As Principal Andrews reenters his office, he notices both Martin and Melissa in better spirits. Not knowing that the couple made the first step in reconciling their marriage and Melissa telling Martin she may be pregnant. Following him is both Julie and Sheriff Cooper. Seeing both enter the room Melissa sees her were were-birth control pills still on the desk and grabs them quickly. While the Sheriff and Principal Andrews don’t notice the act. Julie sees it and notices that the pills following last Friday have not been touched. Before she makes a glib comment regarding it, the Sheriff speaks.
“Mr. and Mrs. Stovall. Please be aware I am sorry you have to be here under the circumstances.” The Sheriff continues, “After talking with both Eric Anderson and Frieda Knight. As well as reviewing the surveillance footage, I have come to the conclusion that there is insufficient evidence to charge Julie Stovall under the Town’s Statue 1A.”
Both Martin and Melissa sigh in relief. The sheriff allows them there moment before continuing.
“However; there is sufficient evidence to have Julie charged with assault.” Sheriff Cooper pauses for a moment to let that sink in. “Your daughter will be arrested and taken to the police station. There she will be fitted with and ankle bracelet and released back into your custody.”
Julie is the first to make and outburst. “NO!”
“Silence Julie,” Martin barks. “You’re lucky that’s all you are being charged with. Do you not know what the punishment for violating statue 1A is?” Martin looks at Julie. “It’s the one crime in town that results in a death sentence!” Martin continues, "Is getting petty revenge worth you life?" He shouts the last statement to drive home the point Julie seems to not grasp.
Julie is stunned. She knew the penalty for violating statue 1A was harsh. But she didn’t think it was that harsh.
“If I may please continue,” the Sheriff speaks up. “I am advising you Mr. Stovall to retain the services of a lawyer for the upcoming trial. While the proceeding will most likely take place in family court due to the fact that Julie is a minor. I will advise you that Julie is looking at incarceration in a juvenile detention facility.”
“Thank you sheriff.” Melissa speaks up. “Will you be taking Julie now?”
“I’m afraid I have to, Mrs. Stovall.” The sheriff answers. “Martin can you pick you daughter up when you are done here. There is also another matter I must discuss with you.” The other matter Sheriff Cooper is referring to, is Cathy Shaffer still in jail from committing grand theft auto while drunk.
“Of course.” Martin responds. Looking at Julie, “Do not think you dodged a bullet. There is going to be a serious talk when you get home. “
“But dad!” Julie pleads
“NO buts! No excuses! You are about to learn that actions have consequences.” Martin responds disapprovingly. “Sheriff Cooper, do you duty.”
“Julie Stovall. You are under arrest for the assault on Eric Anderson. You have the right to remain silence. Anything you say or do can and will be used against you in a court of law.” Sheriff Cooper continues as he handcuffs a teary eyed Julie. “You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provide for you. Do you understand these rights as they are being read to you?”
“Yes,” Julie responds meekly.
“Is there anything you want to say? “ Sheriff Cooper finally says.
“No,” Julie whispers.
With that Julie is escorted out of school in handcuffs. Several students who were in the hallway see this and quickly text their fellow classmates to what they saw. As Julie is placed in the back of Sheriff Cooper’s cruiser, the entire student body knows of Julie’s arrest.
The Principal sits down in his desk clearly exhausted from the whole affair. But he has one more task to complete. Looking at the Stovall’s, “I must hereby inform you that your daughter is suspended indefinitely, pending the school board’s decision. If Julie is not expelled and doesn’t face any jail time, She will most likely be held back a year.” Principal Andrews continues, "Once again I'm sorry for having to pull you away from work to deal with this. I hope for Julie's sake she gets what ever help she needs."
As Martin and Melissa get up, the secretary knocks on the door. “I’m sorry to interrupt. But the Anderson’s are here."