The Girl Most Likely To ... - Chapter 47
by Barbara Lynn Terry

Part I - At the Home.

While the girls were at the mall getting Rachel's coat, Madelline had baked some Christmas cookies. She went in the kitchen and made hot

chocolate for them all. When the cups were filled, she put a plate of cookies and the cups of hot chocolate on a large cookie sheet, and took

them out to the dining room.

"Ladies, and gentlemen, we have refreshments in the dining room. Fresh baked Christmas cookies and hot chocolate."

Everybody went in the dining room, with Rachel still dabbing at her eyes to dry her tear stained face. They all sat down, where ever, and

started having their repast. Cookies and hot chocolate are the best way to end a successful day, or any day, in the winter.

"When anybody sees Santa, thank him for me for getting me this beautiful coat and gloves."

"Well, we won't see him for another year, now," Connie said, while giving Rachel a hug. "You just remember, that we all love you, you brat."

"Thank you, Connie. You know what I was thinking just last night? I was thinking I didn't know how I lasted so long without all of you. I know

when I came here, you were all ready to tease me and make my life miserable. But, it didn't happen. Now, I don't know what I'd ever do

without my sisters, my birth mother and my parents here. I was very lucky when I was sent here."

"Sis, you aren't the only one to think like that. We have all been there. When we found out that we needed to depend on each other, that is

when we decided it would be best just to be friends, but we have grown way beyond that, now. We know and we understand what and why

you were thinking that, too."

"Thank you, Joy. Yes, I guess we all have grown way beyond the friends stage."

"Way beyond, sister Rachel. We depend on each other because each other is all we have except for Grandma Wells, daddy, Jan, Mom and

Hazel.

When they were finished with their cookies and hot chocolate, they went in the living room. Somebody turned on the television, but nobody

was interested in watching it. Instead, they had an impromptu group session.

"Rach, you said you were thinking that you didn't know how you had gotten on without your sisters. Let me tell you a little story about a girl

who thought she could do anything she wanted, simply because she thought she was the prettiest thing to ever hit anywhere. This did last for

a while, but, like all good things, this too, ended. In fact, sister Rachel, it not only ended but came crashing down around her. She started

getting in trouble, and her birth parents were beside themselves, so when she found herself before the judge, her parents agreed to have her

sent somewhere where she could get the help she needed. She rebelled, she yelled, she screamed that this was unfair...after all, nobody got

hurt; did they?

"Then, about a month later, when this girl found out that the other girls around her were not ignoring her but talking to her and helping her

with this and that, that she finally got the picture. The world doesn't revolve around us, because no single person is an island. From that time

on, this girl decided it was best not to rebel or get in any further trouble. This girl one night, was thinking the same thing you were. We are

here, and we need to make the best of it. I am very grateful for my sisters and parents here. My mom comes up now and then, but my dad

doesn't want to. He says I made my bed, now I can lay in it. When somebody finally figures out what that means, please let everybody

else know, because to say it like that is a contradiction in terms." Everybody giggled.

"Yes, Connie, thank you for sharing that with us. I was on a similar road, thinking because my dad wanted me to 'be a man', that I had to be

a bully. Being a bully is what got me sent here. But, now that I am here, I have seen a whole different side to life. I have actually found myself,

too, and that is what counts. I've never been a part of something that mattered, like sharing a house with siblings, learning how to treat

different forms of life, like Midnight and other animals. Thank you sisters, for being there for me, when I didn't deserve it."

"Rach, honey, the reason I got you inside that first night, was because my maternal instincts took over. I saw a shivering girl, with nothing on

but a thin summer dress. You know, when we are older, and we become mothers, it is this instinct that helps us as we care for our families.

When I saw you that first night, I knew you belonged here. Nobody cares about your physical deformity, that can be corrected in time. Maybe

Dr. Nita can get that defect corrected sooner than eighteen. But, it is your mental deformity that we can work on now. You have done very

well in the short time you have been here. Tomorrow morning, sister Rachel, you get to meet our ninth grade high school teachers. Every

teacher is here to help us. If you have a problem with your school work, or just need to talk, just ask them."

"Thank you, Sharon.

It seemed to Rachel that time has dragged on for an eternity, and to be told she was here only a short time, kind of brought her back to reality.

"Sharon, how long have I actually been here?"

"You have been here just a little over two weeks. You came here at the start of the holiday break from school. Tomorrow, you see what our

school is like. It is a one story building, but it has grades all the way from kindergarten to the twelfth grade."

"I thought I was here a lot longer. Time kinda dragged for a while."

"Sister Rachel, every girl here knows exactly what you mean. It seems that for the first month, we are in a fog, and then the fog clears, and we

are kinda disoriented. Our heads all full of scenarios that had occurred to put us here, then reality sets in, and we know why we are here. So,

you are not the first girl to ever go through this."

"Good evening, ladies," Naomi said, coming in the house, smiling. "I have some news from the courthouse. Dr. Pervert's trial starts tomorrow,

and Sharon, your case is first. Now, I want you to know that I have asked permission to be in the courtroom while you are testifying. That way,

you look at me or the jury, not at that weasel."

"Naomi, do I have to say what he did to me?"

"Yes, but, while you are testifying, the only people in the courtroom will be the judge, the attorneys for both sides, the court staff and me.

Everybody else will be ordered out of the courtroom while you are testifying, including the media cameras. They are forbidden by law to televise

a minor's testimony, and anybody not connected with the case must leave the courtroom. You will be well protected, the bailiff and I will make

sure of that. Trooper O'Donnell has asked me to keep him 'in the loop' as he is fond of saying. Will you be my brave sister, and testify to put this

pervert behind bars?"

"Yes, Naomi, but what if he gets out of this?"

"He won't. With your testimony it is a cinch. Juries tend to favor minor girls testifying against someone like Mr. Poole. When you testify what he

did, the jury will look at him with disgust, because he violated not only his oath as a doctor, but his reputation as a man. Now, ladies, I will tell

you this, that when he is found guilty, the district attorney will move the court to read in the other charges. This will put an end to Mr. Pervert's

reign of terror against young girls. The sentence for being convicted of rape in this state is twenty five years to life, and he will probably die in

prison, since he is already middle age. Are there any questions?" Nobody said anything, so Naomi continued. "Okay, now for the good, good

news; I ordered pizza!"

The girls all squealed, and Madelline, Jackie and Sharon went to get paper plates and plastic cups. It was just like Naomi to diffuse a serious

subject like Dr. Pervert's trial with a pizza celebration. I guess I can never say this too many times. Nobody, and I do mean nobody, could ever

accuse Naomi Petersen of being a hard nose.

Part II - Rachel's first day at school; Sharon testifies against Dr. Poole.

There wasn't time to have a pizza party, with school being the next day. The girls did enjoy the pizza, and they talked, well, more like chattered

amongst each other. Naomi looked at Rachel and a few of the other girls. She was conniving something in that constantly thinking brain of her's.

"Rach, Melanie, Joy, Connie and Amy, would you girls like to go with me to Forest City, again? I haven't seen my parents since moving up here,

and I would like to introduce them to a few of you young ladies, without telling them that you're in this home."

"Naomi," Joy said, seriously. "We are not ashamed that we are here. If people know that we are here, not the reasons why, but that we are

here, maybe they can see how nice of a place this is. Naomi, I would like very much to go with you." Rachel, Melanie, Connie and Amy said the

same.

"Alrighty then, this Friday night we will leave for the weekend and come back Sunday night. You must bring any homework with you, and do it

while we are there. That is a must."

"Oh, all right," they all said, in mock disappointment. There were giggles, and Naomi was still amazed at that these girls were so relaxed in this

environment.

"I guess I had better head for home and get a good night's rest. Coming Rachel? Good night, sisters." There were hugs, and I love you's, and

Naomi and Rachel left for their house.

Naomi looked back through her rear view mirror at the house, one more time, that night, before getting on the road and going the half mile to

her house. Before going in the house, she called Jim O'Donnell.

"Hello gallant knight. I just thought I would call you and say I love you before going in the house to go bed."

"I love you, too, sweet princess. Good night and have sweet dreams, Mrs. O'Donnell." She said thank you, as she smiled. She ended the call

and went in to take her shower before going to bed. She was asleep in seconds.

The next morning saw a flurry of activity in Rachel and Renée's room. Rachel was flying around getting this and that ready to wear to school.

"Sis, slow down, you have plenty of time to get to school. Mom is driving us, so you'll be there on time. You get your shower in first, sis, and I

will follow. We have enough time. Mom, or somebody, is already making breakfast."

Rachel went to take her shower, putting on her robe when she was finished. She went back to her room, and while she was dressing, Renée

went to take her shower. Rachel and Renée were in the same grade, but Renée would be starting school at the Pine Meadows Senior High

School, while Rachel went to school on the Home grounds. When both girls were dressed, the put each other's hair in a pony tail, and went

down to see what was being made for breakfast.

To their surprise, Naomi was making the breakfast of sausage links, pancakes, and hash browns.

"Morning, Naomi," both girls said, in unison.

"Good morning, girls. I let your mother sleep in, Renée. I will be driving you both to school. Rachel, I will drop you off first since you will be

going to school on the grounds. Renée, you will go with me, because I have to go that way, anyway. Renée, this Friday I am taking a few of

the girls from the Home back to Forest City so I can see my parents. Would you like to come, too?"

"Yes, Naomi."

"You have to bring any homework you have and do it while we are there, or even start it while we are on the road."

"Yes, Naomi. I would do that anyway."

"Good girl," Naomi said, beaming with pride. She knew these girls would make wonderful women.

After breakfast was finished for Naomi and the two girls, they cleaned up what mess, if any, they had made, and then they went out to Naomi's

SUV. Naomi drove Rachel to the Home, where she would go to the school with the other girls. Naomi, at the same time picked up Sharon to

take her to the courthouse. After dropping Renée at the senior high school, Naomi proceeded to the courthouse. As Naomi pulled in to the

courthouse parking lot, Sharon got really worried.

"Naomi, I'm, I'm not...sure...about this. What if he tries...to...hurt me...while I am there?"

"He can't get to you, sis. Just to make sure, I will have the bailiff ask the jail for another deputy to sit behind him, if that will make you feel

better. If he turns around to look at you, the deputy behind him will will caution him not to turn around, but to look at the front of the

courtroom. I will make sure the district attorney knows about your worry. You have nothing to be afraid of."

"Naomi, will you make sure he doesn't hurt me?"

Naomi smiled, when she said; "yes, little sister, I certainly will."

As Renée was going to her first class, court was being called to order.

"Branch two of the Pine Meadows County Circuit Court is hereby called to order, the Honorable Steven H. Granger, presiding. Silence is

commanded, gentlemen please take off your hats. Your Honor, This is case number F-2356, the State versus Poole."

"Thank you, Steve. Appearances, please."

"Mark Alastair appears for the defendant, the defendant is present."

"James Peabody, assistant district attorney, appearing for the state."

"Mark Townsend, assistant state's attorney general, assisting Mr. Peabody."

"Thank you, gentlemen. All right, Mr. Peabody, call your first witness."

"Your honor, my first witness is a minor, and since this case concerns her primarily, I move the courtroom be cleared of anybody not connected

with this case, except for Deputy Sergeant Naomi Petersen."

"Any objection, Mr. Alastair?"

"No, your Honor."

"Very well, the courtroom will be cleared of all persons not connected with this case, except Pine Meadows County Deputy Sheriff's Sergeant,

Naomi Petersen. Steve, after all persons have been cleared, lock the hallway door."

"Yes, your Honor." Steve Rodgers cleared the courtroom and locked the hallway door leading in to the courtroom.

"Thank you, your Honor. I call Miss Sharon Hardesty to the stand." Sharon walked hesitantly up to the witness stand, where the court reporter

asked her to take the oath.

"Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Please state your name, and spell your last name for the record." Sharon did, and was told to be seated.

"Miss Hardesty, where do you live?"

"At the Pine Meadows Home For Adolescent Girls."

"While a resident there, did you happen to make the acquaintance of a Dr. Poole?"

"Yes, I did."

"Is that same person in this courtroom, today?"

"Yes he is."

"Would point him out and state what he is wearing?"

"He is sitting at that table, next to his attorney, wearing blue coveralls."

"Let the record reflect that the witness has identified the defendant."

"Without objection."

"Miss Hardesty, did something happen to you in a bad way, while a resident at the Pine Meadows Home For Adolescent Girls?"

"Yes, and please just call Me Sharon." Mr. Peabody smiled.

"I certainly will, Sharon, thank you. Will you please state in your own words, what if anything happened to you in a bad way as a resident of

the Pine Meadows Home For Adolescent Girls?"

"During the first week I was at the home, I was sent to see the doctor for my physical and an informal talk. The physical lasted longer than it

should have..."

"What do you mean, by that, Sharon?"

"The doctor was putting his forefinger and middle finger in my vagina, and moving them back a forth, with his eyes closed."

"Then, what if anything, happened?"

"The doctor opened his pants and let them drop to the floor, then he placed his penis inside my vagina and moved back and forth."

"Did this doctor ejaculate inside of you?"

"Yes, he did."

"Is that doctor here, today?"

"Yes, he is sitting at that table next to his attorney wearing blue coveralls."

"Let the record reflect the witness has identified the defendant as her assailant."

"Without objection."

"Thank you, Sharon. No further questions."

"Mr. Alastair, cross?"

"Yes, you're honor. Sharon, isn't it a fact that you enticed the doctor to have sex...."

"Objection, your Honor! The witness is a fourteen year old minor and does not have legal standing to entice an adult in to sexual intercourse."

"Objection is sustained. Watch yourself, Mr. Alastair."

"I have no questions, your Honor."

"Any re-direct, Mr. Peabody?"

"No, your Honor. The state rests."

"This court will take a break until one o'clock this afternoon, at which time you will call your first witness, Mr. Alastair. Court is adjourned."

Naomi waited until the jury and the doctor left the courtroom.

"Sharon, you come with me, we'll go and have lunch at Glenn's Eatery. You did very well, sis, I'm very proud of the way you answered the

questions, only looking at the defendant to identify him. He's going to say you enticed him, but you are fourteen, your insides haven't had time

to fully mature, yet. The law says that you are not legally able to consent to have sex, even with a boy your own age. When his attorney tried to

ask you that question, Mr. Peabody did his job in objecting." They walked the few blocks to Glenn's Eatery inside Jim's Hardware Emporium.

They found a booth and sat down.

As they sat down, Eve Reinhardt came in.

"Evie," Sharon called to Eve Reinhardt. "Over here. Sit with us." Eve sat down.

"You will be very proud of Sharon, Eve. Today was the start of Dr. Pervert's trial, and Sharon testified very good. I think Dr. Pervert's attorney is

going try and offer some kind of deal. Mr. Peabody won't accept it, though."

"I'm off from the restaurant for the next two days. Do you mind if I sit in on the next proceedings?"

"No, Evie, the judge adjourned the trial til one o'clock this afternoon. I will feel really safe with you there, too."

"Sharon, I was your shadow when you first came to the home, you bet I will be there. Besides, I read your written statement and I want to see

this pervert who hurt my little sisters get what is coming to him."

"Well, we have about an hour and a half, so let's eat something. I'm going to have the chef's salad with coffee. Sharon, what do you want?"

"I'll have the chef's salad, too, but with milk."

"I'll have the same, but with a Coke," Evie added.

Their lunch was served in just a few minutes, and Naomi looked at Sharon, and knew that when she was of age, she wouldn't allow anybody to

walk all over her. She couldn't help but think, that now comes the tricky part. If Dr. Poole took the witness stand, he would be facing the

spectator section, where Sharon would be sitting. She knew how to avoid having him stare at Sharon. Naomi had another cup of coffee, and

Evie had another Coke. Naomi told Sharon she could have a Coke, since she had finished her milk and her salad. They sat there talking about

nothing, when Naomi said they should be going.

They got back to the courtroom before pervert was brought back in. Naomi talked with Mr. Peabody, and he said he would make the motion.

The doctor already faced his accuser, a young child of fourteen, who never wavered from her steady testimony.

As Steve Rodgers came back in the courtroom, made sure the file was on the judge's bench, then he called the jail and told them to bring in

the defendant. When the defendant was brought in, Steve Rodgers knocked on the judge's chambers door and said they were ready.

"Branch 2 of the Pine Meadows County Circuit Court is now in session, the Honorable Steven H. Granger, presiding. Silence is commanded and

gentlemen please take off your hats. This is case number 2356, State versus Poole, set for defense opening, your Honor."

"Very well, bring in the jury." As the jury was brought in and they took their seats, the judge looked at Mark Alastair. "Mr. Alastair, please call

your first witness."

"Your Honor, at this time,I would like to know if the state is willing to make a deal."

"In my chambers. Now!" After they were all in chambers, the judge started talking. "What is this about offering a deal, Mr. Alastair?"

"Your Honor, the complaining witness testified that my client raped her during a physical examination. I was looking at the jury when she was

testifying. There is no way that my client will be found not guilty. What I was wondering is, will the state make a deal for ten years with no

parole?"

"Mr. Peabody, this is your case. Will you deal?"

"No, your Honor. This defendant, while a medical doctor, raped a fourteen year old female, who is a resident of a state institution and at which

institution the defendant was employed. He violated his oath as a doctor and willfully took sexual advantage of a fourteen year old female,

knowing the same is illegal. I will not deal. Mr. Alastair should have came to me before this trial started. I would have still said no, but he should

have offered his deal before this trial started."

"Let's go back in the courtroom where you will repeat your denial to deal on the open record."

"Alright, we are back on the record. Mr. Peabody, what is your answer to the defendant's offer to make a deal?"

"I will not deal, your Honor. The complaining witness stated under oath and with unwavering testimony that the defendant had sexual

intercourse with her and the defendant knew this sexual act was proscribed by law. Yet, he did it anyway."

"Your Honor, I object and state that the state should at least let the jury hear the offer."

"Your objection is over ruled and noted. You may proceed with your first witness, Mr. Alastair."

"Yes, your Honor, thank you. Defense calls Dr. Arthur Reginald Poole to the stand.

After taking the oath to tell the truth and stating and spelling his name, Dr. Poole was told to be seated.

"Dr. Poole, you are a doctor of medicine?"

"Yes, I am."

"Where did you go to medical school?"

"Your Honor," Mr. Peabody said, standing up. "The state will so stipulate to the doctor's medical qualifications."

"Without objection."

"Dr. Poole, do you know the young lady that testified here, this morning?"

"Yes, I do."

"Did you have occasion to meet with the young lady?"

"Yes."

"When did you have occasion to meet with this young lady?"

"It was a couple of years or so ago. I had her called to my office on the institution grounds so I could give her physical, and to talk about her

therapy programs."

"Would that institution be the Pine Meadows Home For Adolescent Girls?"

"Yes."

"Now, doctor, what if anything did you do during that physical examination?"

"I made sure there were no broken bones, that the muscles were intact, I listened to her heart, lungs and abdomen."

"Did you make an examination of the young lady's vagina?"

"Yes, I did."

"Why did you examine her vagina?"

"To make sure there there was no trauma in vaginal cavity."

"So, in your own words, doctor, what conclusion would you come to?"

"The young lady is healthy, her blood work showed no signs of anemia or other diseases."

"So, would you say that you were only doing your job as a doctor?"

"Yes."

"Thank you, doctor. No further questions, your Honor."

"Any cross, Mr. Peabody?"

"Yes, your Honor, thank you. Dr. Poole, did you have a nurse in the exam room with you, when you examined the young lady's vagina?"

"No, there was no need for a nurse to be there."

"Isn't it a fact, doctor, that a male doctor must have a female nurse present when the male doctor is examining a female's vaginal area?"

"No."

"Doctor, I am going to give you a chance to retract that answer."

"Objection, badgering."

"Over ruled, you may continue Mr. Peabody."

"Doctor, are you going to retract your answer?"

"No."

"Thank you, doctor. No further questions, your Honor."

"Any re-direct, Mr. Alastair?"

"Yes, your Honor, thank you. Doctor Poole, do you know of any law that states a female nurse must be present when a male doctor is

examining a female's vagina?"

"No."

"Thank you, doctor. No further questions, your Honor. Defense rests."

"You are excused, Dr. Poole. I will open the floor to closing arguments. You may proceed Mr. Peabody."

"Thank you, your Honor. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, this case is the worst I have tried in twelve years as an assistant district attorney. The victim who testified that the defendant raped her, did not hesitate once in her testimony. The defendant said he was only doing his job, but did not have a female nurse present when he examined the young lady's vagina. Having a nurse present, is not only to assist the doctor, but to be a witness that nothing out of the ordinary will happen. This is for the protection of the patient as well as the doctor. But the defendant made light of this by saying he was only doing his job. I wasn't aware that rape was included in a doctor's job description. The defendant has produced no witnesses to counter what the young lady said, and has produced no physical or other evidence to support his defense. This young woman is only fourteen years old, and she is entitled to justice. You must find the defendant guilty. Thank you."

"Mr. Alastair, any closing?"

"Yes, your Honor, thank you. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the defendant is not required to produce evidence of his guilt or innocence. A person in this country, accused of a crime, is innocent until proven guilty. The state has produced no witnesses to corroborate its allegations against the defendant. Dr. Poole is a respected member of the medical profession and must be found not guilty. Thank you."

"Very well. Whoever wishes to leave, may do so, because I am now going to charge the jury." Nobody left. "Very well. Ladies and gentlemen of

the jury, you have heard all the testimony in this trial. Your first duty upon retiring to the jury room, is to select a jury foreperson. Then you are

to discuss the evidence and arrive at a just verdict. You will be presented with a list of the laws that govern this case, and you will see what is

legal and not legal in this state. If you find that by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant is guilty, you must find him guilty. If

you find that by a preponderance of the evidence that the state has not proven their case, you must find the defendant not guilty. You may not

talk to anyone but yourselves, about this case, until after you have arrived at your verdict. You may now retire to arrive at your verdict." Steve

Rodgers led the jury out of the courtroom and to the jury room. Steve Rodgers would wait by the jury room door, until the jury arrived at a

verdict, or until the jury was sent home for the night.

Naomi decided to wait in the courtroom, with Sharon and Eve Reinhardt. Thirty minutes later, the jury said they had reached a verdict. Steve

Rodgers called from the phone outside the jury room, to the judge's chambers and said the jury was ready. Steve Rodgers brought the jury back

in the courtroom.

"Madame Foreperson, has the jury reached a verdict?"

"Yes, your Honor, we have," said a woman with greying hair. She handed the verdict to Steve Rodgers, who then handed it to the judge. The

judge looked at it without emotion.

"I caution this court, there will be no outbursts when the jury verdict is read." The judge handed it back to Steve who then handed it back to the

woman. "Madame Foreperson, what is your verdict as to count one of the information?"

"We, the jury, find the defendant, Arthur Reginald Poole, guilty as charged."

"Your Honor," Mr. Peabody interjected, "I move that all the rest of the 20 charges be read in to the record."

"So ordered, Mr. Peabody. Steve read the rest of the case numbers in to the record, please."

"Yes, your Honor."

"Thank you, ladies and gentlemen of the jury. This concludes your service in this case. You are hereby ordered to room B-14 for further jury

service." After the jury left the courtroom, the judge continued. "Mr. Alastair, do you have any motions?"

"Yes, your Honor, I ask the court to send the defendant to the Central State Hospital for a pre-sentence Huebner examination, not to exceed

thirty days."

"Any objection, Mr. Peabody?"

"No, your Honor."

"Very well, it is hereby ordered that the defendant, Arthur Reginald Poole, be conveyed by the Pine Meadows County Sheriff to the Central

State Hospital for the Criminally Insane to undergo a pre-sentence psychiatric evaluation not to exceed thirty days. It is so ordered, and we are

adjourned."

After the convicted pervert was taken back to the jail, Naomi said they should go back to Glenn's Eatery.