Phoenix

Chapter 13

    Tim, Liam and I were sitting at a table across from our lawyer, waiting for the court proceedings to start.  Tim had gotten in at some point in time late the night before. I hadn't heard him and honestly I had tossed and turned most of the night worried about the idea that he wouldn't be here with me. Silly of course. Although he hadn't been there when I was growing up he had always been there for me when I needed him. When the Lawyer and Tim went in to the court room Liam and I were left alone to be called in one by one for our rendition of what happened.  He was holding my hand.  His thumb stroking my palm in slow gentle circles.  It resonated in my gut.  Making my skin tingle from head to toe.  I leaned over and put my head on his shoulder.

‘Liam.’ I whispered

‘Hmmm’

‘I wish that we weren’t wasting today doing this.’ I answered quietly

‘I know Olivia, I definitely feel the same way.  But just think if he gets locked up that one less woman for him to assault. One less asshole for me to worry about hurting you’ He said.  Then the door opened.  He leaned down and kissed my forehead gently. 

“Stay brave baby.” He whispered and then I was left there to be on my own.  I stood up and paced back and forth across the tiny white room.  White was a kind way to put it. Stark boring more like it.  It had white walls, white trim, a white door, white furniture.  It was boring.  I let my mind focus on one small dent on the far wall while I slowly paced towards it.  In all honestly I had no idea what was going to happen when I walked into that courtroom.  I was a little scared and the small dent on the wall was keeping me grounded.  I walked closer to it.  Noticing that like clouds, dents had shapes.  I imagined this one to be a bunny.  Small button nose, long pointy ears.  I focused my eyes on the drywall that had cracked around it, the darkness behind it.  Amazed at how I could force my mind to block out everything around me.  Focus on a tiny detail in a boring room.

When I finally looked up at the clock I was surprised that over an hour and a half had gone by.  What! Hurry up I want to spend time with Liam.  I had a plan for tonight.  I really hoped he wouldn’t fight me on it. I tried to kill the minutes by scrolling mundanely through my phone.  Finally a few minutes later a man walked in.  He was wearing a police uniform.  I swallowed hard and he said,

‘Olivia, it’’s your turn.’ He smiled at me like it was a good thing.  I said nothing, but got up, turned my phone number off and followed him out to the courtroom.  He led me up to the stand where a sheriff held up the bible for me to put my left hand on and raise my right. 

“Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you god?” He said matter of factly.

“Yes” I replied nervously, then I sat down.  My eyes looking for my dad and Liam.  They were sitting next to the lawyer right up front.  Both looking intently at me.  The judge spoke loudly and clearly. 

“Can you state and spell your name please?”he asked me kindly.  I nodded, 

“Olivia Jean Dawson O.L.I.V.I.A J.E.A.N D.A.W.S.O.N.” I replied my voice cracking out of nervousness.  He nodded and then motioned to my lawyer who stood up. 

“Olivia, I am going to ask you to relay your story please ok?” I nodded and began my story.  

“From the very beginning?" I asked unsure of where to start with the story. 

"Yes please Olivia. From when you first had contact." He said, I swallowed hard and nodded. 

"I left my friends after we went shopping and went to the University of Arizona.  I was wondering about the animal sciences programs so I headed to the student services building.  There was a man by the office.”  I stopped for a minute, trying to remember my lawyers advice to keep my story to the point.  

“I asked him where I could find the animal sciences building and he pointed me in the direction that I needed. The building was closed so I continued walking and came upon a gym.  After that I decided that I wanted to go back to the restaraunt where I was meeting my friends."

"I was walking along the sidewalk and there was a place where the street lights were out. When I was in the darkness a hand covered my mouth and someone drug me into a back alley." I stopped, my mouth dry. This was harder than I had expected. It had been easier telling my friends about it. I was trying to get the dryness out of my throat when the police officer beside me handed me a glass of water. I croaked out, 

"Thank you" and took a sip. Then I cleared my throat and continued on with my story. I couldn't look at the faces watching me. 

"I slapped me across the face," I said, trying to be loud enough to be heard. A tear slid down my face. 

"Then he threw me onto my back." I was looking past the faces to the wall behind them. Speaking to the ugly wallpaper. 

"His hands were on my body." I didn't want to elaborate this. Another tear went down my cheek. The lawyer handed me a tissue. I wiped my eyes. 

"Olivia, I know this is hard. Can you please tell us where he touched you?" My lawyer asked. I looked at him appalled. But I knew I had to do this. I have to protect the other women. I have to lock him up. 

"He touched my chest, and he put his hands down my pants." I said, unsure of if anyone but the lawyer and the judge heard me. 

"I pried my hand free and hit him at that point. Then I kicked him and got to my feet. That's when I saw that another man was there and had ahold of him." I said, ending my story. Tears now flowing freely. When I was finished he nodded. 

“Olivia is there any chance that you saw the man who attacked you?” I nodded my head and replied, 

“Yes, I identified him at the police station.” I answered.  He nodded again.

“Do you know who was the person that stopped his attack?” I nodded again,

“Yes Liam did.” He smiled at me, ok I must be doing good or else he wouldn’t smile. 

“Do you feel that you were followed from the student services building?” He asked me sombrely.  

I nodded at him  and answered, “Yes”.  

“Miss Dawson, do you feel that if the assaulter had not been stopped he would have hurt you further?” He asked me kindly.  

“I’m not sure" I answered honestly.  He nodded, 

“Miss. Dawson,  I am very sorry that you had to do this.  It’s very hard to get up and testify against someone.  Most young women refuse to do it and I want to let you know that I am very proud of you for having the bravery. That is all I have to ask you at this moment.” He finished, then he sat, across the room another man stood up. 

“Requesting permission to cross examine the witness your honor.” The judge nodded, 

“You may.” 

He walked up to me with a smirk on his face. 

“Miss. Dawson can you tell me what were you wearing on the night that the attack happened?” 

“Jeans and a t-shirt.” I replied he looked at me intently. 

“Are you certain?” He asked me as though I was lying.  I nodded, Now I was mad. Was he suggesting that I had been dressed like a common w***e? I answered him angrily. 

“If you don’t believe me I am certain that there is photos in the file as the officers took many and took dna samples off of my shirt where there was blood.” His face turned just a shade red. 

“Did you interact with the man you claim attacked you before the attack?” I nodded, Tim and Liam both glared. 

“Yes, I went to the school looking for some information on their courses, he was in the first building that I entered and I asked him for directions.” The lawyer nodded again. Why is he asking me questions that I've already answered. 

“Do you feel that you led him on in anyway?” He said slyly. I felt a flush meet my cheeks. 

“By asking for directions?” I asked smartly.  Out of the corner of my eye I noticed the judge chuckle. 

“Did you tell him to stop?” The lawyer asked me now, grasping at straws I could tell. 

“Multiple times, and then when he started choking me and I couldn’t breathe I really didn’t say much.  If you want there’s photos of those bruises in the police file as well.” The lawyer flushed extremely red.  Then he turned and said, 

“No further questions your honor.” The judge then turned to me and said,

“You may leave the witness stand Miss Dawson. Thank you for your bravery young lady.” I stood and went to sit between Liam and Tim.  

“Good job baby.”  Liam whispered to me.  Taking my hand in his. Tim kissed me on the cheek and took my other hand. Squeezing it hard. They held my hand while the judge flipped through some papers.  At this moment I noticed that to the right hand side of the room there was a glass box and inside it sat the man who attacked me.  I gasped and quickly turned my head away and into Liam’s shoulder, the judge looking at me intently then stood as did everyone in the room. 

“We will take a half hour recess while I deliberate my decision and we will return here at one o clock” The judge announced.  

Tim treated us to lunch across the street at a little deli while we waited.  I sat extremely close to Liam.  His arm around my shoulder my head on his chest. Tim coughed and said,

“Ok what is going on?” I looked at Liam who turned to Tim.

“I’m being deployed in three weeks.” Liam replied. 

“Oh, s**t. Dammit Liam that's too bad.” I looked up at him with cloudy eyes, pleading with him. Silently for me to stay with Liam tonight.

“Well when we are done here then I will leave you two to go spend some time together and I will go get some work done for awhile ok?” I nodded and smiled at him.  After our break we proceeded back to the courthouse.  The man who had attacked me was in orange coveralls and cuffs at the front of the room.  We all stood as the judge entered and took his seat. 

The judge looked around the room and stated. 

“I have taken into consideration the views of all the witnesses that we have seen here over the past week." He started. What! a week? how many people did they interview.

"As well the testimonies of the three other women heard previously.  I have taken into account the DNA samples from all four women which have been matched to the suspect.  I have also taken into consideration of previous records and jail scentences given to Mr. Loveel. So with that in mind I have come to the decision that you are to be found guilty of 4 counts of assault.  4 counts of s****l assault.  Three counts of r**e, two counts of attempted murder.  I fell that a scentence of 40 years in prison with parole as an option after 32 years is more than reasonable.” He finished. Oh my god. He would have r***d me. Liam was right.  

I sighed a huge sigh of relief as he was dragged screaming from the court room.  He was going away for a very very long time.  The gaurds pulled him through the backdoor never to be seen again.  With that it was over.  I walked out to Tim’s car in a blurr.  The three of us getting in and driving home.  When we parked in our driveway Liam held my door.  Kissed me on the forehead and said,

“I will see you in a few minutes ok?” I nodded. I felt so relieved that this was over.  I hugged my dad.  

“Dad, I love you, thank you for being there for me.  Thanks for everything.”  He hugged me tightly back.  One of those hugs that lasts too long but also feels right.  I didn’t want the moment to end.  But like all good things the moment was over.  He kissed me on the forehead and gave me a push to the stairs.  I ran up and changed out of my suit that Tim had insisted I purchase for the courtroom.  It felt so constricting.  It was hot and sweaty.  I needed something cooler.  A pair of shorts and a tank top later I ran down the stairs to find Liam already waiting.  He tossed my jacket at me from the closet and drug me out the door.  

I sat in the middle of his truck again as he drove through the residential streets by my house.  I wondered vaguely where he was taking me.  But I also didn’t care.  I wanted to spend time with him anyway that I possibly could.  We parked at the Arizona Gold Club.  How had I not been here before.  It was only ten minutes from home and it was beautiful.  I was a little nervous.  I had no idea how to golf.  

“Liam, I don’t know how to golf.” I said to him as I dragged behind him.  

“I’ll teach you.”  He answered simply.  Of course he would.  He didn’t mind teaching me anything.  He was more than patient.  Completely willing to wait when I needed to gather myself and get my feet.  I loved it so much.  He rented us clubs and a cart and then coated me up with sunscreen.  

“You know I am able to do this myself.”  I complained loudly as he slathered me down with greasy lotion. 

“But you won’t” He said.  Laughing at me.  

“Ok mom.”  I joked giving him a quick poke in the rib.  He replied by dropping a huge dollop of it on my nose.  

“There all done.” He said and turned leaving me to rub it in on my own.  What a jerk I chuckled to myself.  Liam drove us to the first hole and then got out and began digging through our golf clubs.  He handed me a club.  I stared at it like it was going to bite me.  What the hell am I going to do with this thing?  Then he placed a tee into the sod and put a ball on top.  Motioning me to him.  I swallowed hard and walked over.  He turned me and pulled me close to him.  The s****l tension in the air cracked as his hips bumped my behind and his hands slid down my arms.  All he was doing was showing me how to hold the club but my pulse raced.  

“Ok, so put your hands like this.  Let’s make a couple practice swings before you try for the ball ok?” He asked me sweetly.  I nodded.  He brought my arms back and then took a fake swing in the direction of where I would want the ball to go.  

“Swing from the hips ok? And when you swing make sure you follow through all the way.  Don’t pull out or it’s not going to do what you want it too.”  He said, I heard him but I wasn’t sure what all I actually processed.  His bulge was rubbing gently against my derrière.  Somehow he seemed to be ignoring  the fact that I was beginning to flush.  He helped me swing a few more practice shots.  A group had showed up behind us and were waiting.  He turned to them,

“You guys should go first.  We are just having a lesson could be a while.” He said smiling.  I used the minute to try and seduce him.  He leaned up against the golf cart so I leaned my back against him ensuring my bottom rubbed him as I did.  He kissed my cheek gently.  

“Mind on the game Miss Dawson.” He said laughing.  I sighed.  

“Your leaving soon.”  I said sadly.  

“Yes I am, but that doesn’t mean we need to rush this.  We’re doing this on our time.  I enjoy our relationship right now. You should too.”  He whispered into my ear which only made my skin tingle more.  

“I do Liam, trust me.”  I turned to face him.  “But I am scared, I don’t want you to go.  I don’t want to be alone.  I am not happy about this.”  I said it and I meant it.  He pulled me into a tight embrace.  

“I know baby, I don’t want to go either.  I’m not happy about it either.  But I re-upped before I met you and I am bound by law.  One more tour ok? I was going to do two but I can’t do that to you.  So one more tour.”  He promised me and I believed him and it made me feel somewhat better.  

“What will you do when you get home?”  I asked him, wondering what his options were.  

“I have some options.  I can apply for a desk job, or I could train guys.  I could completely quit the army but I don’t want to quit earning my pension.”  He answered.  I wondered briefly how much he made but I didn’t want to ask when he said. 

“While I’m gone do you want me to have some of my money sent into your account?” What the actual f**k? Why would he do that.

“No.” I answered far to quickly.  

“Why not?”  He asked me almost as fast.  

“Because, it’s yours and I don’t need it.” I argued.  

“So?” He asked me. 

“Why would you want to give me money?” I wondered out loud.  Didn’t he know how much Tim gave me.  

“Because I can.” He replied.  

"Liam, Tim gives me so much money. I don't need it. You should put it away." I said it almost pleadingly. 

"Can I give you a little so you can have fun with it?" He asked me. I shook my head again.

"No." He nodded and then he whispered. 

“Your turn babe.”  I turned and noticed the group had moved on and were long gone.  Ok Olivia, you can do this.  I stood at the ball, holding the club and preparing to swing from the hips.  Follow through.  Swim from the hips.  Follow through.  Ok.  I took a deep breath in, swung back and followed through.  The ball soared along the green.  Bounced a ways down and stopped.  Holy s**t, I did something athletic.  

“Woo, good job baby.” He shouted walking over and wrapping his arms around me and spinning me around.  I smiled and got out of the way so he could take his shot.  God when he did anything like this it made his muscles ripple.  He swung.  Well…. I guess my shot sucked that was more than double the distance my ball went I was certain.  I was right too.  We went to my ball.  I hit it again and it was still my ball next.  But at least I didn’t completely suck.  I could get into playing this game.  By the time we hit hole number 3 I was seeing improvement.  I was also playing the s*x game.  You know the game where you try your hardest to get what you want by flaunting the opportunity to get some.  Sure Olivia, play a game you have no idea how too.  I’d casually stroke his arm as we passed each other.  Bend over and stick my rear out at him when I put my tee into the grass.  I made sure my breasts poked out over the top of my tank top.  He ignored every advance that I made at him.  All I seemed to be doing was turning myself on.  I was thankful that he had only paid for nine holes.  Eighteen would have been pure torture.  I needed to get him alone.  He returned our clubs and the keys for the cart and we walked hand in hand to his truck.  

“Are you done teasing me yet?” He asked me seriously as he lifted me into the cab. 

“Are you going to make love to me?” I questioned him.  He c****d his head and I begged him to say yes. 

“I don’t know.” He answered.  When he jumped up beside me I jumped him.  I didn’t care if anyone saw, I threw my shirt off and reached for his while I captured his mouth with mine.  He grabbed my wrists. 

“I’m not making love to you in a parking lot.” He said with certainty.  Fine I decided but I am going to get what I want tonight.  I waited until we were out of the parking lot and I reached for his zipper. 

“Olivia.” He warned me but I continued.  Sliding my prize from it’s wrapping I was pleased to find it throbbing.  So I had affected him.  Now I was going to torture him.  I slid my tongue along his length swirling it around the tip.  He pulled over.  I looked up at him while I took his entirety deep into my mouth sucking hard on him.  He tightened his grip on the steering wheel. 

“Fuck.” He moaned loudly.  I bobbed my head up and down on him until I felt his muscles begin to tighten and then I stopped slid him back into his wrapping zipped him up and buckled my belt.  

“You tease!” He said, grabbing my face and kissing me deeply.  Then putting the truck into drive and heading home.  Holy crap, he had just kissed me.  After I had him in my mouth.  Wow.  When we got to his house I hoped that he would lead me into his house and f**k me.  Instead he led me into his house and offered me lemonade. 

“I don’t want lemonade.” I said, pouting at him.  He smiled as he sipped his.  What would I have to do for a little s*x? I turned and went to the bathroom.  Needing to be away from him for a minute.  I looked at myself in the mirror.  Why didn’t he want me? An idea sprung to mind.  I pulled my hair out of the pony tail holding it back.  Fluffed it around my face.  Then I pulled my tank top down revealing the full breasts peaking out.  I pulled my shorts down a bit showing my hips and a line of my belly.  Ok please find me sexy.  I walked into the kitchen and poured myself a glass of lemonade.  

“Change your mind?” He asked me sexily.  Nope I thought to myself I have a plan.  I sipped on it as I leaned on the island giving him a view right down my shirt.  Nothing.  I walked over to him, he kissed me on the mouth and placed his hands on my hips.  

“How about you? Did you change your mind?” I asked him.  

“I don’t want to rush you Olivia,” he said sincerely.  

“I am going to tease you until I get what I want.” I said in complete honesty.  Once again he laughed at me.  

“Call Tim, let’s take him for dinner downtown.” He said happily. I wouldn’t get what I wanted right now.  He played that well.  He knew I couldn’t tease him much with Tim around.