Four people sit at a table under the soft glow of candlelight. All listen to the sound of thunder crack above them during the rain storm.
“It looks like it’s not going to let up,” Martin states. “Good thing I got that budget report done,” he continues. “Hopefully my assistant received it and had the good sense to make the requisite copies for tomorrows council meeting.”
“Will the rain cancel the meeting?” Julie asks.
“No,” Martin answers. The meeting will go as planned. If the power is still out come morning which I highly doubt, then there are backup generators to power the town hall for emergency purposes.”
Martin Stovall was the elected Mayor of Moon Lake. He campaigned on a platform of fiscal responsibility and low taxes. Being a former money manager he specialized in stretching every dollar possible. Which is why Martin is credited as the only Mayor in the history of Moon Lake to actually keep it’s ledgers in the black. Or at least it will be revealed come Friday.
Julie was feeling bummed out. After being told by her mom that her internet privileges were being restored, she grew despondent that the power goes out shortly after John Shafer comes by to drop her homework. With her being suspended from school, pending her assault charges against Eric Anderson and Frieda Knight; she was looking forward to spending the night on social media. Alas with the storm rolling in it was not the case. Lost in her own thoughts she wasn’t paying attention to the conversation between her parents and Brett Smithson; a lawyer that specializes in Juvenile cases.
“Julie?” Melissa speaks.
“Oh what?” Julie responds not realizing they were discussing her case.
“Did you not listen to what we were discussing?” Martin asks disapprovingly.
“I’m sorry,” Julie states. “My mind was elsewhere. May I be excused?"
“No missy,” Melissa states. “We are discussing your upcoming trial and you need to pay attention.” Looking at Brett Smithson, “Please continue.”
“As I was saying while juvenile court is a relatively short affair; the fact that there is a possibility of Julie being tried as an adult does complicate things. With what you told me leading up to her arrest as well as what Julie said after she was mirandized that is scenario you need to accept if it comes to it. Do you know who is prosecuting the case?”
“Jack Johnson,” Martin answers.
“Ah yes,” Brett answers. “He is a reasonable man. I’m sure we can work out a deal that will hopefully ensure Julie doesn’t spend any jail time.”
“Really?” Martin balks, “I ran against him in the election. He was a fire brand behind the pulpit, promising to be tough on crime. No deals and what not.”
“Promises and politics are two entirely different beasts Mayor Stovall,” Brett says smiling. “I know Jack; if there is a chance he can get a deal that makes him look like he will come out on top before trial, he’ll take it.” She pauses before continuing, “Yet I won’t know more until I put forward a motion for discovery. I need to see the evidence against Julie so I can formulate a defense;” as Brett gets up.
“So you’ll take up Julie’s case,” Martin asks.
“Yes,” Brett states as she is escorted to the door. “Although I should of brought an umbrella,” as she looks out the now open door. Taking her coat as Martin hands it to her; “from were to another, I know this may look bad from your end; but trust me I have dealt with far worse. Your daughter is in good hands.” Brett smiles as she leaves the Stovall Residence and makes a mad dash to her car parked out in the street.
Martin closes the door. While feeling some small comfort from what Brett stated; he still can’t stop feeling worried that the worse has yet to pass. Heading back to the kitchen he see both Julie And Melissa making sandwiches for supper. With the power out there is not much else that could be done. He grabs a light beer from the fridge and slowly sips it as his wife hands him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Melissa chuckles, “Julie’s ideal for supper not mine.”
Martin looks at Julie to see her giggling between bites. This forces Martin to finally break out of his own storm induced funk. “I guess we got family game night tonight," he comments while joining in with Julie's giggling fit.