archibald Gleason have a condominium in Las Vegas.  We also understand that Mrs. Rodman has a get away cabin where she and her female friends go frequently.  Leroy, am I missing anything?”

“Yeah, you forgot the Uncle Rod’s bed and breakfast that his Dad manages and where me and my friends provide our services when Uncle Rod comes to town.”

“Oh you mean the house on Cedardale Road.  We already know about that and it is included in our list of demands.  These people can’t afford any of these properties anymore, so we are asking that they and their fancy cars be assigned to Mrs. Gleason.  We are requesting that there be an injunction against any of these people trying to contact Mrs. Gleason without her having legal representation.  The defense rests.”

Beau looked at his notes.  “Excuse me Your Honors, we are also requesting that Rebecca Lynn Gleason be placed into the custody of Mrs. Irene Gleason.”

“Mr. Mead, it’s your turn.”  the lead judge said.

“Your Honors, after hearing and seeing what Mr. Benson has presented, I resign as the Gleason/Rodman attorney.  I have been paid nothing, and I would be glad to have Mr. Benson as an associate.  He had three days to prepare the defense; it is probably the most thorough defense that I have ever encountered.”

The lead judge said, “Bailiff, secure the room until we return.  If anyone leaves, they need to be accompanied by a deputy and only one person may leave the room at a time.”

Leroy announced, “I have to go to the bathroom.”

A deputy left with Leroy.  Leroy offered to ride the deputy’s pony if he would let Leroy go.

“If you don’t let me go, I’ll tell everyone that you tried to take advantage of me.”

The deputy brought Leroy back to the court room.  He pulled a tape recorder out of his pocket and handed it to the Bailiff.  The Bailiff delivered the tape to the judges and when he came out he said, “Mr. Benson, Mr. Burns, Mr. Mead and Judge Leavitt, the judges wish to speak with you in the chambers.”

The four of them walked into the room where the three judges were meeting.  The lead judge said, “Mr. Benson, that was one of the finest pieces of legal work that I have ever seen.  Mr. Burns, I commend you for all of the work you must have had to accomplish.”

Norm laughed, “All I had to do was take what Beau gave me and run with it.  I have to agree, I have never felt so prepared for a case in all of the years I have been in practice and I consider myself to be among the best.”

The lead judge asked, “Marilyn, what is your involvement in this case?”

“Your honors, I presided over Beau’s adoption and he and his family just happen to live next door to my husband and me.  Beau was able to accomplish something I never thought would happen.  He reconciled my two sons and their families so they have learned to tolerate and respect each other.”

The lead judge said, “If you will excuse us, we’ll be out in a few minutes to render our decisions.”

“Your Honors, I would like to try an end around play that might prevent any further legal actions.  What I have in mind could totally backfire but I don’t think so.  I think these people have just enough pride that they will jump at what I am about to suggest.”

Beau came out with the two lawyers and Judge Leavitt.  Beau just held up his hands as if to say, “I have no idea.” 

The bailiff came out and said, “All rise.”

The lead judge said, “Mr. Benson, I understand that you have something to suggest?”

“Yes Your Honors, I’ve been thinking that all decisions should be held until after we have a trial by jury.  Nothing would give me greater pleasure than raking these people over the coals in public, and believe me I would make sure there is lots of media coverage.”

“I have prepared some statements that these seven plaintiffs need to sign, if they don’t want to be publicly disgraced.”  Beau said, as he put copies in front of the seven people.  He also handed a copy to each of the judges, the two lawyers and Judge Leavitt.

Beau said, “Judge Leavitt and Counselor Mead, would you please witness their signatures on these waivers, and Mrs. Tillison will you please notarize the documents.”

The six adults started to sign but Leroy said, “There is no way that I’m signing this waiver, for a trial by jury.”

Beau said, “Fine, you are the person with the most to lose.  If we take you to court, you would surely find yourself in some sort of detention facility.  Since the other six adults would probably be implicated in the case, you would probably find yourself on the streets begging for food or selling your body to survive.”

Leroy looked at the others and got the message and signed.

Beau gathered the documents and handed them to the lead judge and said, Sir, we would like a copy of these documents, so they can be retained with our files.”

The judge nodded and Beau just about collapsed at the table.

The Lead Judge started to speak, “We find for the defense in all counts.  All properties owned by the plaintiffs will be sealed.  All vehicles will be impounded until such time as Mrs. Gleason decides how best to dispose of them.”

He further went on to state, “All seven of these people will be detained until such time as all of the properties are secured.  We also recommend that all seven of you seek counseling, because your lifestyle is going to change drastically.”

“As for the matter of Rebecca Lynn Gleason, Mrs. Irene Gleason is her official guardian as of today.  We are issuing injunctions against any of you even trying to talk to Mrs. Gleason, Rebecca or Mr. Benson without their having legal representation, or you will land in jail so fast your head will spin.” The lead judge was on a roll.

“Deputies, please place these people in the appropriate containment areas.  Judge Leavitt will advise you when they can be released.”  The lead judge pointed at Leroy and said, “Young man, I fully expect to read in the paper someday that someone has taken issue with your existence.”

“One last issue, don’t even think about appealing the case.  We have already talked to the Attorney General and State Supreme Court, and will be forwarding files from today’s hearing immediately.  You sealed your own fate on this when you signed the documents that Mr. Benson had you sign today.  Mr. Benson, that was more like a slam dunk than an end around.”  The three judges laughed as they stood.  “Court’s dismissed.”

Beau watched as the seven people were handcuffed and led away.  He looked at Carole Anne and said, “C.A. I need some down time; please drop me off.”

She dropped him off where he requested and Norm and I took everyone else to Ben and Josh’s house.  Beau wasn’t there and Carole Anne came back and to told us what had happened.  I took Clay and Jason and went and got Spencer and Chip.  We went to the little lake.  The four boys walked up to Beau who was obviously crying.  Chip and Clay climbed on his lap and Spencer and Jason sat beside him and hugged him.

Spencer broke the silence, “Beau, we’re here for you.  I have no idea what happened, but I think it emotionally drained you.  We came to recharge you.  You are very important to us just like Jeff.  We’ll help you if you are having a problem.”

Clay looked up and held Beau’s face and said, “Yeah Daddy Beau, we’ll help you.  The five of us can whip anyone.”

Chip started to laugh, “Yeh Daddy Beau, just tell us who you want us to kick in the behind.”

Beau was laughing so hard that tears were still running down his face.  All four of the guys gave him a hug and a kiss and helped him up and brought him to the car.  The four youngest guys were strapped into the back and Beau crawled into the passenger side, “How did you know where to find me?”

 

“Beau, Jeff and I have no secrets, and Spencer knew right where to go when I picked him up.”  I just patted Beau on the shoulder.

“Dad, thanks for caring.  I love you, Jeff and Tommy.  You were my first family.  I love my new Dads, but it has been so hectic that we never have time to really bond.  I’m always messing it up.”  Beau whispered.

We pulled into Bean and Josh’s house and the pool was open, Beau looked out to see that Berto, Matthew and Dylan were on guard duty.  The guys quickly went and changed, but Beau stopped in the kitchen in his suit, “Grandma Renee, do you need any help.  You shouldn’t be cooking.”

“Honey, I fixed everything this morning while you and Rebecca were working your buns off.  I’m so proud of what you did today without causing Becca any undue embarrassment.  I’ll be the best guardian I can be for her.  It will be fun to have someone in my home who really cares about me.  Before you say anything, I know all of you people care about me, but I am not going to live here much longer.”

“We just need to make sure that Becca is never hurt sexually again.” Mrs. Gleason said.  “Now, go swimming and get rid of your frustrations.”

Tommy and Jeff arrived so the number of guards doubled and everyone had a chance to swim.  By 6:00 all the visitors had disappeared except Mrs. T. Jeff, Tommy and me since we had been invited.  Carole and Dylan practically had been living there during all of the waking hours.

Beau had a bunch of questions but decided to let everyone enjoy their meal.  After the cleanup, he cornered Mrs. Tillison and the other adults.  “Okay, what do we need to do from here?”

Before anyone could say anything Dan Crawford arrived.  Beau met and greeted him.  “Hey Sheriff, what’s up?”

“Actually, that’s Assistant Sheriff Crawford.  I’ve been promoted to assistant for special activities.  That’s why I am here.  Now what do we do with the nine cars that we impounded.  Here are the keys.”

Beau asked, “I thought there were only seven cars?”

“Mr. Rudolf Gleason had two valuable antique cars in the garage that should bring a pretty penny at auction.  The five residences in Nebraska have been secured and I’m just waiting for the reports that the condominiums in Las Vegas and Kansas City have been evacuated and secured.  The bed and breakfast has been the most difficult, since Mr. Rodman’s father has been living there and there are guests but everything should be secured by the morning.

“We have been directed to have two deputies accompany whoever goes to the primary dwellings to get their necessary clothing and articles.  Each person is to take only two suitcases.  The rest is to be forwarded to them.”

“Uncle Dan, as soon as the other three residences have been secured, you and your two deputies will accompany me to the dwellings.  The people will enter one at a time to pack what they need.  After that, the house will remain sealed until we return from Washington.”

Beau turned to Jeff and said, “Grandma Renee and Becca are going to Washington with us.  I don’t want them here without us until the dust settles.”

He turned back to Dan and set up times for each family tomorrow.  “I really don’t want to think about this anymore right now.  Come on everyone, we’re going to break a rule and we’re going swimming.”

Beau went and changed and uncovered the pool by himself.  He was joined in short order by some more people.  Beau swam until he was totally exhausted and just left.  He let everyone else worry about closing down the pool.

I went to check on him and he was lying on his bed asleep naked.  He was still wet from his shower.  I threw a sheet over him and turned out the lights closed all of the doors to his room.

I went down and assured everyone that Beau would be fine. “He has done more in the last four days than some people do in their lifetimes.  He has to be exhausted.”

Everyone departed and Josh and Ben locked up.   I wonder what they were thinking about their son now.

To be continued...

Feedback always welcome:     

Editor's Notes:

I know what I am thinking. I am thinking that Beau is one heck of a guy, and needs lots of tender love and caring.

Darryl AKA The Radio Rancher

Posted: 02/22/08