Date: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 11:08:30 -0800 (PST) From: Author James <authorjames2002@yahoo.com> Subject: Trials of a Real Dark Knight 47 Disclaimer: This story, though maybe not in this chapter but in subsequent chapters, will have celebrities in it. I have no knowledge of their sexuality and this is not intended to imply their sexuality. This is all from my own mind. Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, Angel and all related characters created by Joss Whedon. Copyright 20th Century Fox. Batman, and all related characters created by Bob Kane. Copyright DC Comics and Warner Bros. X-MEN, and all related characters created by Stan Lee. Copyright Marvel Comics and 20th Century Fox. The Vampire Chronicles and all related characters created by Anne Rice. Copyright Anne O'Brien Rice. Star Wars and all related concepts created by or based on the universe created by George Lucas. Copyright 20th Century Fox, LucasFilms Ltd. and Lucas Books/Ballantine Books. I don't know for sure if I will use all the above elements, but just in case, I have myself covered. This story has taken on a life of its own. From its inception a year ago, I had only thought it would last ten chapters maximum. As you can see, it has grown tremendously. Mostly due to readers emailing me and telling me they've enjoyed it or have received help due to certain issues addressed. I've enjoyed writing this story but it would not have been written without men and women reading it and telling me they've enjoyed it. I do hope that you continue to enjoy each new chapter as our hero lives and grows. I have received many emails from people who have enjoyed it and some from those who do not. I would enjoy hearing from you. Any emails you send, please tell me what chapter and story you are commenting on. Thanks. authorjames2002@yahoo.com I also have several online messenger services, one of which is this yahoo email address. Some of you know them; however, in the recent weeks I've changed my screen name. If you want to chat with me in real time, email me and tell me the services you use and I will tell you my screen name. Chapter 47 Subpoena The next day a knock came at the door. An officer of the Orlando court system handed Lance a piece of paper in an envelope. "What's this?" Lance asked. "It's a subpoena to appear in court." The court officer turned and left. Lance closed the door and we sat down on the couch where he opened the envelope. He read over it while I waited to hear from his lips what was going on. "It's a subpoena to appear in court against Paul for what he did." "When is it?" "The seventeenth," Lance replied. "That's not far away." Lance remained quiet. "Are you okay?" "Yeah," he answered his voice cracking. He cleared it and answered, "Yes." "Are you sure?" "Yeah. I was hoping I wouldn't have to see him again. But I should have known this was coming up. I knew I was going to have to testify against him for what he did. I thought I would feel stronger to do this." "You are strong," I said placing my hand on his face. "You can do this. And I will be right beside you as you do." Lance turned and I embraced him. He shuddered with his sobs and a tear fell from my eye. I hated the fact he had to go through this. But it would be him that could put Paul away. I knew he could do it. He was my hero. The next couple days felt like hell. Lance was very distant from me. I know it wasn't because he didn't want to be around me. Everything that he felt from Paul was coming back to him, fresh as the time when he was with Paul. "I wish this were over," he said. "I don't think I can do this." "You can, Lance. I know it is overwhelming. I know it is difficult. But you can overcome. We can overcome. We just have to hold onto each other for strength. One night, when we went to bed, Lance was very distant from me. He lay on his side of the bed not wanting to touch me. It must have been human touch he was avoiding. All the horrible things Paul did to him were in his mind and the acts turned him off to any physical touch. "It isn't you, Eric," Lance said. "I just don't want to touch right now." I ran my finger through his hair. "I understand, baby. It's okay." I could tell that he felt horrible for it. I didn't want him to feel that way. An idea came to me and I got up and went downstairs. A few minutes later, I came back into the room. "Do you mind if I listen to the radio?" "No," he replied moodily. I could really tell he was bothered and I hoped what I had just done would let him know I understood. I flipped the power on the radio and changed the station to a local station. As I crawled into bed, the announcer's voice came on soft and soothing. "Our next request goes out to Lance from Eric. 'We're going to get through this, Lance. I promise.'" The music began and Dream Street's voices came on softly. It's just a matter of It's just a matter of It's just a matter of time It's just a matter of It's just a matter of It's just a matter of time I know you want to make things right To move ahead, find a way to win the fight And thought it's hard to keep the faith We'll make it through if we take it day-by-day They say that all good things will come to those who wait And if we believe in each other (Believe in each other) I know we can make it together Baby, it's just A matter of time If we can take it slow Everything will be all right Let it flow And I know that we'll find It's just a matter of time When you feel down and out of touch And no one's there, no one's there to lift you up Life's not as bad as it may seem Just hold on tight and never lose sight of your dreams They say that all good things will come to those who wait And if we believe in each other (Believe in each other) I know we can make it together Baby, it's just A matter of time If we can take it slow Everything will be all right Let it flow And I know that we'll find It's just a matter of time It's just a matter of It's just a matter of It's just a matter of time It's just a matter of It's just a matter of It's just a matter of time And we ever lose our way I know we can find a brighter day There is no mountain (no mountain) we can't climb It's just a matter of time Baby, it's just A matter of time If we can take it slow Everything will be all right Let it flow And I know we can make it together Baby, it's just A matter of time If we can take it slow Everything will be all right Let it flow And I know that we'll find It's just a matter of time I know that we'll find It's just a matter of time I could hear Lance's sobs and I moved closer to him. He turned and grabbed me holding me tightly. I ran my fingers through his hair and whispered, "It's just a matter of time. Everything will be all right, Lance. I promise. It's going to be okay." The day came and we climbed in the SUV. Justin, Jessica and Joey were going to be at the courthouse to support Lance in this. We met the county prosecutor at the doors. "Mr. Bass," he greeted. "I want to go over everything with you to make sure I have everything we need to put this guy away. Let's go over here." Joey waved to me from down the hall. I hugged Lance and he went with the prosecuting attorney into an office. I headed down the hall to Joey. "How is he?" Joey asked. "He's doing okay, as well as can be expected. He'd like to put this far behind him. I can understand it, too. When bad stuff happens, we hate it and want to never deal with it again. But we have to face it so we don't fear it any more." We filed into the courtroom and found our seats right behind the prosecuting attorney's side. Lance and the D.A. came in and sat at the table. Paul was brought in by the bailiff. His attorney stood at the table and smiled at his client. Paul nodded at him and stood next to him. "All rise," the bailiff said. "Court is now in session. The Honorable Judge Parker presiding." The judge came in and sat down behind the bench. She picked up the case file and flipped through it. "Attorney Davids, Prosecutor Allan, good morning. This case is high-profile for two reasons. One the celebrity that is involved with Mr. Bass. I've taken precautions by asking the media to stay away and have closed the courtroom. I don't want anyone talking to them until after my decision is made. "The second variable is that it deals with the sensitive topic of homosexuality. This state is known for many of the conservative stances we have on the laws. Still, this case is about treating another human being with decency and respect. That's what we are discussing. I don't want this to be turned into a gay rights decision. Is that understood?" Both lawyers responded affirmatively. "Very well. Mr. Allan. You may start with your opening statement." "Your Honor, I respect your decision for making this a closed court. As you said, this case isn't about gay rights. It is about treating another human being with decency and respect. The plaintiff was treated by the defendant in a way of humility and disrespect, often getting too rough during moments of intimacy. He held Mr. Bass in a state of submission through fear and intimidation. I ask that the court find in favor of Mr. Bass and put the defendant behind bars where he belongs." The D.A. turned and sat down next to Lance. "Mr. Davids. Your opening statement." Paul's lawyer stood up and moved to the center of the room. "Your Honor, it is clear to me that the defendant did act in an aggressive, domineering way. However, he was under the impression Mr. Bass wanted him to act in such ways. Mr. Bass would buy things for my client in affirmation of their relationship. This is clearly a fact that Mr. Bass doesn't want his name smeared by his secret obsession with being dominated. If it were to get out that he enjoys being dominated by men, he would lose fans and social support. I ask that the court find in favor of my client and dismiss the case." Mr. Davids went back to his spot behind the table and sat. The judge sat in silence for a few moments. Then he cleared his throat. "Mr. Allan, call your witness." The D.A. stood. "I'd like to call Mr. Lance Bass to the stand." Lance stood and went to the witness box. The bailiff swore him in and he sat. "Mr. Bass, tell the court the nature of your relationship with the defendant. How did you two meet?" "A few months ago, I was told that my lover was dead. It devastated me. I would stay out at night grieving. One night, I met Paul, the defendant. He seemed very sympathetic and understanding of what I was going through. He and I spent lots of time together after that talking. He was very supportive of me. Eventually, our relationship grew and we became involved. "One day, however, he changed. While we were making love, he became aggressive. At first, I thought it was him trying something new in our relationship. But it didn't stay knew and he didn't stop with sounding aggressive. He became violent, pushing me to the bed sometimes and forcing sex on me. He would force me to drink his urine," Lance choked and the tears fell. "And he forced anal sex. There were many times that I bled." "I would like to submit to the court exhibit A, a medical report examination of Mr. Bass's internal damage caused by the defendant." Mr. Allan handed the report to Judge Parker. He also pulled out an enlarged poster board with the report blown up to fit. "The medical examiner has included his statement of examination. He does not know the circumstances surrounding the court case. He offered his exam and diagnosis of the damage. One can see here," D.A. Allan said flipping to an image taken in X-Ray, "the damage inflicted on Mr. Bass. His interior has been torn in several places. The doctor's explanation of this is written underneath. 'The damage done is consistent to an object being forced into the anal cavity repeatedly. The muscles constricted at several points to resist entry and were torn due to the forced entry of the object.' Clearly, your Honor, this sounds much like rape." Allan walked back to the center of the room. "Mr. Bass, did you at any time feel afraid to challenge the defendant's actions?" "Objection," Mr. Davids said. "He's leading the witness." "Sustained," the judge replied. "Mr. Bass, why didn't you confront the defendant's actions?" "I was afraid of him. He would threaten me with physical violence. He said he would tell everyone how I enjoyed being dominated. I didn't enjoy being dominated but he would make it seem like I did just so others would blow off any incriminating evidence." "No further questions," D.A. Allan said sitting down. "Your witness, Mr. Davids." Paul's lawyer stood. "Tell us, Mr. Bass, why did you buy him gifts?" "I didn't." "All the receipts for his newly acquired objects have your credit card number." "He forged them." "That's a pretty serious accusation. Do you have proof? I would say your wallets would be in your wallet all the time. What about all the parties you took him to? You must have loved him to take him with you." "If I didn't take him, he would hurt me." "I think you like to be hurt, Mr. Bass. No one who hated what happened would let it happen again, especially a nicely developed guy like you. You could have easily fought back, or called the police after the first incident." "Like I said, I thought the first incident was an attempt at something knew. I didn't think he would go so far as to hurt me all the time." "Your reaction to his kinky acts showed him that you enjoyed it. Why would someone stop doing something his or her significant other enjoys?" "I had never done anything like that before. Of course the first time would be erotic. When I enjoyed the first time of slight domination does not give him the green light to rape me." "I think you are ashamed, Mr. Bass. Ashamed of your fetish for violence. Your actions have proved you love my client. This is nothing but a media fiasco to cover up your abnormal desires. "Nothing further your Honor." "You may step down, Mr. Bass." I wanted to run up and hug Lance, who was crying his eyes out. The lawyer made him look horrible. Lance came down and sat next to the D.A. I put my hand on his hand when he placed it on the railing. He sat down and Mr. Davids called up Paul to the stand. To Be Continued...