As Martin walked into his office to do some much need work; Frances joined Melissa at the kitchen table. Melissa poring them both some juice, she confirms what she said to Julie in regards to Martin protecting the town versus his daughter. While cold; every were in moon lake understands that their secrecy takes priority over everything else.
They continue chatting for another hour; discussing Melissa’s recent news of becoming pregnant. While Melissa’s family was not religious, Melissa considered herself pro-life and had no intentions of seeking an abortion despite the family strife. When asked if Melissa has informed her family, she said she hadn’t. Frances suggested that she do it soon. They continue to talk when there comes a knock on the door. Melissa gets up to answer to see a slightly diminutive man in a sharp grey suit with a garish pink tie.
“Melissa it’s so nice to see you again;” the mysterious man states.
“Jack Johnson,” Melissa answers. “Is this a social call?”
“While I wish this was a social call,” Jack states. “I must speak with you, your husband and Julie. May I come in?”
Melissa invites the man who lost to Martin in the last election. Knowing that he became a prosecutor, this has to pertain to Julie. Jack notices Dr. Frances Twist and makes pleasant small talk with her while waiting for the rest of the Stovall’s. His wait is not long as Martin and then Julie show up. Both being informed that they were needed. While Julie did not know the man at the door, Martin clearly did.
“Not a social call I take it,” Martin sighs while shaking Jack’s hand.
Jack Johnson may not be as tall as Martin he was by no means a small fry that could be pushed around. He was after all a were-cat and gay. While he did lose to Martin at the last mayoral election, he didn’t hold it against him. Martin did present a better platform for the citizens of Moon Lake to get behind.
“Sorry Martin, I wish this were under better circumstances,” Jack answers. “As it may be clear to you I am assigned to prosecute your daughter Julie.” He continues, “As the prosecutor I must hereby inform you that Julie will be charged with assault. You will be required to have Julie at the courthouse next Wednesday no later than ten in the morning, where she will be asked to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. By this time I hope you have a lawyer to defend her.”
“Jack can I ask you something,” Martin speaks up. “Will you be pushing to have Julie tried as an adult?”
Jack is silent for the moment before answering. “I can’t tell you. Not without someone representing as Julie’s lawyer.” Seeing Julie he looks at her. “Julie Stovall, you are still under house arrest. You may not venture from you parents’ house until the time of your first court appearance. It will be decided then whether the judge will wish to maintain your house arrest or loosen it. Do you understand what you just heard?”
Julie unsure, just mutters, “I guess.”
“Good,” Jack states. “Your mother and father will make sure you arrive to meet the judge, until then, stay out of trouble.”
Jack looks up at Martin and Melissa; “sorry for interrupting your day.” He turns around and heads out the door to leave.
Martin closes the door behind Jack Johnson. He knew there was a chance that he would be prosecuting Julie; he was just shocked that Julie’s trial would be starting soon. Looking at Melissa he just shakes his head. Melissa knew that this might not bode well. Jack Johnson was a man who always fought to get the maximum sentence for everyone he managed to convict.
Frances Twist then chooses to interrupt the silence. “While it is never great to receive the kind of news that was just given; It is better to get it sooner rather than later.” Looking at her watch, “I think it is best to continue another day. Will This Friday do?”
Martin is the first to answer, “Sorry but no. There is a town council meeting regarding next year’s budget and a few revisions to various city ordinances. I have to attend it.” Martin sighs, “Would the weekend work?”
Frances thinks for a minute. “Yes. I’ll have to head to my office and make the necessary arraignments.” Frances continues as she gets her coat; ”I’ll call you when I have a fixed time for you.”
Martin escorts Frances out the door and thanks her for taking the time to visit them. Closing the door he looks at both Julie and Melissa. All three know that there is still much to do.
“I better get on the phone to contact a lawyer,” Martin states.
“No,” Melissa interrupts. “I’ll deal with that, you just finish what you need to do for you council meeting this Friday.”