Arthur's group home nightmare
At last Arthur and D.W. Got better. When they got down for breakfast and got ready for school, they felt better than ever. Aunt Lucy was pleased when she realised that Arthur and D.W.'s faces and bodies were was almost wound-free and spotless.
" Well, it seems you two are nearly fully recovered!"
" I'm glad we are!" explained D.W. and Arthur.
Meanwhile, the group home owner's Lawyer was asking questions about what happened back in the group home.
" Today will be your first hearing," said the lawyer.
" I am ready when you are," said the man.
" What have you got to explain about this?"
" Arthur and D.W. just injured themselves, while holding a bag of bricks," the man lied, " They were walking holding the heavy lot when they fell down and with rough texture and pressure of the bricks, their skins got abrasions and bruises,"
" I will indeed take your case," said his lawyer as he started taking down notes.
Soon, they headed to the court room. It was time for the trial to begin. Arthur and D.W. were there as part of the witnesses.
" All rise for his honor, Judge Gary Henderson," said the bailiff.
" You may be seated. The case of the state verses William Snow, owner of Dandelion Group Home," said the judge. " District Attorney, you may begin,"
" William Snow uses and exploits to make bricks that caused lot of injuries. Child labor is a crime in this country. He also gave them rotten food to eat and tight clothes to wear, made it a prison when it is supposed to be a home for them. He also beat, Punched, and kicked them frequently if they tried to rest, look for something to eat or drink, of defend themselves. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, find him guilty on all counts, all due to child labor, child endangerment, and child abuse. That is all i have to say," answered the district attorney.
" Thank you," said the judge.
Then it was the group home owner's lawyer's turn.
" William Snow would not think of such a thing. They injured themselves. He genuinely cared about them and never force them into labor or harsh work. This was all a matter rough play and fighting, like most children their ages do. He tried his best to heal them but with the pressure he did not have time to do so. He may have gone under intense training whilst in the military but he is a good man. Find him not guilty. Thank you,"
" You may be seated,"said the judge, with the opening arguments done, please enter your first witness"
" Our first witness is Arthur Read," announced the DA.
Arthur arrived, dressed in a suit.
" Do you promise to tell the whole truth?" asked the bailiff.
" I do," said Arthur.
" You may take the stand,"
Arthur took the stand.
" Is it true that he served bad food," ask the DA.
" Yes sir. He sure did," replied Arthur.
" Did he make you wear tight and uncomfortable clothing and made you make bricks?"
" Yes sir,"
" And beat you?"
" Yes, that is absolutely true," Arthur showed the court some of his wounds.
" That is all i have to ask," asked the DA.
" Would you like to cross examine him?" asked the judge.
" No your Honor," said the lawyer.
" You may step down," said the judge. " Our next witness please,"
" Up next is Dora Winfred Read," said the DA. " To the stand please,"
D.W., who also had some wounds like her brother, took the stand.
" Will you promise to tell nothing but just the truth?" asked the DA.
" I will," answered D.W.
D.W. answered the same questions, again without cross examining as soon as she was done.
After deliberation with the judge and the jury, the results were finally in.
" How do you plead on the accounts?" asked the judge.
" Not guilty, your honor" said the man.
" The bail is set at $ 1,000,000," announced the judge. " Failure to pay so will result in a prison sentence of fifteen years. Ten years for child abuse, three additional years for attempted child slavery and labor, and anorther two for child endangerment. The case is now closed. Court dismissed,"
With that, Arthur and D.W. left with the others as the court room began to empty, the group home owner was taken in by the police and handcuffed as he was shoved into the police car. After the police car arrived at the prison, the policeman seized and dragged him all the way to a distant cell. Forced in the cell, the man stayed put as the gate slammed shut and bolted, before the two left him behind.