The trial
Arnold didn't sleep much that night, his brain was full of worst possible scenarios and many unresolved questions.
Shortly before 9 am, officer Colle took him to the same interrogation room as the night before, where his parents and a man he did not know were waiting for him.
- Honey, you look tired... - Stella said as she saw him enter.
- Yeah... I didn't sleep much last night
- I'll leave you so you can talk - said officer Colle, while he handcuffed Arnold to the table, just like the night before - I'll be waiting outside.
- Ok, thank you very much - said Miles, who waited until the officer left the room to continue - Arnold, this is Mr. Kegg
- I'll be your lawyer, boy - said Mr. Kegg.
- Hello...
- Well, we have little time so let's get to work - said Mr Kegg - the prosecutor apparently has a good case against you, or he would not have pressed charges
- What are you talking about? - Stella asked.
- I'm afraid that the injuries suffered by the assailants are serious - explained the lawyer - I don't know all the information, since as it is the subject of a police investigation the hospital cannot provide it... But if the injuries were minor they would not have filed charges, that for sure
- Ok... And what does that mean for Arnold? - Stella asked.
- That's not good news... - Mr. Kegg explained - it means that we'll have to work harder to convince Judge Stevens that he was just defending himself, and that Arnold is a good kid
- He is... - Miles said with a smile, ruffling his son's hair.
- That's what Mr. Pataki told me... - replied the lawyer
- Mr. Pataki? - Arnold asked.
- Helga's dad is very grateful for what you did honey, and he contacted his lawyer to help you - explained Stella
- Oh... - replied Arnold surprised
- Now, today's hearing is only to formalize the fact that charges have been filed, and in this way the case against you begins - Mr. Kegg explained - it is not yet our turn to defend ourselves, that will be on Monday
- I understand...
- Which gives us two days to gather witnesses to what happened, and people who can give credit for your good character
- I don't think that last one will be too difficult - Stella said
- Actually, maybe Gerald and Helga can help with that... - Arnold said, remembering the video with which they won the trip to San Lorenzo.
- Sure, we'll ask them - said Miles.
At that moment the officer knocked on the door before entering
- It's time, we have to go now - said the officer, entering to free Arnold from the table.
Officer Colle led Arnold, with the others behind him, to the south section of the station, which connected to a small room for hearings, where their grandparents, Helga, Gerald and Phoebe were waiting for them.
As soon as Helga saw Arnold walk in, his heart stopped for a few seconds. Her beloved looked tired and worried, his little blue cap wasn't on his footballhead, and handcuffs bound his wrists. As soon as his eyes met, Helga's heart skipped a beat, Arnold's look was so sad.
- Well, take a seat - said the judge - we will begin the preliminary hearing of the state against Arnold Philip Shortman... - said the judge while reading Arnold's file - well, I have already read the defendant's statement... Prosecutor, your turn
- The prosecution wants to file charges of assault in the second degree for the serious injuries caused to Ben Fuller and Tom Wells
- I understand - Judge Stevens said - do you have details of the health' state of those affected?
- Yes, Ben Fuller has 4 broken ribs, one of them perforated the liver causing internal bleeding, he has a fractured nose and right cheekbone, and his left leg was stabbed with a pocket knife - said the Prosecutor - the doctors managed to stabilize him and he is already conscious, but he will remain under observation for several days
All those present were very astonished with what the prosecutor had just said.
- I understand - said the Judge - continue
- Mr. Tom Wells also had broken ribs, in this case 3 of them, his nose is also broken, and he has a skull fracture - said the prosecutor - according to his doctors this is causing him to remain unconscious
Arnold couldn't believe what he was hearing, had he really caused so much damage?
- Did they give any prognosis? - asked the judge
- They're not sure yet - said the prosecutor, - he's in bad shape, but stable for the moment... They hope he'll wake up soon
- I see... - said the judge - in that case all charges requested by the prosecution are accepted
- Thank you, Your Honor - said the prosecutor.
- The trial will take place on Monday at 10 am - said the judge - and as a precautionary measure the defendant must remain in police custody until that day
- Your Honor - said Mr. Kegg, - my client is only a 12-year-old boy, surely he can await the trial at home in the care of his parents
- I do not agree with you, lawyer - said the judge firmly - clearly this boy is a danger to other people. That's all.
And with this, the judge ended the hearing, without giving the possibility of further appeals.
A police officer Arnold hadn't seen before, grabbed his arm so he could guide him back to his cell.
Seeing how Arnold was being taken out of the room, Helga ran to get closer to him
- I'm sorry Arnold, this is all my fault - Helga told him
- It's not your fault... - Arnold told her - ...I'm glad you're okay...
- Arnold I...
- Keep walking! - said the officer, interrupting what Helga was going to say and pushing Arnold on the back so that he kept walking
- We will have a lot to do during the weekend - Mr. Kegg said to the Shortmans - I'm afraid everything just got complicated
- I can't believe Arnold caused such serious injuries - Phoebe said.
- Me neither - said Gerald - but remember what happened when Arnold learned Karate, he started to lose control... And that's why he stopped doing it...
- But since then he has kept practicing how to control his emotions - Pookie clarified, - he didn't lose control anymore...
- It seems to me that last night he did - Phil said sadly.
The rest of the weekend went by very quickly for Helga, Gerald, Phoebe and the Shortmans, running from one place to another in order to prepare a good defense for the trial on Monday.
For Arnold, on the other hand, it happened painfully slowly. His parents and his lawyers were the only ones allowed to visit him, but they only had a few hours a day, and they had only spent it discussing Monday's trial. The rest of the time Arnold had just been staring at the ceiling, daydreaming and imagining terrible futures.
On Monday morning shortly before the trial, Arnold met with his parents and Mr Kegg, just as they had on Saturday morning.
- Hello honey - greeted Stella, trying to put on her best smile and thus lift her son's spirits
- Don't worry son - said Miles - you'll see how everything will be solved
- We have Helga's testimony in your favor - the lawyer told him - as well as that of many of your friends and neighbors, who will testify to your good character
- So everyone else already knows? - Arnold asked - do they know... at school?
This was something he had been thinking about over the weekend. What would his friends or neighbors say about all this? Arnold had a very good image in front of everyone he knew, and he was afraid that it would be affected by what happened. And not only that, but the image of his parents and grandparents would be affected... What would they think of them if he was condemned to spend a long time locked up? Would they blame them for everything?
- Eh... Not at school... As far as I know, your friends don't know yet... But some adults in the neighborhood do, honey... - Stella told her.
- But don't worry, everyone is very surprised by what happened, and they didn't hesitate to help you - Miles added.
- Oh... That's good - Arnold said relieved
What Arnold did not suspect is that the rumors about what happened would soon begin to travel the city, and in just a few days everything would get out of control.
- All rise to receive Judge Stevens
- You can sit down now - said the judge - well, let's start the state's trial against Arnold Philip Shortman... Mr. Shortman, how do you plead against the assault charges?
- Innocent - replied Arnold, trying that his voice doesn't shake too much
- I see... lawyer? - said the judge
- My client pleads not guilty to the accusations, and appeals to self-defense
- Okay, let's listen to your witnesses to the fact
Arnold was the first to be called to the stand to be able to tell what happened.
- We were outside the cinema waiting for Helga, when suddenly we heard her scream for help - Arnold explained - I ran out to help her while my friends Gerald and Phoebe went looking for help
- I understand - Mr. Kegg said - and how long did it take you to get to where Helga was?
- Just a few seconds, the alley was only a few meters from the entrance to the cinema... When I got there I saw two guys trying to rob Helga
- How do you know that? What were they doing? - asked the lawyer
- One had Helga pinned against the wall, with his right hand squeezing her throat - Arnold said - while the other guy had a pocket knife to Helga's neck, and was rummaging through her jacket pockets
- I understand... - said the lawyer - Was Helga still conscious?
- Yes, but barely... It was noticeable that she almost had no air left - replied Arnold
- So, what did you do? - asked the lawyer
- I ran towards them to get them to release her - replied Arnold
- And they did it?
- Yeah
- Great... And Helga was still conscious at this point?
- I don't know...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 yet... - replied Arnold - since I was still defending myself from the assailants
- I see...
- As soon as I could, I went to check on Helga... But the police just showed up - concluded Arnold
- I understand, so you only had the intention of protecting Helga and yourself, right?
- Yes
- Well, that's all, thanks Arnold - said Mr. Kegg
- Prosecutor, do you have any questions? - said the Judge
- Oh, sure - the prosecutor said, standing up in front of Arnold - The thieves released Helga because you hit them, right?"
- Uhm... yes...
- And after they released her, did you keep hitting them? - asked the prosecutor
- 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 see... So, they kept insisting on coming to attack you two
- Yeah
- You're sure?
- Yeah...
- Well, there are no more questions, Your Honor - said the Prosecutor
Now was Helga's turn to the stand
- I was getting to the cinema when someone took me from behind, covered my mouth with his hand and led me to the alley - Helga said - there a man began to choke me, while the other put a knife to my neck... I tried to defend myself, but I was running out of air...
- I understand, and how did you manage to ask for help? - asked Mr Kegg.
- I managed to kick on the knee at the guy who was choking me, which made him let go of me for a few seconds... Long enough to ask for help
- Is that when Arnold appears?
- Yes... he ran towards them and hit them so they would let me go... - Helga answered - ... I almost had no strength left, so when they let me go I fell to the ground and fainted...
- And then what happened?
- I don't know... When I woke up, the police were already there.
- I understand, thank you very much - said Mr Kegg - there are no more questions
- Prosecutor, do you have questions for Miss Pataki? - asked the judge
- Only one - said the prosecutor, standing up, - what was the last thing you saw before you fainted?
- What?
- What is the last thing you remember before fainting?
- ... Arnold beating the thieves...
- There are no more questions - said the prosecutor, with an evil smile
- Hey! ... that's not fair - Helga said, but she was interrupted by the judge
- Enough, get off the stand Miss Pataki - Okay, prosecutor it's your turn... Show the evidence that supports your accusation
- Gladly - said the Prosecutor - given the seriousness of the injuries of those affected, we cannot have them here testifying to defend themselves, but Mr. Ben Fuller gave his statement at the hospital, which I will read to you.
- Go ahead - said the judge.
- We were in the alley with the girl, when suddenly a madman appeared screaming and dealing blows. He punched both of us in the face, causing us to let go of her and step back due to the pain, he broke my nose at that moment. After that, the beatings continued without stopping until I lost consciousness, I didn't even have time to defend myself - said the prosecutor while he read the statement
- Has Mr. Wells regained consciousness yet? - asked the judge - have you been able to get his statement?
- I'm afraid not, your honor, in fact the medical team informed me that he went into a coma last night
At that moment there was a collective gasp in the room
- Did they give any prognosis? - asked the judge
- No... Only time will tell.
- I see... - said the judge, writing down what the prosecutor had just told her - do you have more evidence?
- Yes, of course - said the prosecutor - I have images of what happened. In the alley where everything happened there is a back door of a store, through which merchandise deliveries are made, so the store owner installed a camera in case someone tried to rob him.
- Excellent, continue - said the judge
- As you can see in the video, the two assailants have Miss Pataki against the wall - said the prosecutor, explaining the video from the security camera - here Arnold appears, and runs towards them... and with a quick movement hits them both in the nose - added the prosecutor, pausing the video - so far everything coincides with the three versions we have heard, but I want you to pay attention to what happens next...
Everyone in the room watched the video expectantly
- With Arnold's initial blow both thieves back away, writhing in pain, covering their faces with their hands - said the prosecutor, pausing again - and this is where, according to Arnold, they keep trying to get closer to Helga, forcing him to continue his blows to defend her - he said, putting play again - but as you can see this doesn't happen, they are there worried about their broken noses when Arnold starts hitting them again... Kicks here and there... A new blow to the face for Mr. Fuller... Mr. Wells picks up the knife from the ground in an attempt to defend himself, but with a subtle movement Arnold bends his wrist and manages to get him to stab his partner in the leg...
- My God - Stella said in a whisper, very affected by what she was seeing on the screen
- Finally, Arnold, taking advantage of the fact that he has Mr. Wells in his hands, gives him a strong kick that makes him hit his head against the wall... And then he gives Mr. Fuller one last kick that makes him fall to the ground - said the prosecutor while the video continued showing how Arnold came to check on Helga and the police arrived at the scene - as you could see, the self-defense only lasted the first few seconds... After that it's just a beating show by Mr Shortman to two people... one of which may never wake up
- We will take a 15-minute break before continuing - said the judge standing up
As soon as the judge stood up, the same policeman who had led Arnold out of the courtroom on Saturday approached him to lead him out of the courtroom.
- Where are they taking him? - Stella asked.
- Don't worry, they just take him to another room for the brake - Mr. Kegg told him - come on, we have to talk to him
- I must say that this is not good - said the lawyer as soon as they met with Arnold - that video turns everything against you Arnold ...
- I'm sorry! I... I don't remember that it happened like that... - said Arnold trying to remember in detail what happened - ...I was trying to defend Helga...
- ... We know, honey - said Stella - ... But that video...
- ... The video shows another story, Arnold - added Miles
- I know! And I don't understand... I don't remember it like that...
- Maybe the adrenaline clouded your judgment - said the lawyer - it wouldn't be the first time something like this has happened... But I'm afraid it won't be so easy to beat the prosecutor... I hope that with the character witnesses we can at least get one low sentence
- So there is no possibility of the judge dismissing the charges..? - Stella asked.
- No, I'm afraid that's already ruled out... - said the lawyer - even self-defense doesn't make much sense now...
- So we already lost? - asked Miles
- I didn't say that... But the most probable thing is that the result will not be in our favor... - said the lawyer -... I will do everything possible to make it as favorable to Arnold as possible.
- Thank you...
- I'll go talk to the witnesses who will have to talk now... - said the lawyer, approaching the door - See you in the room
- I'm sorry..
- We know honey - Stella said - although I must admit that it was not easy to see that video
- It's true... And we believe you, we know you did it to protect Helga... - Miles added - But I think you went too far son...
- I know... I'm sorry... - Arnold said - I'm sorry you had to see it... I'm sorry I disappointed you...
- It was not your intention honey...
As soon as they got back to the courtroom, Arnold could tell that it looked a little emptier than before the break...
- Well, let's continue - said the Judge - I understand that you have some character witnesses?
- Yes, that's right - said the lawyer - first I would like to be able to show a video with some statements about it
- Okay, but be quick - said the judge reluctantly.
Mr. Kegg showed the video that Gerald and Helga had used to win the trip to San Lorenzo, and then began calling various witnesses to the stand. The boarders, Gerald and Phoebe, their parents and grandparents, Mickey Kaline, Harvey (the mailman), and a couple of neighbors
- That's all? - asked the judge
- Yes, that's all... - said the lawyer
- What happened to the others? - Stella asked the lawyer in a whisper - Mr. Green, Mrs. Vitello, Dino Spumoni and the others?
- They withdrew after the recess... They didn't want to testify - the lawyer answered - I'm sorry...
- Well, if that's all, we'll take a break for lunch, and when we get back we'll have the verdict - said the judge, standing up.
- Come on, get up - the policeman said grumpily to Arnold so he could guide him back to his cell during the break
As soon as Arnold left the room, the others approached the lawyer
- What happened? - Miles asked - what happened to all the character witnesses we had?
- Let's go to another place... - said the lawyer, taking his things - I'll explain later... We have a two-hour recess
- Let's go home - Phil suggested - it's not far from here and we can talk calmly
- It's okay, we're alone now - said Miles, once everyone was back in the boardinghouse - explain what happened
- I'm afraid that the video from the security camera ruined everything for Arnold... - said the lawyer - the other witnesses we had left during the recess, leaving messages that they had changed their minds or that they did not want to be involved in the case
- What a cowards! - Helga said outraged
- Mr. Green said that he supported Arnold, but due to his status as city councilman he could not be involved in the case, at least not after seeing the video - explained the lawyer - Dino Spumoni said something similar, who being a public figure it could damage his image to support him publicly
- Mrs. Vitello? - Phil asked.
- She, like the others, changed their minds after seeing the video
- We should have insisted that the guys from school go testify - said Gerald.
- Or Mr. Simmons - Phoebe added.
- It wasn't that simple - said the lawyer - you were able to be there since you were present that day... but most parents don't want their children involved in a lawsuit for assault... Having brought them and exposed them to something like that It would have only played against Arnold's case
- Besides, it wouldn't have look good for Arnold that all of his classmates had to miss classes to support him - Stella said.
- And Mr. Simmons, being a teacher, cannot take sides in a trial for assault... - said the lawyer - even if he wanted to testify, the school does not allow it
- So all is lost? - Helga said heartbroken - we can't do anything to help Arnold anymore...
- No... Now we can only wait for the verdict... - said the lawyer - I'm sorry I haven't been of more help... But that video changed everything
- After reviewing all the records presented today, the verdict is as follows - Judge Stevens said - of the charge of assault in the second degree against Mr. Fuller... Guilty
There was a collective gasp in the room upon hearing this
- Regarding the assault against Mr. Wells... We will leave it pending until we have more information about his medical evolution - said the judge - in two more weeks we will see if there are new antecedents and I will give my verdict on the matter
- Yes, your honor - said Mr Kegg
- Regarding the sentence... - said the judge - for the assault against Mr. Fuller he must spend a year in the secure confinement for juveniles Hillwood east center as a L-III inmate
- A year... - Arnold said quietly.
- Regarding the sentence for what happened with Mr. Wells, we will see it in two more weeks as soon as I has a verdict on the matter - said the judge - lawyer, you have 20 minutes with your client before he is taken away to the Hillwood east facility
- Yes, your honor.
Again Arnold was guided to the interrogation room, along with his parents and lawyer.
- I'm so sorry Arnold - the lawyer told him as soon as they were alone
- Oh honey, I'm so sorry - Stella told him, giving him a hug which Miles joined.
- I'm sorry... - Arnold said, apologizing to his parents for the thousandth time since all this started.
- I know that you are very affected by what happened, but we have little time and there are some things that I must explain to you - said Mr. Kegg
- Yes of course - said Miles - what do you think will happen in two more weeks?
- I'm afraid nothing good - said the lawyer - the second thief's injuries are more serious... so it is very likely that the sentence will be higher than the one obtained today...
- Do you mean that Arnold will be locked up for two years? - asked Stella with fear.
- Two years at least... It could be even a little more... - explained the lawyer
- And what do she mean by L-III inmate? - asked Miles
- It means Level III... The secure confinement center that Arnold will go to is for minors between 12 and 15 years old... - explained the lawyer - as soon as they turn 16 they are transferred to Hillwood West which is for minors between 16 and 17 years old, as soon as they turn 18 they can now be sent to state jail
- Okay...
- In it there are children accused of all kinds of crimes... From the simplest to the most serious... - explained the lawyer - for this reason, children with more serious crimes are classified as level III or IV, so that the staff can distinguish them from the other interns more easily
- It means that Arnold is considered dangerous? - asked Stella
- Yes... Not extremely dangerous, but yes...
- Great - Arnold said.
- This also affects the benefits that Arnold could access - said Mr Kegg - in his case this annuls any possibility of early release for good conduct or probation... he must serve the full sentence
- Oh...
- As I mentioned in that place there will be children of different ages and with various crimes... So it is very important that you do not let yourself be intimidated by them
- What do you mean? - Arnold asked.
- Most of the guys who gi there are only there for a couple of months or six at the most... It's not common for them to have to stay for long periods... Older kids or those with more serious crimes take advantage of this and tend to believe they are the rulers of the place, and they tend to take advantage of the other kids - said the lawyer - school bullying is nothing compared to what happened there... they steal your food and belongings, they beat you up... And the guards usually don't intervene unless strictly necessary
- Oh... Great...
- The best thing in these cases is to maintain the image of a bad boy - said the lawyer - I'm not saying that you should start fights or anything like that... But don't show them fear, or they will take advantage of you...
- I understand...
- Just keep your head down and stay out of ttouble - Miles told him, somewhat scared by what the lawyer had just said
- Also, try not to mention the reason why you are there, or how long you will stay... If they ask you, just ignore them - said the lawyer - as I mentioned, the older boys tend to want to rule the place, and they usually feel threatened if someone comes to take away their power
- I don't intend to do that - Arnold said.
- Maybe not voluntarily, but being L-III at such a young age might give them that impression...
- Oh... I understand
- We will go to see you every day honey - Stella told him
- Being a L-III intern, visits will be restricted to two hours a week - said The lawyer - and will depend on Arnold's behavior...
- What do you mean?
- If Arnold is punished for bad behavior, he may lose visiting privileges - Mr. Kegg explained - or earn a few hours in isolation... Or it might even increase his time there.
- Don't get into fights, okay? - Miles told him
- I won't... - Arnold said - ... I never want to be in a fight in my life again...
- What will happen to the school? - Stella asked.
- The facility has teachers so that the children can continue their studies - said Mr. Kegg - although it is not the best quality education... The best thing would be if you could give books to Arnold, and so complement your studies on your own
- Well we'll do that - said Miles - I don't want you to fall behind in your studies Arnold, especially if you'll lose two years
- It's okay dad... - Arnold said - although I don't see the point in trying... There's no chance I'll get into a good college after this...
- Arnold...
- It's the truth mom! My grades won't matter if my "extracurriculars" are spending two years in a correctional
- Honey... Don't despair, okay? We'll crÃos that bridge when we got there, ok? - said Stella - for now just focus on the immediate future
- Sure, no problem... I'll just think about how cozy my cell will be... In which I'll live for the next two years... Or more...
Arnold didn't normally talk like that to his parents, but it had been a long and horrible day, he had every right to be in a bad mood... And after being Helga's boyfriend for over a year, he wasn't surprised that some of his sarcasm would have rubbed off
- Time's up - shouted from outside the grumpy policeman in charge of guiding Arnold from one place to another
- You'd better say goodbye - Mr. Kegg told them.
- I love you - Arnold said to his parents.
- And we love you - Stella said, hugging her son who was handcuffed to the table.
- Take care and don't do nonsense, ok? - Miles said hugging him too
- Tell my grandparents that I love them very much - said Arnold with a lump in his throat - and tell Helga that I love her
- She knows it honey...
- It's time - said the grumpy policeman, who entered the room and after freeing Arnold from the table, began to push him towards the door - Keep walking
Outside the interrogation room were his grandparents and his friends, waiting to say goodbye.
- Arnold! - Helga said when she saw him - wait...
Arnold tried to stop, but the policeman kept pushing him so that he would walk without stopping.
- I'm sorry, Helga - Arnold said, looking over his shoulder.
- Be quiet! Keep walking! - said the grumpy policeman again
Helga, seeing her beloved get lost behind some doors, without having been able to say goodbye, she began to cry
- I can't believe it - said Gerald - A year... I won't see my best friend for a whole year...
- Two in fact - Miles told him, - ...the lawyer thinks they'll give him at least another year for the second guy... or maybe a little more
- What?!? - Helga said disconsolately - no... No...
- Helga... - Phoebe said, hugging her friend
- Come on kids - said Stella - we'll take you to youre houses... It's been a long day
Arnold was put in the back seat of a police car, which then took him to his new "home".
Upon arriving at the place, he was received in the parking lot by a man, who apparently was in charge.
- My name is officer Stan, and I'm in charge here he told Arnold as soon as he got out of the car - if you make my life miserable, I'll make it yours... Do you understand?
- Yeah ...
- Here is the file sir - said the policeman who had brought it, handing a folder to Stan
- Oh, excellent... Let's go inside - Stan said, starting to read the file as they walked inside - Intern L-III? And you're only 12 years old... Very good for you mate, great achievement hahaha
- hahaha - the policeman laughed
- One year... And a pending sentence... - Stan said as he continued reading the file - I think we'll see each other for a long time, boy... It's best that you start getting used to this place
Arnold couldn't find the joke in what Stan was telling him, he definitely didn't want to have him as an enemy.
- Guys, get together to meet our new intern - Stan said to those present in the room where he had guided them - an L-III that is only 12 years old
- Oh wow! - said one of the guards
- I don't think I've ever seen such a young L-III - said another.
- Nor I...
- I do, but many years ago - said Stan, who then turned to talk to Arnold - you see boy, in this place we have a few problematic kids... Only three L-IV and two other L-III
- Okay...
- The L-IV will soon turn 16 and they will leave. The L-III are 14 years old, and they were only given 6 months of sentence and they already have less than half left...
- Oh...
- So I don't want you to take advantage of this time to start fights with them - Stan said - I don't care if you think you're the toughest here or not, but I don't want you to cause problems
- No, I do not...
- Do not interrupt me! - Stan said with a serious tone - I don't want it to go to your head, did you hear?
- Yeah...
- Okay, now go change your clothes and Joe here - Stan said, pointing to one of the guards - will take you to your cell
Joe took Arnold into a small room to change his clothes. He changed his usual outfit for an orange overall, which on the back of it had the acronym L-III stamped on it. As he left the room, Arnold handed his clothes over to Joe, who put them in a bag and handed them over to another guard. Luckily Arnold had given his blue cap to his parents last Friday when he had to stay at the police station.
- Walk - said Joe, putting the handcuffs on his wrists again before leading him through the corridors of the place to his cell
Arnold walked around the place looking very carefully at everything around him... The corridors were deserted and everyone was inside his cells. In each cell there were bunk beds for two inmates.
- Here... Come in - Joe said, pointing to the cell that was to Arnold's right, in which there was only one bed
- I won't have a partner?
- Of course not - said Joe - for the safety of the other boys, inmates L-III and L-IV have personal cells
- Oh... - Arnold said. "true, I must remember that I am a threat to others"
- The doors open at 8 am for breakfast - Joe said before removing the handcuffs and leaving the cell - the lights go out in two hours
- Ok... - Arnold said, looking more closely at what would be his home for the next two, or more, years.
The cell was small, it had a bed with a pillow and a couple of blankets, a small table, in one corner there was a rudimentary bathroom, and on one of the walls there was a small window (with bars of course) through which It was obvious that it would soon be night. Very different from his old room at the Sunset Arms where he could look up at the sky with no problem.
- You got it? - they asked over the phone.
- Yes, it's already installed - they replied
- Excellent, that brat will pay dearly for everything he did to us... For what he did to him
- You just worry about leaving him here for a long time - they answered - and I will see to make his life miserable
- Yeah, yeah... I'll take care of that.