We were ready. We were wearing our blue war paint (figuratively speaking). (Reference "Braveheart.") I had written a lengthy statement and had made notes on an index card for the points I wanted to bring up when I got to say my piece at long last. The support team was assembled.
Laura's was the first case to be called. It seems that Goneral had notified the court that an agreement had been reached that Laura would plead guilty and that there would be just a one-year protection order. If Laura behaved herself during that year, the matter would be dropped.
No dice. It's too late for any deals now. Besides, Laura isn't guilty so why should she accept such an offer. Laura bravely stood and told the judge she would not consider such a deal. I sat shaking my head in agreement.
Unfortunately, that threw a monkey-wrench into the plan for the court schedule for today and Laura's case could not be heard. We would have to go to the Clerk's office to get a date for a continuance. Of course, we had to wait until Goneral and her husband had cleared that office so that we would not have to have any contact with them.
So now it will be heard in April. Jen, the case manager, can't be there on the date they gave us, so Laura will have to ask for yet another continuance. The good news is that I was able to drop off my lengthy typed statement for the court while we were there, so at least there is now something positive on record on Laura's behalf. I hope Goneral is starting to get nervous, getting an inkling that the tide might turn.
Jean, Somewhere in Maine
