721 Anderson Avenue-17 by M.P. Arsent
Copyright to this story remains strictly that of the author. No other publication or use of this story is allowed without the author's consent. This story contains male-on-male sexual content both implied and explicit. If this offends you please do not continue. All characters and implied situations are strictly those of the author and are not based on any real-life events or characters. If you are under 18 years of age please exit this story now. I welcome all responses to my stories. Please ensure you list the story's name in the email line. If your email is to alert me of misspelled words or improper punctuation or grammar save your time because it will be deleted. I hope you enjoy my vivid imagination. Please let me know what you think at mparsent@gmail.com and remember to donate to Nifty as they do an amazing job.
"Other than this incident, how do their chances look?"
"I'm sorry, I'm not allowed to say."
"I understand. Is there anything else I can do for you today Mrs Adams?"
"Not today. I do hope you get past this."
"No more than I do I assure you."
My lawyers were well aware of the situation, as they had posted my bail. I was going to let them handle things until or even if I had to appear in court.
Word had gotten around the building about what was going on. It was It was Todd Barrows from 4D that spoke up first.
"Jeff, you need a character witness, well I'm sure every single one of us will be there to stand up for you."
"I appreciate that guys, but my lawyers don't think it's going to be necessary."
"We just wanted you to know that we're behind you Jeff."
Things at the building went along smoothly and eventually, I got called to appear at the child abuse hearing.
I was called to attest to the video that I had shot.
"Mr Evans, you shot the video we have just seen?"
"I did your honor."
"To the best of your knowledge has it been altered in any way?"
"Not that I am able to detect your honor."
"What were the circumstances under which you recorded it?"
"I happen to manage the building next door. Our roof also serves as a patio for the residents. I go up there periodically to check things out and make sure everything is in order. I happened to see what was going on and I started to record. When the shade was pulled down as you saw on the recording, I called 911 and reported the abuse."
"Defense objects to this witness your honor on the grounds there is a pending case against him from the defendant and this witness is only seeking to discredit my client."
"Overuled."
The trial went forward with other people heard from including several doctors.
It ended up with the kid going with his mother and the guy getting 90 days in county.
It wasn't until a couple of weeks later that I was to appear on the rape charge.
So, here I was all dressed up and ready to go to town when the judge came into the room.
Several of my tenants were in the gallery as a just in case and of their own volition.
"Are we ready to proceed Mr Gallow?"
"We are your honor."
"Mr McAdams?"
"We are your honor."
"Very well, call your first witness Mr Gallow."
"The state calls Mr David Balock Sr to the stand."
The guy took the stand, in his orange prison suit and was sworn in.
"Mr Balock, please describe the events that led you to file charges against Mr Evans."
"My son came into our apartment one afternoon walking funny. I noticed that his arms were also bruised. I asked him what happened and he told me that the guy next door had grabbed him and forced him into his apartment and that he had raped him."
"Did you confront Mr Evans?"
"I did not. I went to the police station and filed the complaint."
"Your witness Mr McAdams."
"Mr Evans I see that you are currently serving time in the county facilities. Would you please relate the circumstances that led to this?"
"Objection, Mr. Balock is not on trial here."
Now it just so happened that this was the same judge who had heard the child brutality case, so he knew where this was going.
"Overuled, the witness shall answer the question."
"I was found guilty of child brutality."
"And do you know who filed these charges?"
"Yeah, the defendant."
"I would like to point out to this court that said charges weren't filed until several days AFTER the child brutality charges were filed against Mr Balock."
"So noted Mr McAdams."
"Did you actually witness the alleged rape?"
"No."
"No further questions at this time your honor, but I would like to reserve the right to recall."
"So noted, the witness may step down. Call your next witness Mr. Gallow."
"The state calls David Balock Jr. to the stand."
The kid was sworn in and asked if he understood what was going on.
"Now David I only have a couple of questions for you. Is the man who raped you in this room today?"
"No sir."
"Are you sure David?"
"Yes sir."
"Then why did you say earlier that Mr Evans was that man?"
"Because my father told me that if I didn't he'd beat me again. This is under oath. If I don't tell the truth now I'll go to hell."
Mr McAdams was on his feet.
"Your honor in view of this testimony, I move that all charges against my client be dropped."
"It is so ordered. Mr. Gallow, I shall await further charges against Mr Balock Sr. This court is adjourned."
"That's it, Jeff. You're free as a bird."
"Thanks, Mr. McAdams. I had little doubt. It should have been obvious to everybody that this was a nuisance suit. So, what further charges can they bring?"
"I'm sure it was Jeff, but we still had to go through the motions. You take it easy and let's not do this again any time soon. AS to further charges, the heaviest one is going to be perjury, which can add up to 2 years to his jail time."
"I certainly hope not."
I left the courthouse, with several pats to my back from my friends, and was going to head home.
"Mr Evans?"
I knew who it was without even looking. I turned around to see the kid and his mother standing there.
"Mrs Balock, David. What can I do for you today?"
"I just needed to apologize to you, Mr. Evans. I didn't want to get you in trouble, but I didn't want to get beaten again either."
"I understand why you did what you did David and I don't want you to worry yourself about it. Everything worked out for the best as long as you keep your nose clean from now on."
"I'm sure going to try."
"And I want to thank you for making the report in the first place Mr Evans. Most people these days just wouldn't put themselves at risk that way."
"Guess you can blame that on my big brother. He's chief of police in his town and he and my dad both drilled it into us when we were young not to let things like that pass. You just take good care of David."
"I shall do the best that I can, Mr Evans. Again Thank you."
They walked away then and I turned towards home.
When I got there I called Mike to let him know what had happened.
"So this is unusual that you're calling me Jeff."
"Just thought I should let you know how things turned out in court today. All charges were dismissed. The poor kid was afraid of being beaten again if he didn't do as his father said. Now he was under oath and I quote, 'If I don't tell the truth now I'll go to hell.'."
"Sounds like the kid has his head on straight at least."
"Yeah, anyway, I just thought you'd like to know. How are the boys?"
"Back to school and tearing things up, but in a good way."
"Say hi for me. I need to go make another call before it gets too late."
"Love ya, little brother. We seeing you for Thanksgiving and Christmas?"
"I'll do my damndest."
"Alright! Take care."
"You too."
The next call I had to make was to Mrs Adams and Family Services.
"You just caught me, Mr Evans. What can I do for you today?"
"I just thought you would like to know that all charges against me were dismissed in the rape trial."
"That is good to hear, though it will have no bearing on Mr Kershaw and Mr Daniels."
"Damn!"