World of If

Defense

Endless days were spent planned Danny's defense in federal court. He was transferred temporarily to the state prison awaiting his hearing.

Due to scuttlebutt from his family, Beth and Dennis he knew he had already made the news and people were protesting in the larger cities.

That, he didn't ask for.

In the quieter moments he thought of Dahlia, lying on his hard mattress in his cell picturing her smiling face and laughing eyes. He also knew he had to talk to Beth about the status of their relationship, but hoped he was out of hock by the time the baby was born in the next few months. He didn't even know if it was a boy or a girl.

These things were still swirling around his head by the time he was transferred to the state prison.

"It's just for a little while, we'll sort this out." Dennis assured him. "I'll see you as soon as we have a court date."

Danny was still shifting nervously like a flea on a griddle by the time Dennis returned with information about his court date. Despite him being on a block of the prison for low crimes and misdemeanors he found the entire atmosphere oppressive and intimidating. For the most part he kept his head down and looked forward to visits, and phone calls.

"You're due in court the first week after the holidays." Dennis told him two weeks later. "Not much we could've done before that." The lawyer made a face.

"Everybody needs to enjoy their holiday," Danny replied dryly, "can't say I've done the same."

Dennis chuckled in a humorless sort of way.

"Got me there." The lawyer replied.

"I'll be back to discuss our plans for the hearing. You're not on trial here Danny the state can't go that far and they can't officially charge you with anything."

"I defied the law." Danny exclaimed.

"I know that." Dennis replied simply, "you also did what any person who is innocent and with a lick of common sense would do... Minus the fleeing to Canada part."

"It didn't sit right with me." Danny replied, the words coming out of his mouth before he could stop them, "That's why I took off, Beth and I thought it was best besides she never filed a formal complaint."

"Exactly." Dennis replied, "your case is built on circumstances and character witnesses. Is there anyone outside of your family other than Beth who can vouch for you?"

Then Danny told his lawyer about Dahlia and her family in Canada.

"I'll get a hold of them as soon as possible, definitely before the hearing. I might even bring in the cousin's boyfriend."

Shortly thereafter, Dennis and Danny adjourned their meeting and Danny return to his dreary cell. He was thankful he didn't have a cellmate, he didn't feel like talking and explaining himself.

Sometime later on a legal pad he had picked up (one of the few items he had been allotted) Danny began composing a letter to Dahlia not even sure he would send it.

He found the process of writing a letter by hand somewhat soothing, at least to gave him something to do, technology had people spoiled he reflected.

Dear Dahlia,

Not even sure if I'll send this, but I got nothing better to do. After being in county for a few days they transferred me to the state prison until my hearing which is in a few weeks after the holidays-two weeks I think.

Dennis, my lawyer, is debating whether or not to call your family and Derek as character witnesses, he says it will help my case, I agree he will be contacting you shortly I'm sure.

The cellblock I am on is pretty dead though I only speak to the other inmates when I have to. The guys on my block pretty much keep to themselves this isn't the high crimes area and this isn't a high security prison either. No one asks too many big questions though I have kept my information to a minimum they don't need to know everything. I pretty much only talk to people in the mess hall and if they're doing checks. I haven't had any problems yet, I hope it stays that way.

Beth and my family have really been helpful they are the ones that got my legal counsel and stuff she says we're going to fight this thing and I applaud her and my family for that. I am grateful.

I don't know where our relationship stands, I really like you and that's the truth but I care about Beth and what happens to my kid. When this is all over I still have a lot to work out. I hope to return to Canada, or even Detroit if you prefer.

Hope you're well,
Danny

Danny tossed the legal pad on a desk nearby then flopped down on his bed stretching out with his hands behind his head. Writing out his thoughts had raised even more questions the same ones that had been batting themselves around his head for weeks. Then there was the hearing. All of it spun together in his head in a complete mess.

Raising his head he asked the guard nearby outside his cell what time it was.

"A little bit before four." The guard replied.

He had two hours before dinner. Maybe he could go to the library the inmates had access to or the gym. They were sparse and simple but they were better than nothing. At least he could put his recreational time to good use, it would help take his mind off things.