Protecting you
Movie Night
It was the last weekend of March, and Arnold had planned to spend it celebrating his girlfriend Helga.
His birthday had been a few days ago, so today, Friday, they had planned to go to the movies with Gerald and Phoebe.
Arnold was waiting for Helga with Gerald and Pheobe outside the cinema. The movie would start soon and if Helga didn't hurry they would miss the opening trailers
- Where is she? - Gerald asked somewhat annoyed.
- I don't know... - replied Arnold
- She should have arrived already - Pheobe said - when I talked to her a while ago she was leaving her house
- I hope she's okay - Arnold replied somewhat worried.
- Oh come on man, it's Helga we're talking about - replied Gerald - if there's someone who knows how to take care of herself it's Helga
- You're right... but... - said Arnold, who interrupted what he was going to say when he heard a scream in the distance
- Help!!!
- Helga!! - Arnold said alarmed, he would recognize that voice anywhere - call the police Gerald!
Arnold without thinking for a second ran in the direction of the scream. Just a few meters from the entrance to the cinema where they had been waiting, there was an alley, and in it was Helga, surrounded by two men. One of the men had a hand on Helga's throat and was squashing her against the wall, while the other man held a pocket knife to her neck while he searched Helga's pockets
- Helga! - shouted Arnold, running towards her.
As soon as Arnold saw what was happening, his protective instinct activated and all his karate knowledge resurfaced. With a quick and clean movement he freed Helga from both men, who after a few more blows fell unconscious to the ground.
- Helga?! - Arnold said as soon as both men fell to the ground. Arnold knelt next to Helga who was unconscious on the floor, apparently the thief had been choking her very hard - Helga are you okay?
- Arnold? - Helga asked as she opened her eyes and saw her beloved, and then fainted again
- Are you... - Arnold couldn't finish his question because just at that moment Gerald and Phoebe arrived along with the police
- Don't move! Leave her alone! Put your hands where I can see them! - shouted the policeman - your hands on your head and turn around slowly
- Officer I...
- Silence! Put your hands on your head and turn around - said another policeman
Arnold, somewhat confused, did as the policeman told him, and put his hands behind his head. When he turned around, he could see that three policemen were pointing their weapons at him.
- Don't move! - said the policemen that was in charge, as he quickly assessed the scene around him. Two men and a girl unconscious on the ground - kneel on the ground...
- Officer I... - I try to say Arnold
- See how the others are - said the policeman to one of his companions
- The girl looks fine... Apparently she fainted... - answered the policeman - for them we will need an ambulance
- I understand - said the policeman in charge, who took his handcuffs and approached Arnold - you are under arrest for assault
- What? But I was just trying to defend my girlfriend who was being mugged by them - said Arnold very confused with everything that was happening
- You have the right to remain silent, and everything you say can be used against you - said the policeman as he put the handcuffs on Arnold
Gerald and Phoebe looked incredulous at everything that was happening
- Wait! - Gerald said to the policeman - it's true, we heard Helga's screams for help... Arnold came to help her while we went to find you
- Maybe it was like that - said the policeman - but here I have three unconscious people, two of them very badly injured... And your friend here has blood on his knuckles...
Arnold was very confused with everything that was happening and he didn't say anything else to defend himself.
At that moment, two ambulances arrived to attend to the two men and Helga.
- Take them to the hospital and get their statements - said the policeman in charge to his companions, as he guided Arnold towards the patrol car - I'll wait for you at the station... Get on!
Phoebe, who was very shaken, approached the stretcher where the paramedics had Helga.
- Helga? Helga are you alright? - asked Phoebe, who to her surprise saw that her friend began to open her eyes.
- Phoebe? What happened? - she asked confused looking at all the fuss around her - the thieves! Some guys were trying to mug me!
- We know, Helga... - Phoebe said, trying to calm her down - Arnold...
- Arnold! Where is Arnold? I saw him hit those guys and...
- They took him - said Gerald, who had approached the two girls
- They took him? Who? Where? - Helga asked sitting on the stretcher
- The police... - replied Gerald - they arrested him for beating them up
- What!?!? - Helga shouted in alarm, trying to get off the stretcher.
- No! Miss you need to go to the hospital - the paramedic who was trying to treat her told her
- I'm fine! I don't need to go to the hospital... - Helga replied, who, seeing one of the policemen, yelled at him - where is Arnold? Why did you take him?
- He's at the station - the policeman answered.
- But he only tried to protect me!
- It dosen't look like that... Those two were very badly injured - replied the policeman, pointing at the two thieves who were still unconscious while they were being loaded into the ambulances
- I have to go see Arnold! - Helga said after seeing the badly injured thieves
- No, you need to go to the hospital first - the policeman told her
- I'm fine! I don't need to go to the hospital! - answered Helga, trying to get off the stretcher again - I have to see Arnold! I must explain what happened!
- You can do that after going to the hospital... - answered the policeman, who, seeing Helga's anguished face, added - a doctor must testify that you have no injuries, otherwise it could only make things worse for your boyfriend. ..
- What?! He wouldn't hurt me! - Helga responded outraged
- It's not what it looked like when we got here - the policeman replied.
- Helga please - said Phoebe - let's not make things worse for Arnold
- Okay - Helga said resigned, who then looked at Gerald - can you go with him?
- Of course, I was just waiting for you to wake up to go - he answered - so I could tell Arnold that you're okay
- Thank you
- Okay, let's go - the policeman ordered the paramedics.
When they arrived at the station, Arnold was taken to a small room, which only had a table with four chairs. They sat Arnold in one of them and a policeman sat across from him.
- Well, first I will need your information to be able to call your parents - said the policeman - as soon as they arrive you can give your statement
- Okay...
- Sunset Arms, how can I help you? - Stella said when answering the phone
- Good evening, this is Officer Colle from the police station, I'm looking for Stella or Miles Shortman
- This is Stella Shortman - answered Stella scared - What's going on?
- You must come to the station as soon as possible, your son Arnold has been arrested
- Arrested?
- That's right ma'am, please come to the station as soon as possible
- Okay, thank you very much - Stella said before hanging up and running to find her husband - Miles! Miles!
- What happen dear? - replied Miles, who was in the kitchen with his parents
- Is something wrong? - asked Phil
- It's Arnold... he was arrested, we should go to the police station now
- What?!?! - shouted Phil
- Arrested? But why? - asked Miles confused.
- I don't know, they didn't say - Stella answered very sadly - Arnold was supposed to be at the cinema with Helga and the others...
- Let's go... - Miles said, taking the keys to the Packard - we'll let you know as soon as we know something
- Ok... - Phil replied, hugging Pookie
- Hello, good evening - Miles said to the policeman who was at the station entrance counter - we receive a call... our son had been arrested
- Name? - asked the policeman reluctantly
- Arnold Shortman
- Wait there - said the policeman pointing to a small waiting room
- Thank you
Just a couple of minutes later another policeman approached them.
- Mr and Mrs Shortman?
- Yeah
- I'm officer Colle, follow me - said the officer, leading them to the small interrogation room where Arnold was still sitting at the table
- Arnold! - Stella said, relieved to see that her son was fine, although handcuffed to the table - what happened?
- Before Arnold makes his statement I must tell you a few things - Officer Colle said before Arnold could respond - Arnold was arrested for assaulting two men, who suffered various injuries, which are being evaluated and treated at the in Hospital
- My God - Stella said, looking at Arnold to see if that was true.
- I am waiting for the report from my colleagues to find out the seriousness of the injuries - explained officer Colle - since as you know this influences the crime and the charges that the prosecutor may present against Arnold
- We understand - replied Miles.
- Now Arnold, please tell us what happened - Officer Colle said, pressing the recorder maching to save Arnold's statement
- We were outside the cinema waiting for Helga, when suddenly we heard her screaming for help - Arnold explained - I ran out to help her while Gerald and Phoebe went looking for help
- I understand - said officer Colle, who was taking notes of everything Arnold told him
- Upon reaching the alley that was only a few meters from the entrance to the cinema, I saw how two guys were trying to mug Helga
- How do you know they were trying to do that? What were they doing? - asked the officer
- One had Helga pinned against the wall, with his right hand squeezing her throat - Arnold said, starting to get uneasy as he remembered what had happened - the other guy had a pocket knife in Helga's neck, and he was poking around in the pockets of his jacket
- I understand... - said the officer - Was Helga conscious?
- Ehm... Yes, but barely... It was noticeable that she almost had no air left - Arnold answered
- So, what did you do? - asked the officer
- I ran towards them to get them to release her - replied Arnold
- And they did that?
- Yeah
- They released her because you hit them? Or did you hit them after they released her? - asked officer Colle
- Ehm... I hit them so they would let go of her, and then I hit them again so they wouldn't come near her again.
- I understand... And Helga was still conscious at this point?
- No... I think she fainted when she was released - Arnold replied.
- You're sure?
- I think so, but I couldn't get closer to check on her .. not yet... - Arnold replied - not until they fell to the ground
- I see...
- And as soon as I went to check on Helga, you guys showed up - Arnold concluded.
- I understand... I think I already have everything I need - said officer Colle - I'll go see if there's already a report from my colleagues at the hospital... I'll be right back
As soon as Officer Colle left the room, Arnold looked at his parents and began to apologize.
- I'm sorry! I'm sorry! It wasn't my intention... - said Arnold
- We know honey
- I just wanted to protect Helga...
- We know...
- I'm sorry...
- It's okay honey - Stella tried to reassure him - surely it won:t be anything serious...
- Maybe you just have to do a little community service - added Miles, hoping that what he said was true.
- But what if they send me to jail? - asked Arnold, who had been thinking about this possibility since he arrive at the station.
- You're too young to go to jail Arnold - Stella told him with a smile - let's think positive... Maybe they won't even press charges
At that moment Officer Colle re-entered the room.
- Helga is alright? - Arnold asked immediately.
- Yes, she's fine.
- What a relief - Stella said.
- But I'm afraid the other two wounded are not - said officer Colle
- What? What that means? - asked Miles concerned.
- I can't give you more details at the moment - the officer replied, - all the details have already been delivered to the prosecutor, and he is the one who decides if he will file charges or not."
- OMG! - Stella said
- And how long will that take? When will we know? - asked Miles
- It shouldn't take long - Officer Colle replied.
- And what will happens if he files charges against Arnold? What should we do next? - asked Miles
- In case of filing charges, the prosecutor has 48 hours to gather evidence to be able to present it in a hearing in front of a judge - explained officer Colle - after that the judge is the one who decides the possible sentence
- But Arnold is only 12 - said Stella - I don't even think it's legal for him to be arrested
- Oh, yes it is... In this state at least it's legal since he's 12 years old... - explained officer Colle - if the judge thinks it necessary he could send him to a correctional facilities for a few months
- Oh no...
At that moment someone knocked on the door
- Officer Colle, prosecutor Andrews wants to speak with you - said the officer who had knocked on the door
- I'm coming - said officer Colle standing up - I'll be right back
Again, as soon as they were alone in the room, Arnold panicked.
- I'm going to jail! I'm sorry!
- Honey...
- I'm sorry, I'm sorry... - Arnold said, very affected - I can't believe that it's been a little over a year since I got you back and now we'll have to separate again because I'm going to jail!
- Arnold...
- And Helga! At last everything is fine between us!... she is no longer afraid to show her feelings in public...
- Arnold...
- And my grandparents! Oh no...
- Arnold! - said Miles - calm down son, we still don't know if that will happen or not...
- And if it happens, we will do everything possible to solve it.
- It's true, you were trying to defend Helga, that's legitimate defense... - said Miles.
- Your father is right honey - said Stella - you'll see how everything will turn out well
Before Arnold could refute his parents, the door to the small room opened again, and two people entered.
- Arnold, Mr. and Mrs. Shortman, this is prosecutor Andrews - Officer Colle introduced them
- Good night - said Miles
- I am here to inform you that your son is accused of assault in second degree, for the attack carried out on two men today - said the prosecutor without even saying hello - Tomorrow, first thing in the morning, the preliminary hearing will be held in which Judge Stevens will open the case.
- OMG! - Stella said amazed.
- Since the hearing is tomorrow, Arnold will have to spend the night here - added the prosecutor, before saying goodbye with a slight nod and leaving the room.
- Here? how here? - asked Miles alarmed - it's a boy!
- We know Mr. Shortman - said officer Colle - but the law says that detainees must wait for the hearing in the cells of the station
- But he is only 12! - Stella said - I don't want him in a cell with adult criminals!
- Of course not, Mrs... We have a special area for minors where they have personal cells... - said officer Colle - if you want you can accompany me to leave Arnold there
- Okay - said Miles, resigned.
- Excellent, but first we need to fill out some forms - Officer Colle said, releasing the handcuff that held Arnold to the table, and leading him out of the room.
Officer Colle led the Shortmans to a special sector, where they took Arnold's fingerprints, some photos, and created his criminal record.
- Well that's all, let's go - said officer Colle, leading the family towards the cell sector
- Arnold!
Arnold turned when he heard his name, it was Gerald
- What's going on? - Gerald asked.
- How is Helga? - Arnold asked, ignoring Gerald's question.
- Fine, she's fine... - said Gerald, who seeing that Arnold was still handcuffed and that the policeman next to him hadn't stopped to talk, added - And you?
- Tell Helga I'm sorry... - Arnold said, just before crossing the door that led to the cell sector.
Gerald stared at the door through which the Shortmans had just passed without understanding what was happening. The best thing would be to wait for someone to come out and clear up all his doubts.
- Here... Here you will stay for tonight - Officer Colle said, guiding Arnold into the cell, where he finally removed the handcuffs - you're lucky... For adults there are no hearings during the weekend... They must wait until Monday
- How lucky me - said Arnold sarcastically
- Don't get discouraged honey - Stella told her - we'll be here early tomorrow for the hearing
- See you tomorrow champ - Miles told him
- I'm sorry ...
- We know honey, you don't need to keep apologizing - Stella told him
- The hearing will be tomorrow at 9 o'clock - Officer Colle informed them as he led the Shortmans out of the cells - you'd better get a lawyer
- Yes... Thank you officer - Stella said
- Where's Arnold? What's going on? - Gerald asked as soon as he saw the Shortmans appear.
- Arnold will spend the night here - said Stella - the prosecutor filed charges against him...
- What?... that means that... - said Gerald
- We still don't know how this will end, but there will be a trial... And there is a possibility that Arnold will have to go to correctional for a few months
- No.. no... This is not happening... - said Gerald - Arnold is a goody two shoes! This makes no sense
- We know... But apparently the men who attacked Helga are badly injured... - Stella said
- Ehm... Yes... They are, or at least they looked bad... - Gerald clarified
- Tomorrow at 9 o'clock will be the first hearing, and the next one will be on Monday... - Miles said - ... We must find a good lawyer who can get Arnold out of this
- I'll call Phoebe... Helga won't like hearing this... - Gerald said, taking out his cell phone.
- Can I go now? - Helga asked the doctor for the tenth time
- You are already well enough to leave, but I cannot discharge you if one of your parents does not arrive
- Argh! I will die here! Obviously neither Miriam nor Bob will come! - Helga said exasperated.
- We already called them, your father said he was on his way - said the doctor
- Yes of course ...
- Olga! What is all this?! Why are you in the hospital? - said Bob, who was just arriving
- I'm fine. Bob, thanks... And it's HELGA!
- Hey hey! Do not yell at me little lady...
- Mr Pataki... - interrupted the doctor - Helga is fine, she can go now... she was attacked by some thieves and the police needed to verify injuries
- Oh... I'm glad you're okay - Bob said, a little calmer. Looking closely at his daughter, he could see the beginning of a bruise on Helga's throat - someone choked you? Who did that?!?! I will give him what he deserves!
- Relax Bob!... Arnold already took care of that...
- Arnold?
- You know, my boyfriend?
- Yeah, of course...
Just then Phoebe's cell phone started ringing.
- Oh, it's Gerald... He must have news about Arnold... - Phoebe said, pulling away so she could speak calmly.
- News? What is hapenning here? - asked Bob
- Arnold was arrested for beating up the thieves - Helga explained
- What? That doesn't make sense - said Bob
- That's what I said... - Helga said, looking at the doctor she added - can we go now?
- Yes, of course... Mr. Pataki, you just have to sign some papers and then you can leave.
- Ok... - Bob Pataki said, following the doctor out of the room.
- Helga? - said Phoebe, going over to her friend to tell her what Gerald had said.
- What did Gerald say? How is Arnold?
- He... Helga, I...
- Phoebe! Just tell me!
- The prosecutor filed charges against Arnold... assault in second degree... - Phoebe said, holding back the urge to cry so as not to upset Helga any more - there will be a trial... And Arnold could...
- ... Go to jail ... - Helga said with a lump in her throat
- To.the.correctional, but yeah... - Phoebe said - ... Nothing is certain yet... Maybe the judge will dismiss the charges... Or just give him community service...
- Or give him 20 years in jail... - Helga said, leaning back on the bed and focusing her gaze on the ceiling.
- Helga, that won't happen...
- ... I knew something would ruin everything... - Helga said sadly - ... I was too happy... Everything was going too well...
- Helga...
- I should have known it wouldn't last... Apparently I don't deserve to be happy...
- Helga, that's not true...
- Okay, Olga, let's go - Bob said, entering the room again. When he saw the state of both girls, he added - What's going on?
- The prosecutor filed charges against Arnold... - Phoebe replied, noticing that Helga was silently crying - assault in second degree
- What? This is ridiculous! - Bob said outraged - accused of hitting some thieves to defend you? - Noticing that Helga was crying, Bob asked Phoebe - Do you know if they have a good lawyer?
- I don't know...
- Come on Helga, we'll go to Arnold's house - Bob said, paying real attention to saying both names correctly.
He could tell that Helga was very upset, and for his part he was very angry with the judicial system. He should thank the boy for defending Helga, and maybe a good lawyer could help his case.
Since what happened in the jungle, the relationship between the Patakis had improved remarkably, it was still not excellent, but compared to previous years it was very good. In addition, Bob had recovered his business, he had managed to get rid of the last beepers, and expand the business to other technology products; now the Big Bob Tech, sold cell phones, laptops, mp3 and mp4, among others things. The business was prospering, and he had been able to get the house back. Everything had been improving little by little for the Patakis.
- Helga? Bob? - Miles asked surprised as he opened the door of SunsetArms
- I heard what happened with Arnold... - said Bob - I wish I could help
- Oh, sure... Come in - said Miles - I'm glad you're okay Helga
- Thanks... - Helga answered, as she followed Miles towards the kitchen where the others were.
- Helga! Honey, I'm glad you're okay - Stella said when she saw her come in.
- I'm sorry... Everything that's happening is my fault - Helga apologized.
- Of course not honey, it's the thieves' fault for attacking you - Stella reassured her
- And the stupid judicial system - Bob added - where someone who defends himself is guilty, and not the real attacker...
- That's true... - Phil added.
- Do you have a lawyer? - asked Bob - you could call mine ...
- Oh, that would be spectacular Bob, thank you - said Stella
- Don't thank me - said Bob - it's the least I can do after all this happened because Arnold protected Helga
Helga looked at Bob puzzled, things had improved a lot between them lately, but she was still surprised when Bob acted like this.
- Thanks Dad
Arnold, for his part, was lying on the small bunk that was in his cell. His cell how was it possible that everything had changed so much in just a couple of hours. He had started the day very happy, today he was going to see a movie with his friends and he had many plans to celebrate Helga's birthday over the weekend... And now he was locked in a cell, and there was a possibility that his future would not be very different
All these years being a Goddy two shoes thrown away with this... At only 12 years old he already had criminal records... What future awaited him after this? Would he be able to get into a good college or get a good job? Would Helga still love him if he was an ex-con? Would his friends keep talking to him, or would their parents forbid it?
His parents had said that it was possible that this wouldn't go any further... That the charges were dismissed, or that he'll just end up in community service... But Arnold had a bad feeling, something told him that it wouldn't be that simple
.
Clarify that I do not know the United States judicial system, or how correctionals work or anything like that. Everything said in this story is purely fictitious, so if something seems inconsistent to you, just remember that Arnold's parents woke up after 10 years, as if nothing had happened haha