Chapter 18

Sportacus made the suggestion that to help the police keep trouble down they should leave Robbie in his cell. The Captain asked how long they should keep him and Sportacus said at least 4 weeks. That would give him a chance to heal and make Robbie less inclined to try something like that again. Captain Dogooder said that he would have to run that by the town prosecutor to see if that was legal. If not they would have to come up with something else. Sportacus said he understood and the three of them left the office and headed for the Mayor's house.

On their way they passed the sports field. Pixel, Trixie, Stingy, and Ziggy were playing baseball. They saw Sportacus, Stephanie, and Mayor Meanswell and rushed over to see them. The kids asked him how he was feeling and how long it would take him to get better. Sportacus told them he was feeling a little better than before but that it would take 4 to 6 weeks to be completely better. They said they were sorry to hear that and promised to visit him often while he rested. Sportacus said he appreciated that and would be glad to see them. Mayor Meanswell said that Sportacus needed to get to bed. The kids said goodbye and the Mayor Meanswell pushed the wheelchair toward his house.

Once inside Stephanie made up some lunch for the three of them while Sportacus got into bed. She looked around for some healthy stuff to eat. It looked like Uncle Milford hadn't gone shopping in a few days but she managed to find some apples, yogurt, and bread. She made some toast and then carried the plates down to Sportacus and her Uncle.

Sportacus had found a comfortable position and sat up in bed. His ribs were killing him and his whole face felt just as bad. But when he saw Stephanie come into the room he didn't show how much pain he was in, instead he tried to smile. She smiled at him and handed him his plate of apples, yogurt, and toast. Uncle Milford took his and the three enjoyed lunch together. When they were finished Stephanie cleaned up the plates and silverware. The phone rang and Mayor Meanswell went out to the kitchen to answer it. Leaving Stephanie and Sportacus alone for a few minutes.

"Hello, this is Mayor Meanswell." The Mayor said as he answered the phone.

"Hello Mayor. This is Captain Dogooder. I've talked to the town prosecutor and he said since the robots were his, Robbie can be charged with assault. After 4 weeks we'll let him out on probation and he'll have to do 200 hours of community service." The Captain explained.

"Well if that doesn't discourage him, nothing will. Thank you for keeping us updated. I'll run everything by Sportacus. Thanks again, Captain." Mayor Meanswell said.

"You're welcome, Mayor. I'll call you if anything changes." Captain Dogooder said and hung up. The Mayor hung up the phone and walked back down the hall.

Stephanie was holding Sportacus' hand and the two were discussing what they were going to do for the next 4 weeks. Then Sportacus asked what they were going to do about Uncle Milford. Stephanie heard approaching footsteps and quickly said they would discuss it later as Uncle Milford walked into the room.

"That was Captain Dogooder. He told me that Robbie would be charged with assault and kept in a cell for 4 weeks. After that he will do 200 hours of community service. Is that ok?" Mayor Meanswell asked. Sportacus said that was good and that he needed to get some sleep if the Mayor and Stephanie didn't mind. The two said they didn't mind and quietly left the room.

Robbie sat in his cell as Captain Dogooder approached. The Captain explained Robbie's rights to him, removed him from the cell, and escorted him to the courthouse. The town prosecutor, the town judge, and an attorney provided for Robbie, were waiting when they got there. The judge explained that Robbie had to allocute, or admit what he had done. Robbie refused to do so and the judge held him in contempt of court. Robbie's legal aide tried to convince him that if he allocated than he wouldn't have to spend more time in jail. Robbie decided that he didn't like jail and would prefer to stay out of it. The legal aide announced that Robbie had changed his mind and asked if the contempt charge could be dropped. The prosecutor had no objections and the judge allowed it. Then Robbie was told to stand up and tell the court what he had done. After Robbie did so the judge informed him of the deal that had been arranged. Robbie didn't look happy and he wanted to object but his legal aide advised against it. The judge delivered Robbie's sentence and then Captain Dogooder escorted Robbie back to county lockup.

Stephanie went out to the kitchen and realized it was only two o'clock in the afternoon. She put on her sneakers and told Uncle Milford that she was going out to play with her friends. He agreed that it was a good idea and told her that he had to run to Town Hall for a little while. Then he asked her when they could talk. She told him to come and get her when he was done at Town Hall and then they could talk. Uncle Milford promised he would and the two parted.

To Be Continued…