Bargaining

“To me, it sounds like the aggravated assault was an accident. Once your former boss talks to his lawyer, we’ll see if we can drop it to simple assault. If he doesn’t accept, we’ll offer negligent bodily harm. If he doesn’t accept, we’ll offer community service,” Al said.

“I doubt he’ll plead guilty to either, Al. I worked rather closely with him for almost a year. Never once had he become violent. Once I started working here, I did an extensive background check on him. He’s had a few tickets but that’s it. I’ve spoken with previous girlfriends. He never laid a finger on them to hurt them. He’s got a temper though,” I said.

“Did he get violent with his temper?” Al asked.

“Not once, not even with me. I kept pushing his envelope by standing up for myself and everyone he was inconsiderate to but he never got violent. Did he yell? Sure but so did I. He is not a violent person,” I said. “The last thing I want to do with you, Al, is to tell you how to do your job. You’re the chief for a reason.”

“And you’re a lieutenant and the assistant chief of police. Obviously I trust your judgment enough to promote you who knows how many times in the decade you’ve been working here at the PD,” Al said. “Please, tell me what’s on your mind. What do you think we should do?”

“Look…..I think the first thing we do is suggest negligent. If he refuses, offer him community service of the victim’s choosing; as long as it’s in reason and is 200 hours. Do you think that sounds fair, jefe?”

“I trust your judgment on him. Once his lawyer gets here, I’ll talk to them about both ideas. Before you leave, get him something to drink and eat and then bring him to the holding cell,” Al said.

I nodded and walked to the corner pizza joint to buy a personal pizza, soda and water for D. Once I arrived back to the PD, I went to the interview room where I left D with the list of lawyers and his phone.

“Hey, buddy. Look, I got you some food and soda. Go ahead and eat in here so you can have some privacy. Vince and I will be just outside in the hall if you need anything or need an escort to the men’s room; I’ll have Vince escort you,” I said.

“Thanks, Deppgrl. I appreciate you getting the list of lawyers, my cell phone and the food. I appreciate you taking the time today to help me out,” D said.

I said that it wasn’t a problem and that Al would be in a little bit to speak with him and his lawyer. I gave him a spare charger I found laying around in my apartment for his phone as he was waiting for his lawyer to arrive. I figured his phone might be on the brink of losing its power.

“Before we leave, is there anything I can do for you?” I asked as I was getting up from the table.

“Vince, would you mind if I spoke to your wife privately?” D asked.

“Go right ahead. Just don’t stress her out, ok? She’s pregnant,” Vince said; D nodded in agreement.

“So you actually married him, huh?  You know you coulda had a husband who would live longer if we married,” D said.

“If you’re going to continue to bash my husband, the father of my baby, I’m leaving. Don’t bother getting in contact with me anymore. You’re as rude as ever, if not more so. You couldn’t thank me when I came here. You couldn’t thank me for speaking to the chief asking him to lower the deal for you. You couldn’t thank me for bringing food for you. All I can think is: “Seriously?” D, you are the rudest person I have ever met! You don’t have any manners whatsoever! You’ve been like this from when I first met you. To be honest, you’re an arrogant ass!!” I said as I got up from the table and headed to the door.

The next thing I heard was the chair that D was sitting on scraping the floor and falling over. He grabbed my wrist and spun me around. He kept walking closer into my personal space and I kept backing up until I hit the door. As he placed both hands on my shoulders, I told him:
“If you come any closer, buddy, you’re going to regret it!”

D kissed me.