The President’s Son

 by: Miguel Sanchez

© 2009-2014 by the author

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

Chapter 70 

I stood by the window and watched the plane get pushed back. While I was watching, my cell rang. “Mason.”

“Ace, I’ll call you when I get home.”

I smiled as I saw him waving through the window. “Alright son, I’ll be expecting it.”

Chris ended the call then the plane started to taxi out to the runway. A few minutes later, I saw it zip past then lift off into the sky. ‘Have a safe trip buddy.’ I thought then went out to my car for the drive back to the residence.

When I stepped off the elevator, Bennie hugged me tightly. “Ace, I miss Chris.”

I kissed him gently. “Relax love; he’ll call when he gets home. You two can talk all you want.”

I managed to get s smile out of him when I said that. “I’ve read several chapters in my criminal justice book.”

“Are you looking to get a jump start on the class?”

“It’s really interesting.” Bennie exclaimed. “I see how it works into your job too.”

“That’s right; it all goes hand in hand.” I said. “Have you looked at your other books?”

He shook his head. “Those are boring.”

“I know love but those are mandatory. Those are your core subjects you must pass before you can move on to your degree subjects.”

That didn’t seem to sit well but he understood. “Alright, I’ll get into those too.”

I gave him a kiss on the head then he returned to his room. “Have you decided what you’re going to do when you have lectures?”

“Yeah, I’ll use my laptop and record it then when I get home, I’ll put it on a CD or a DVD.”

“Super idea, then you’ll have the material at your fingertips. What time does your first class start?”

“First class is at 9am.”

Alright, so that means we would need to leave here by 8:15 so we won’t have to rush.”

“Cool, I’ll let Gloria know.” Bennie said.

“Oh, do you have some cash with you?”

“Why do I need money?”

“For lunch,” I answered.

“Don’t they take plastic?”

“Good question love, I’ll have to look and see.”

“Wait, I’m on scholarship. That might be covered too.”

“That’s something I’m not sure of.”

“I’ll go online and see.” Bennie said as he pulled his laptop onto his lap.

When Monday rolled around, Bennie was hyper. He gobbled his breakfast down and at 8am he wanted to leave. I gave in and we left at 8:10. Traffic was a little hectic, then when we got close to the campus, it was a nightmare. We pulled into the parking lot and found a spot close to the door. When we entered the building, we had to hunt for the classroom. It didn’t take us long to fine it then we entered and Bennie found a seat. I sat beside him then he got his computer set up. Since we were early, the professor hadn’t arrived yet but when he came in, he stopped and looked at me. “Aren’t you a little old to be in a freshman class?”

“I’m not a student, professor. I’m here on official business.”

“And what business might that be?” He asked.

I showed him my credentials. “I remember you Agent Mason. Just please don’t interrupt the class.”

“Don’t worry professor, I won’t interrupt.”

The professor nodded his head then headed for the front of the class. Students started making their way into the room then at 9am the professor began his class. I sat back and listened to the class and it brought back some very fond memories. At 9:50, the class ended. Bennie got his things packed up then we hurried out to the parking lot. His next class was in the building right across the street so it didn’t take long to get there and parked. We quickly found the class then he got seated and ready for the class to begin.

The morning flew by and when it was time for lunch, I was ready for some food. I went with Bennie through the line and got a tray and nice meal. I had my debit card out and all I had to do was swipe it then move on. We found a table then soon, we had company. Jake and Carl spotted us. “How’s it going dude?” Carl asked.

“Not bad. I’m really enjoying it. How is it going for you?”

“It’s a culture shock,” Jake said. “I’ll have a ton of reading to do tonight.”

“Welcome to college life,” I said smiling.”

“Bennie, you’re lucky. You have your own private tutor.”

“Yeah, but he’ll be a real tough one,” Bennie added.

“You think I should take it easy on you?”

“I don’t want you to. I want you to be tough so I really know the material. Will you guys have your dads tutor you?”

Jake looked at Bennie. “Gee, I hadn’t really thought about it. But I know my dad can be a real stickler for details.”

“It’s those details that can make or break things,” I said as I finished my meal.

I looked at my watch and saw we only had ten minutes before Bennie’s next class. “Come on kiddo, you only have ten minutes before your next class.”

“That’s loads of time,” Bennie said after he swallowed his mouthful.

“Not really love, the building is on the other side of the campus.”

Bennie started to panic a little. I had to put my hand on his shoulder to calm him down. “Relax love, it’s a short drive.”

We said goodbyes to Jake and Carl then headed out to Bennie car. Bennie unlocked the door and we got in when a campus cop pulled up and blocked the car. He got out and tapped on the window. Bennie started the car then lowered the window, “License and registration please.

I opened my door and stepped out. “What’s the problem officer?” I asked.

“Back in the car bub.” He ordered.

I dropped down and slipped my credentials onto my pocket then stood up again. “I asked you a question officer.”

“Look,” He started then saw my badge. “Ah, I have the wrong car.”

I took out my notebook and jotted down his name. “I will be talking with your supervisor. Now move your car.”

He backed up then Bennie and I took off. Traffic was very light so it only took a couple of minutes to find the building. I grabbed Bennie’s computer bag as he grabbed his books then we were off to his class.

This was one of Bennie’s favorite classes. English 101 was a breeze. Before the class ended I pulled out his schedule and looked to see what class was next. This was his last class for the day so we took our time getting packed up. We walked out to the parking lot and put the things in the trunk. Bennie was about to get in when we heard a horn honk. “Hey guys, what’s happening?”

Bennie and I walked over and talked with Jake and Carl. “How was your first day?”

“It went pretty well.” Carl answered.

“How much reading do you have to do tonight?”

“Not much.” Jake answered, “How about you?”

“Nothing,” Bennie answered. “What was assigned, I read last night but I’ll probably read it again.”

“Hey guys, we gotta get going,” Carl said.

“Alright, we’ll catch ya at lunch.”

Bennie and I headed for the charger then it was back to the residence.

When we stepped off the elevator, Tonka was waiting for us. He wasn’t used to us being gone all day and not having someone to spend time with. Johnny came up and told us he’d been with Tonka so I didn’t feel so bad.

Over dinner Ben asked how Bennie’s first day was. “All in all, it wasn’t a bad day Dad,” Bennie answered as he had his nose buried in a book.

“Son, do you have that much reading to do that you have to do it during dinner?” Ben asked.

He swallowed his mouthful then looked at Ben. “No dad, it’s just interesting and I want to read it.”

Ben smiled. “I appreciate you enjoy your subjects but can we keep our meals as family time?”

Bennie closed his book. “Yes Dad.”

After dinner Bennie returned to his room and once again started reading. At 11, I was ready for bed but Bennie was still at it. “Haven’t you finished reading yet?”

“Oh yeah, but what I’m reading now is really interesting.”

“Do you know what time it is?”

He looked at the clock. “Oh man, I really lost track of the time.”

Bennie closed his book then we got ready for bed. We cuddled then Bennie crashed and fell right to sleep. I turned the light off then joined him in dreamland.

The next morning, it was back to the university for another day. Bennie’s first class was Criminal Justice. We took our seats then Bennie got his computer set up to video record the class. The professor came in and started his lecture. “Good morning. I know I gave you an assignment to read in your textbooks that I planned on discussing today but in this morning’s newspaper there was an article that caught my eye and I feel it’s well worth discussing. The headline read “Russian Ambassador delivered to Siberian Prison. It goes on to say that he was tried in Russia in absentia.”

A hand went up. “Yes,” The professor asked calling on the student.

“How is that possible? I thought every person had the right to face his accusers.”

The professor smiled. “How about I let someone answer that question. Mr. Mason, will you come forward please?”

I was put on the spot so I stood up and walked forward. “I’d like you all to meet a former student of mine. Mr. Mason, can you answer this young man’s question?”

I took a deep breath. “Yes, I can answer it. Yes, it is legal to put someone on trial when the person isn’t present in court.”

“How can that be?” The student asked.

“Well, when someone is under indictment, they have formally been charged with a crime. Now, if the person has been released on bail, it’s up to them to make their court appearances. If they don’t, their bond will be forfeited and a warrant is put out for their arrest. Now, in some cases, the prosecutor will want to have the trial without the defendant being present. It is legal but rarely done.”

“How can the Russian Ambassador go on trial?”

“I’m not an expert of the Russian judicial system but it seems what they did was within their constitution.”

“Mr. Mason, how do you know so much about this?” The student asked.

“Well, I’ve been around a while and I happen to work for the Secret Service. I happen to be aware of what happened but had no idea the man would be tried in absentia.”

“What was the man charged with?” I was asked.

“The charge was rape.”

“Who did he rape?”

I wasn’t going to give names. “He raped a fellow Russian at the Russian Embassy.”

“Why wasn’t he tried in our courts?”

“An embassy in a foreign country is considered sovereign ground of that country so we could not arrest him but the Russians could charge him and punish him and it seems that’s exactly what they did. Another reason and the biggest is that he was a diplomat and had immunity.”

The professor looked at me. “Thank you Agent Mason. For tonight, I’d like you to reread what you did last night and we’ll be discussing this tomorrow. Class dismissed.”

I hurried back to Bennie and he had a huge grin on his face. “You were great love,” Bennie said smiling at me. “How come you didn’t tell more?”

“I couldn’t without giving names and details that I didn’t want to give. They can always read the newspaper,” I said then we headed out to the parking lot.

The rest of the day went without a hitch. Bennie was getting used to where his classes were and he had made some friends too.

Bennie was almost finished with his first semester when I got a call from Bob Brinkman. “Hey buddy, what’s up?”

“Today we got a call to city hall and there was a lunatic female going ballistic.”

“What was her problem and why are you calling me?”

“Because she’s someone you know.”

“Oh shit, tell me it’s not Brenda Schultz.”

“Sorry man, no can do. She was demanding your civil ceremony be dissolved.”

“Like that is really going to happen. What did you end up doing with her?”

“It took several minutes to get through to her but finally I managed to get her out of there and told her if she returned, I’d arrest her for trespassing.”

I hope she heeds your advice.” I said.

“I think she will. She didn’t like the idea of going to jail.”

“Thanks for the call buddy. Let me know if she should come back.”

“I will man, talk with you later,” Bob said then ended the call.

‘Why me,’ I thought, ‘Bennie doesn’t need to hear this.’

I had to put on a happy face because Bennie can read me like a book. When I went into his room, he was hitting the books. “Cramming for exams love?”

“Yeah.” he replied.

“Look, remember what I told you,” I added.

“Yeah, but they’re going to be on the same day.”

“OK baby,” I said.

Bennie tore himself away from his books for dinner then he was back at it until 11. I went in and got undressed and Bennie was already asleep. I snuggled up to him and wrapped my arm around him. He rolled over and rested his head on my chest so I caressed his back then fell asleep.

The next day, Bennie was ready to go. After breakfast Bennie and I left for the ride to the university. Before we left, Bennie wanted me to drive so he could go over his criminal justice. While I drove, he was reading. I pulled into the lot then he managed to get his things together and we headed inside. Bennie took his usual seat but I stood and took a seat in the row behind him.

At the given time, the professor handed out the exams. “When you’ve finished, bring your test to me then you’re excused.”

Bennie started on his exam. I watched him and he read each question then he’d think for a moment then start to write down his answer. The one thing I noticed was he didn’t change an answer. About twenty five minutes later, Bennie closed his test then took it to the professor. He returned to his seat to back his gear then we left. Outside in the hall, I asked him. “How do you think you did?”

Bennie smiled at me. “I think I aced it … Ace”

I wrapped my arm around him and pulled him close to me. “You’re not getting cocky are you?”

“Nope,” Bennie answered. “I did like I did in high school. I trusted what I knew and didn’t second guess myself.”

I ruffled his hair. “Good. I hope you did ace it.”

Bennie breezed through the rest of the day and then we headed back to the residence. We were about to pull into the residence when Bennie saw a police car trying to pull him over. He pulled up to the gate then stopped. Bennie got his license out of his wallet and put it with the registration and insurance papers. The officer came up to the door and tapped on the window. “Excuse me sir, my I see your license, registration and proof of insurance?”

Bennie eased the window down and handed the officer the requested papers. The officer returned to his car and while he did that, I turned the radio on and set it on Metro PD’s channel and listened in. I heard the dispatcher tell the officer, Bennie’s license was suspended. I knew this wasn’t right so I called JR. “SS2 to JR.”

“Go ahead Ace,” JR answered.

“I need you to run a DL for me please.”

“I’m ready. Whose license and what state?” JR asked.

“Bennie’s license and it’s through DC DMV.” I answered.

“One minute,” JR told me.

While I was waiting the officer returned. “I need you to step out of the car please.”

I put my badge on my pocket and stepped out on the passenger’s side. Before I could say anything, JR was back. “Ace,” JR called out.

“Go ahead.” I answered

“According to the DMV, Bennie’s license is valid with no restrictions.”

“Copy that JR, thank you.” I said as I looked at the officer. “Officer, the information you received is incorrect.”

“Please stay out of this sir.” The officer said.

“Officer, I’m a federal agent.”

“I don’t care who you are now get back.”

He was pissing me off so I got back in and got on the radio, “SS2 to K1.”

The officer heard my call so he came around to my side of the car but I managed to lock the door before he could open it. “K1 go ahead SS2.”

“What’s your 20?” I asked.

“1600 block of Pennsylvania Ave.” Bob answered.

“10-4, can you stop at the back gate to the White House?”

“10-4, ETA thirty seconds.”

I waited then saw Bob’s vehicle pull up. Bob came over and started talking to the officer. I saw him reach his hand out for the papers he was holding then he went to his vehicle. He was in there a few minutes then he came over to Bennie’s side and tapped on the window. Bennie lowered the window and his papers were returned to him. “Bennie, your license is fine.”

“Thank you Mr. Brinkman,” Bennie said as I got out on my side of the car.

The officer came up to me. “I could arrest you.”

“Oh, for what?” I asked. “Doing your job?”

Bob took the officer by the arm and led him to his vehicle then proceed to chew his ass out. “It might help you enter the proper DL number into the computer.”

“What are you talking about?” He yelled.

Bob went over to the officer’s car and looked at the information on the computer. “You have the wrong person’s information up.”

“Bull shit,” the officer spat.

“What is that driver’s last name?”

“Jacobs,” The officer answered.

“And what name is up on your terminal?”

The officer looked at it and sure enough, it was a person named Richards. “I don’t know how this happened. Dispatch said his license was suspended.”

“It might be because you gave the wrong DL number. I ran it and it came back active and no restrictions. You’re lucky man, you could be facing a huge lawsuit.”

“I know what dispatch told me and that’s all I need.”

“You need to be 100% positive before you go off half cocked.”

“Yeah, alright.” The officer said as he got back into his car.

Bob came over and we shook hands. “Running his license was quick thinking on your part.”

“I knew his license wasn’t suspended. Bennie doesn’t drive that much and he only uses his car to go back and forth to Georgetown and I ride with him.”

“Tell Bennie I’m sorry about this.”

“I will. What’s Bobby doing with himself?”

“He’s in college. He’s majoring in criminal justice.”

“Gonna follow in your footsteps?” I asked.

“I don’t know about that but he wants to go law enforcement.”

“Give him my best,” I said then we had to go.

I got back into the car then we entered the grounds. The uniformed officer at the gate gave Bennie a friendly wave as we entered. “Why did he decide to pick on me?” Bennie asked.

“I don’t know baby. I didn’t have the radio on so I don’t know how long he’d been following you. That’s something you might want to start doing is paying attention to your surroundings.”

“You mean like when we’re walking together?”

“Exactly love, my eyes are always looking at the surroundings. The people on the street and for an escape route if the need arose.”

We headed to the residence and Tonka was outside doing his business. As soon as he saw Bennie’s car he was over there waiting to get some attention. I got out and was immediately attacked by his tongue. Bennie found his chew toy and threw it and Tonka played fetch. We decided to play with him for a while then we headed to the residence. Since it was early afternoon, we decided to relax and watch a movie. When the movie ended, my cell rang. “Ace, it’s Bob.”

“Hey buddy, what’s up?”

“Uh, well, does the name Brenda Schultz sound familiar to you?”

I got up and went over to my room so I could talk without Bennie hearing. “I sure do, what did she do now?”

“Well, we got a panic alarm call over at city hall and she was in there raising hell.”

This had me baffled. “What was she raising hell about?”

“She was giving the clerk grief because he wouldn’t dissolve a civil union he did.”

“Damn her!” I said rather loudly.

“Am I missing something here Ace?” Bob asked.

“Yeah, she’s bound and determined she’s going to control every aspect of Bennie’s life.”

“Ace, he’s an adult.” Bob replied.

“I know that Bob and she does too but she just won’t let it go.”

“What should I do with her?”

I knew what I’d like to do but I didn’t say that. “Let me talk to The President. Can I get back to you?”

“Sure, you have my number.”

I ended the call then went back to Bennie’s room. As soon as I entered, Bennie knew something was wrong. “What’s wrong baby?”

I shook my head trying to down play it but Bennie wasn’t buying it. “Love, I can read you like a book.”

I sighed then sat down on the bed. “It’s your grandmother, love.” I said.

“WHAT? What she do now?”

“She raised hell at city hall.”

“Damn her. Why just she can’t get it?”

I put my arm around him and hugged him. “I wish I knew love. But I have to talk to your dad.”

“Can I come too?”

I didn’t see a reason why he couldn’t so I agreed. Bennie and I headed over to the west wing. We were about to enter the Oval Office when we heard a voice. “Hi guys.”

We stopped and saw Winnie. “Hey there, how goes life in DC?” I asked.

“Man, talk about culture shock. It’s not like life in California.”

“Imagine living in New York.” I added.

“Been there and no thanks. They have to be some of the rudest people around,” Winnie replied. “Sorry Ace, didn’t mean to hold you up.”

“Is the President free?”

“Yes, he was just going over his schedule for tomorrow.”

“Thanks,” I said as we went into the office.

Fred was busy typing on his computer. He stopped then picked up the phone. “You may go right in.”

I knocked on the door then cracked it open. “Enter.”

When we entered, Ben looked up at us. “What can I do for you?”

My eyes shifted to the floor and thought about how to break the news to him. I was just about to speak when my cell rang. I held up a finger then answered it. “Mason.”

“Ace, it’s Bob.”

“What’s going on?” I asked as I heard a commotion in the background.

“She’s really losing it.”

Ben was looking at me and paying close attention to what I was saying. “Can you hold on a minute?” I asked

“Sure,” Bob answered as I muted the call.

“Mr. President, I don’t know how to tell you this but…” I started.

“Just tell me Ace.” Ben said.

“Alright Sir,” I said then took a deep breath. “Well, it seems Brenda is at it again.”

“What does that have to do with us here? She is out in California.”

I looked down and shook my head. “I’m afraid not Sir, she was picked up at city hall creating a disturbance.”

“What did she do?” Ben asked.

I took the call off mute and put it on speaker. “Bob, The President is here. Can you tell him what was happening when you arrived?”

“Yes I will. Mr. President, Ms. Schultz was ranting and yelling at the clerk demanding he invalidate the civil union between Ace and Bennie. She was claiming she was Bennie’s mother.”

Ben shook his head and put it into his hands. “Bob, did you get the security camera footage?”

“Yes, we have it here. Ace, could you come and see if you can calm her down?”

At this point in time, I didn’t know if anyone could. “Hold on.” I said then muted the phone.

“Sir, what should I do?” I asked.

“Ace, I don’t know her any more. I think she’s lost touch with reality.”

“Should I Baker Act her?”

“If she refuses to listen to reason, then yes.”

“Dad may I go too?” Bennie asked.

“Son I don’t really want you seeing…” Ben started.

“Seeing what dad? Grandma off the deep end?” Bennie interrupted.

Ben looked up. “Alright son, you may go with Ace. Just don’t you add fuel to the fire.”

“I won’t dad,” Bennie answered.

“By your leave sir,” I said as Bennie and I went out the side door.

On the way back to the residence I bumped into Dylan. “Get your traveling shoes on buddy, I need you.”

“Alright Ace, where are we going?”

“Over to Metro PD.” I replied.

“What’s over there?” Dylan asked.

“My Grandmother went postal at city hall.” Bennie answered.

“She won’t give it a rest, will she?” Dylan asked.

“It doesn’t seem so buddy. Meet us by the Hummer.”

Bennie and I returned to the residence so I could put my vest back on then we were on our way down stairs. The three of us got into the Hummer then left to head to Metro PD. When we arrived, Dylan and I hung our credentials so they could be seen then we entered the building. I asked where I could find Lt. Brinkman and he was paged for us. “Hi Ace. I’m sorry to get you out here but she’s still raising hell.”

“Before we see her, can I see the footage from the security camera?” I asked.

Bob led me to his office and he played the DVD. We watched as she entered the office then rang the bell for assistance. When the clerk came out, she started in yelling and making threats. “Now you will void the civil union of my son and his partner.”

“Madam, I cannot nor will I do that. It was proper.”

“I’m his mother and he didn’t have my permission.” She shouted.

“Well madam, I suggest you talk to his father because he was present and all of their documents were in order.”

She reached over and grabbed him by the tie and pulled him into the counter. “It was at this point we got the panic alarm notification.”

“She’s really gone off the deep end Ace,” Bennie said.

“I can’t believe she claimed to be your mother,” I said. “Let’s see the rest of this.”

Bob started the DVD and we watched as Brenda continued to rant and rave. She brought her hand back and slapped the clerk across the face then he managed to get himself free from her grasp. At one point she tried to get onto the other side of the counter but she couldn’t get over the counter. “Damn it, I DEMAND MY RIGHTS.”

“Madam, get hold of yourself!” the clerk said then we saw Metro PD arrive on scene.

She was put in handcuffs and led out of the office. That was where the DVD stopped.

Bob led us back to where she was and right away, we heard a commotion.

An officer came up to Bob and said, “Lieutenant, come quickly; she’s stripped off all her clothes.”

Bennie slapped his hand over his mouth. “What is it love?”

“OH god baby, she’ll scare the hell out of everyone.”

Bob stepped over to Bennie. “Bennie, can you talk some sense into her?”

“Not while she’s naked, I’m not,” Bennie replied.

Bob looked at me. “Alright, I guess I’m elected.”

I had the officer lead me back to where they were holding her. She was in a holding cell yelling at the top of her lungs naked as the day she was born. Before I got too close, I went back out and handed Bob my weapon.

“Brenda, what in the hell do you think you are doing?” I shouted at her hoping to bring her back to reality.

“Oh Ace, look at what they did to me.” She cried out.

“Nonsense, now get your clothes on right this minute.”

She calmed down and put her clothes back on. She seemed to be acting like a civilized human being so I had the other officers leave us alone so I could try to talk to her.

As soon as they left and she was decent again, I stepped back in front of the cell. “Brenda, what’s going on?”

“They think I’m a crazy person. I went to city hall to try to talk to someone there and the next thing I know, I’m in here.”

“That’s because you went off the deep end,” I replied.

“NO I didn’t. I merely wanted to see the certificate of Bennie’s and your civil union.”

“Is that all you did Brenda?”

“What do you mean, is that all? Don’t you believe me?” She screamed.

“Brenda, you are forgetting one thing.” I started.

“Oh and what is that?”

“They have security cameras in city hall and it records everything.”

“Good so it will show I’m telling you the truth,” Brenda retorted.

I closed my eyes and thought, ‘If you only knew.’

“Brenda, cut the crap and tell me exactly what happened.”

“Fine. I didn’t give permission for you and Bennie to do what you did.”

“Brenda, we don’t need your permission.”

“I HAVE MY RIGHTS AND I DIDN’T GIVE HIM PERMISSION SO YOU TWO ARE NOT MARRIED.”

‘Here we go again,’ I thought.

“Brenda, didn’t you hear what the judge in California said? Bennie is an adult and legally he can do as he wishes.”

“You’ve taken him away from me.”

Just then I heard a voice. “Cut it grandma.”

“Bennie, my baby. Come give your mama a hug.”

“You’re not my mother.” Bennie said stepping back.

“They’ve turned you against me.”

“Grandma, no one turned me against you except you yourself.  You did that the day you went into my bedroom and trashed my computer.”

“Well, I have a right to know what you’re doing.”

“No you don’t, only my father does and my mother is dead.”

This was getting us nowhere. I tapped Bennie on the shoulder and motioned for him to follow me. We left the holding cells then I looked at him. “Babe, we’re not getting through to her.”

“I know, now she’s claiming to be my mother.”

“Nothing we say is going to get through to her,” I said.

Bennie sighed, “You’re right love. She needs professional help.”

I nodded my head. “I agree love but she’ll never agree to go on her own.”

“Then she’ll have to be committed,” Bennie said.

“I agree but that will take a hearing before a judge,” I replied.

“She can be held under the Baker Act,” Bennie replied.

“What do you know about that?” I asked.

“I read it in my criminal justice book. If she is deemed to be a threat to herself or others she can be held for up to seventy-two hours.”

“After what I saw when she was at city hall, she is a threat to others.”

I went over to Bob. “She’s lost touch with reality. What charges do you have against her?”

“Well, she has a count of assault and battery then there is disorderly conduct,” Bob answered.

“Those are misdemeanors,” I answered.

“Yes so we can Baker Act her. The video will show she’s a threat to others.”

“Alright, The President is in agreement also,” I replied.

“I’m glad I didn’t have to be the bearer of this news.”

“Who gets to put her back in cuffs?” Bennie asked.

Bob reached for his. “I can do it.”

Bob got the key to the holding cell then we followed him. Dylan came with us in case help was needed. “Bennie, stay back.”

“Alright but don’t hurt her.”

“Don’t worry love, they won’t.”

We entered the holding area. “Alright Ms. Schultz, back up away from the door and face the wall.”

She did as instructed then Bob unlocked the cell and entered. He quickly got her into handcuffs then went to lead her out of the cell when she saw me. At that point, she totally lost it. “I knew you were behind this,” she yelled and tried to charge at me.

Dylan stepped over and took hold of her free arm. She started kicking wildly causing the three of them to land on the floor. I leaned down and put my weight on her chest and held her firm. “Knock it off Brenda, right now.” I yelled.

“I’ll get you for this if it’s the last thing I ever do,” she screamed.

Bob and Dylan got to their feet then they hoisted Brenda up and led her out of the area. It took them several minutes to get her outside and into a squad car for the trip over to the hospital. As soon as she was put into the secure back seat of the car, Bob and Dylan headed for the hospital.

To be continued...