One Boy's Journey Chapter 40

Written by Brianna Demonet

I slept in until 9 am. It was summer vacation after a really long day. I got back into my routine of swimming and stretching. I had a Hap-ki-do class tonight, and I wanted to be stretched and ready.

The doorbell rang after Martina and I finished lunch.

3 heavy boxes. The first two were from school with my books for next year and the third was from UNLV.

Constitutional Law and a book of legal terms.

I began to think about my new school workload. Did I bite off more than I can chew?

I had two and half weeks before the college class started, and I only needed to attend the first class in person; the rest, I could work from home. Next weekend was John's tournament and I was not going to miss it! Fortunately for me, dance class didn't start until after August 1st.

My phone rang it was Dad.

HI Dad How are things?

Busy! I'm more concerned about you!

Me? I'm fine

I just got a call from Vanessa. The DA office wants to see you this afternoon. Mr Fountain will meet you there. Is Martina there?

Yes sir! I can do that! No problem we'll leave as soon as she's dressed. You're welcome. Martina said in the phone.

Ree, Martina is going to give you a ride to the office. Don't say anything, let Mr Fountain do all the talking. Dress nice!

Yes, Dad, I will.

Okay, call me after, okay?

Yes sir.

You better hustle yourself, young lady! Martina said.

Yes ma'am.

I put on my dark blue coat dress, black stockings, and black 4-inch heels. I put my hair in a tight ponytail and did light makeup.

I was ready in 20 minutes. Martina dropped me off. I told her I would get a cab to my Aunt V's office.

We arrived at the Clark County DA office. Mr Fountain was already there reading the reports. I saw Bart and Chandler in the other offices.

I need a few minutes with my client, said Mr Fountain.

Okay Ree, tell me in your words what exactly happened.

I told him the same story I told everyone else.

Well, that seems like clear-cut self-defense to me.

Did they test the knife for fingerprints? I asked.

Yes, they did.

But both Chandler and Bart said you attacked them.

I did no such thing!

The DA wants to charge you with assault.

Me? For kicking the knife out of his hand? That's absurd! No one could believe I would attack two boys over twice my size in the boy's bathroom.

I know that Ree; that is why I'm here! To see you don't get railroaded. Is there anything else you want to tell me before I go in guns blazing?

You're my attorney, right? Yes, your father retained me on your behalf.

So, attorney-client privilege applies, correct?

Yes, it does.

I proceed to tell Mr Fountain my entire story about Ohio and why I moved out here! First, he had a look of shock on his face. As he listened his face changed into a deep understanding of the entire situation.

Ree that's quite a story!

I know but I swear it's the truth. Call Judge Franks. He'll confirm every word.

Okay young lady, you sit there and stay quiet and let me do the talking.

You're in a lot of trouble, young lady said a very smug ADA. You're looking at felony assault.

For what? Said Mr Fountain.

She kicked someone and almost broke his hand!

A hand that had a knife in it! Said Mr Fountain.

Are you seriously considering charging my client with assault in a clear-cut case of self-defense?

She attacked him; he pulled the knife in self-defense.

That's not what we were told! Said the ADA

Are things slow up here? Are you bored? Asked Mr Fountain sarcastically.

You're going to stand there and tell me that you believe that a girl ran into the boy's bathroom at school and attacked two boys unprovoked while one of them was holding a knife?

That's the story! Mr Stieg said
And you believe that crap? Mr Fountain asked rhetorically.

You realize you can't prove it! Heck, I am willing to bet you don't have enough for a grand jury to indict. Mr Fountain said.

I have a witness!

Do you mean Chandler? The boy that was choking Sammy?

What's going on here? Mr Fountain asked.

Bart's parents want to file assault charges against Ms Stevens.

Okay, let's say hypothetically she did attack him. What is your physical evidence? Besides a bruised hand?

Did she hit him twice? Did she bruise another part of his body? Mr Fountain asked

Tell me whose prints were on the knife. Asked Mr Fountain. Because I'm willing to bet it wasn't my client's prints!

You should know this isn't the first time she's been in an altercation Mr Fountain.

You're right it isn't! I'll also bet if we call the judge Franks and ADA Summers will find out she was the victim of a brutal assault. Not the attacker! Said Mr Fountain.

I watched as Mr Fountain thundered away at the ADA Stieg. I kept wondering, why are they coming after me? I thought about that hard as I listened to Mr Fountain shoot down every lame point the ADA had

I have to ask! What's the real reason you are trying so hard to railroad my client? Asked Mr Fountain.

First of your client has a history, second, she isn't who she says she is!

What the hell does that mean? Asked Mr Fountain.

And before you answer my question you better think hard of the consequences!

She used to be a boy! Now she's a girl! Transition is illegal under the age of 18. So she violates state and federal laws!

You know what! I'm going to talk to the DA himself. If you want to charge my client, get an indictment! Because if you arrest her without a warrant I will sue this office and you personally. I'll also report you to the Nevada Bar Association.

For what? Misconduct, gender bias. For starters.

You have no case for that!

Actually, I do. These conversations are recorded and evidence. Evidence my client and I have the right to.

Rianna?

Yes sir?

Do you, by any chance, have the names of the prosecutor and judge in your Ohio case?

Yes sir! I also have the names of the detective and my doctor as well as my case number.

I opened up my tablet and handed the information to Mr Fountain.

Here! Investigate this before you say or do anything!

I will expect a full apology from the DA office and charges dropped against my client by the end of the business today. Anything less than that means I file suit against you and your office!
Mr Fountain said.

Don't hold your breath, sir said the smug young ADA Stieg.

Young man, you think I'm bluffing. You should know I don't bluff! I'm a chess player I'm always 3 moves ahead of you! Don't test me. I expect a call by 4 pm or I will file a suit today before 5 pm.

Here's my card, come on Rianna! Let's go!

We walked out to Mr Fountain's car. He drove a Bentley coupe.

Beautiful car sir!

You know cars?

Yes sir! I wasn't always a girl.

Well, you fooled me. As far as I'm concerned you are a girl.

Why is he trying so hard to blame me for this? I asked

If I had to guess? Because the accused are 17 and, by state law, can be charged as adults. If they shift the blame on you, they get a slap on the wrist. If they can't shift blame, they could get jail time.

There is good news! Said Mr Fountain.

What's the good news?

I'm the best lawyer in the state! You're my daughter's friend; I'll do everything in my power to protect you! Besides Becky Stapleton is an old friend from back in the day. Becky adores you and I can see why.

Really?

Really! You did a great job back there Ree! I'm proud of you.

But I didn't do anything!

Exactly! He wanted to see your temper. You never flinched! You've got ice water in your veins! You're going to make a great Attorney one day.
Thank you, sir! I smiled wide.

Call your Aunt and your Dad. We can wait at my office. I have a feeling they will be calling within the hour.

Ree!! Where are you?

It's okay, Aunt V. I'm with Mr Fountain. We are heading to his office. He's expecting a call from the DA office soon.

Let me talk to him.

Yes ma'am

Mr Fountain, it's my Aunt Vanessa.

Doctor Stockton!

Okay, let me explain.

Mr Fountain went on to explain the railroad job the young ADA was trying to put on. Mr Fountain continued to explain that if they attempted an arrest warrant without a grand jury indictment he was going to be filing a lawsuit.

Okay Vanessa I'll tell her! We'll see you soon.

Okay, Ree! Here's the deal!

You are going to stay here until your Aunt V picks you up. Your parents are flying in tomorrow. Vanessa said something about Judge Franks calling our DA tomorrow.

With any luck we can get this all straightened out.

I hope so, sir; this has my anxiety in overdrive. I haven't been this bad since my last incident. Now I feel like I'm going backward again.

Don't worry Ree. I will do everything I can. I think the school is siding with the boys on this one. I don't see the logic in it. One thing is for certain: I'll find out why by tomorrow. In the meantime, just lay low and stay out of trouble, and soon the dust will settle.

Okay, Mr Fountain, I will just stay home for now.

If, for any reason, the police ask you to come in or arrest you. Don't say a word and call me anytime, 24/7.

I will sir! Thank you, Mr. Fountain!

Check in with my office when your parents get into town.

Yes sir!

If I need you I'll call you. Just be ready to go.

Yes sir!

Mr Fountain walked me to the employee lounge and let me wait for Aunt V. I grabbed a bottle of water and started reading Law Review Magazine. I found an interesting article about Law school and LSAT tests.

Ready to go Ree?

Yes ma'am!

Are you hungry?

I'm starving! I haven't eaten all day! I said.

How does Pizza sound for dinner?

Great, thank you, Auntie!

You're welcome. You should get changed when we get home. Emma and Lexi are coming over. I thought you could use some company tonight.

Sounds good to me!

We walked into the house, and Taylor, Linda, Lexi, and Emma were waiting for us. As the garage door started to close the pizza arrived. As we walked into the house Aunt V's phone started ringing.

Hello?

Alright, I'm sorry to hear that. Yes, I can drop her off before 9 am. Yes of course. Her parents arrive at the airport at 1 pm tomorrow. Okay, that will be fine; I have to move things around, but I'll be there.

Thank you, sir! We will be ready!

Good night! Aunt V said.

What was that about? I asked

The ADA never called. He may be filing charges in the morning.

What!!!! But I didn't do anything except defend myself.

I know that. You know that we all do. But, Bart's parents have some political pull, and they are using it to keep him out of jail and want to shift the blame on you.

Oh my gosh!!! I started crying.

How is this even possible? I asked.

The school board wants a full investigation. I continued to cry. My mind was racing. The thought of being found guilty and going to jail swirled through my head. My hopes and dreams are being flushed down the toilet right in front of me.

I had a panic attack right then and passed out!

I woke up in a cold sweat.

Come on, honey, you need to eat something. Said Aunt V.

What's the point? I said. My life is over after tomorrow. No future, no career. I will be kicked out of school. I won't be able to go to college. I'll be in jail until I'm out of high school.

No, you won't! Said Aunt V I'll die before I let that happen!

She's right said Taylor. There's a lot of things going on and we have the truth on our side.

Don't worry, Ree, we have your back said Lexi.

That's right said Emma. There were a lot of kids outside that bathroom that day. The truth will come out!

Aunt V heated some pizza and breadsticks for me. I didn't feel like eating but I was so hungry I decided I needed to have something. Lexi and Emma told me I needed to swim.

I swam with my friends for almost an hour. Most of the time swimming clears my head. Today was completely different. I kept trying to think why a prosecutor would go after a 14-year-old girl for assault when it was a clear-cut case for self-defense.

My head was buzzing with the thought of what is the angle. What is the motivation behind this?

I started thinking about what would be the motivation for trying to throw me under the bus. Why would an ADA go out of the way to charge me with assault

My first thought was he did a background check on me and figured I would cop a plea. Mr Fountain threw a wrench in that idea.

I've seen enough cop shows and been in court enough to know a trial is just a stage for lawyers to showcase their skills. But the best lawyers are always 3 and 4 steps ahead.

It bothered me so much I couldn't sleep. My best guess was deflection! If they charged me with assault they could potentially downgrade the charges on Chandler and Bart to a misdemeanor.

I started googling the self-defense laws for Nevada concerning all incidents in high schools.

I also googled bullying laws and how self-defense is applied.

I found out Bart's parents were rich. So was Chandler's. Bart's Dad is a city councilman and his mother is a heiress and independent legal consultant.

Chandler's parents are real estate developers.

Why are the rich kids the worst kids, I thought to myself.

Sammy's parents were simple people. They owned a dry cleaning service. Sammy was like me, a threat to no one.

It was after 2 am when I finally fell asleep.

Aunt V woke me up at 7 am. I dressed in my pink Blazerdress nude stocking and my pink 3-inch heels. I did my hair in a high ponytail and light makeup.

It was a little after 8 am when Aunt V dropped me off at Mr Fountain's office. I had a blank stare on my face as I waited. I borrowed a legal pad and a pen and started writing.

I wrote down what happened and then I wrote down every fact I witnessed.

I wrote down last night's research. I wrote down every person I remember being there. I was sitting there writing and waiting quietly. In the employee lounge. I saw Mr Fountain walk by several times.

I saw Cheryl walk into the lounge.

Hey Ree! How are you holding up?

Okay, I guess things would be a lot worse if not for your Dad helping me out.

He's the best! I want to be just like him, said Cheryl.

You want to be an Attorney? I asked. I was shocked because I didn't know that.

Absolutely, I have seen him save a lot of people from wrongful prosecution. You're in good hands! Trust me, Ree.

Her phone buzzed with a text.

I need to talk to my Dad, I'll be back. Cheryl said.

Cheryl, do me a favor.

Sure!

Give him this, I'm not sure if it will help. But I don't think it will hurt.

No problem, Ree.

Buzz!!!

Hi Mom!

Hi baby! We just landed and we brought a friend from home.

Who?

You'll see! Just relax and stay calm everything is going to be fine.

Less than an hour after I talked to my Mom, my parents arrived with John and Detective Smith.

Dad and John were carrying bags of food.

I hugged my Mom and Dad tightly!

I'm so happy you're here! I exclaimed.

Let's eat first then we can talk. Dad said.

Detective, what are you doing here?

I come barring gifts for you Ree! On behalf of Mr. Summers and Judge Franks.

We had just finished eating when Mr Fountain walked in.

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sorry for keeping you waiting. As you all know this situation should be cut and dry. Unfortunately, certain parties have muddied the waters. I've been on the phone all day so far. We have a meeting at the DA's office in an hour.

Rianna, I know this has been extremely taxing on you and I have your best interest at heart. Everyone I need you to keep calm at the meeting. I've been able to get to the root of the issue here and everything will become clear very soon.

Does that mean they're not going to charge me? Well, that depends on how well this meeting goes. The DA's office offered a plea deal.

Which is? Asked my Mom. 1st degree misdemeanor assault. 6 months suspended sentence and 2 years probation.

What? For defending myself?

No way! Let's go to court! I said!

I had a feeling you were a fighter Rianna! I told them I would offer it but told them you would probably say no!

We have the truth on our side. I was able to collect several witnesses. I said.

Let me do the talking today; no one says or reacts to anything.

Understand? Mr Fountain had his game face on.

Yes sir! we said

Let's load up, I'd like to be there early. I have a few surprises in store for them.

We loaded up and headed to the DA's office.

We had a caravan of four cars. I rode with Mr Fountain and his associate. Cheryl sat in the back seat with me.

Don't worry about a thing Ree! My Dad is the best. Cheryl said. Holding my hand the whole way there.

Mr Fountain smiled into the review mirror.

It felt reassuring having her there saying that.

Thanks, Cheryl!

What are friends for? She said.

To be honest I never thought of Cheryl as a friend, friendly but not a friend. Today, however, she felt like a friend.

We went into the conference room, and young ADA Stieg had a smug look on his face. I noticed that Bart and Chandler were here with their parents.

I walked in behind Mr Fountain. He turned to Cheryl and said, do it, sweetheart!

Well has your client considered my offer? Mr Stieg asked.

Yes, we discussed it! Would you like to tell the man your answer Rianna?

No! I said flatly. I didn't do anything wrong!

The evidence says otherwise, Mr Stieg said smugly.

Did you take your evidence before the grand jury? Asked Mr Fountain.

No, I have everything I need for a conviction!

Really! Have you checked your email lately or reviewed the school security video? Because I have! It tells quite a different story.

The video is still being processed. Mr Stieg said.

Not according to the notification I received yesterday. Replied Mr Fountain.

You can't intimidate me, Mr Fountain!

No, young man, I can't, but I can humiliate you if you continue to press this case.

Look, Mr. Stieg! I have multiple witnesses and videos saying a completely different story. If we go to court, you are going to lose, plus you'll have no choice but to press felony charges against the very people you claim are victims.

I have the knife she brought to school! I have witnesses that said she pulled the knife.

Where is the forensic report on that knife? Because I haven't seen it yet.

Mr Fountain turned to Cheryl and waved her in.

Cheryl brought another girl with her.

Mr Stieg, I would like to introduce you to my daughter's friend Cindy Raglin. Cindy is the high school reporter for Meadows High School.

Cindy just happened to record the incident on her phone.

Cindy, would you play the video, please?

I watched the video of her walking through the crowd into the bathroom.

It clearly showed the entire incident on video. From the knife at Sammy's stomach to the part where I kicked the knife out of his hand.

Mr Stieg got very quiet.

If you still want to pursue this case be my guest! But if I had to guess you probably should be pressing charges against some other individuals.

The video clearly showed John dodging two attempts at being hit before he struck Chandler.

Now, it's been a while since I was in law school, but I'm pretty sure that's self-defense! Mr Fountain said smugly.

I'm going to need a few minutes. Mr Stieg said.

I looked at Cheryl and Cindy. What... how???

Oh my gosh! Cindy, I can't!! I really can't! Thank you!

I wasn't going to use it until Cheryl told me you might be getting arrested.

Thank you, Cindy, you saved me!

Don't mention it! A good reporter seeks the truth! Justice usually follows right behind it.

Cheryl, I have no words! Thank you, girlfriend!

Thank you, Cindy.

We girls have to stick together! Said, Cindy!

I saw sheriff deputies leading Chandler and Bart away in handcuffs.

Mr Stieg walked back in.

Ms Stevens, on behalf of the Clark County DA office, I would like to apologize for this misunderstanding.

I'm curious what did the report on the knife say? I asked coldly

It had Bart's fingerprints on it. He said he took it from you. The funny thing is his prints were the only prints.

Again, my apologies, Ms Stevens.

I hugged Cheryl and Cindy.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised by Cindy being there, she is a reporter and Adam's girlfriend.

Thank goodness for my friends.

Mom being my Mom, invited everyone out to dinner to Celebrate. She called it my Beat the Rap" party.

Sammy and his parents came along with Cheryl and her Mom and Dad. John and his family, his sisters were a big hit! Taylor and Linda came with Lexi and Emma. Cindy, Adam, and Cindy's parents came.

We had a banquet room at Ruth Chris Steakhouse. Mom insisted on paying. Mom and I cried as we thanked everyone for their support. I think Aunt V and Cheryl's mom buried the hatchet.

Cheryl's Mom and my Mom hit it off too. I was so relieved and proud to be with everyone. I never had such a rally of support.

Turns out Cindy is going to be a senior this coming year and will be the editor of the school newspaper. She told me if they didn't clear me she was going to post it online.

I thanked Cindy and Cheryl at least a dozen times.

The party broke up after more than 4 hours. I was exhausted and relieved. I felt great actually. I made two more friends. Aunt V and Nancy were actually laughing and getting along, Mom was talking and smiling with them.

I introduced Sammy and his parents to everyone there. Sam's Dad, Mr Fountain, Gii, and my Dad were all talking and smiling. I think it was about fishing or hunting.

Everyone was mingling and smiling. John hardly ever left my side except when he and Sammy were talking alone. I smiled at John. I could tell he made a genuine effort to befriend Sammy.

The day ended on a high note for everyone.

Nancy invited us girls to the Clark County charity fashion show. Nancy asked Emma, Lexi, and me to join Cheryl, Cindy, and Lori as models. We accepted.