Justice Without Consent

CHAPTER 1

SIX THIRTY in the evening, the sun has changed its position, and darkness is taking the place of the warm sun. Marcus looks at Doris and knows she’s thinking of words to convince him to seek God for help to change his ungodly ways. They are sitting on the leather sofa in the living room, the sheer curtains covering the windows are partially open, and Marcus looks out the window to see if he should leave. His elbow is on the armrest, his hand supports his face, and he has a puckered brow of disgust.

Doris exhales, uses her hand to brush small white lint from her black pants leg. she says, Well, Marcus, don’t act as if you’re not interested in what I am going to say. You had better pay attention because, as you know, we have only one chance to live our life, and our decisions are important.

Marcus changes his position, he crosses his leg and says, Momma, come-on, we’ve had this conversation before. I know what you’re going to say, before you start. Please, please respect my right to live and support my life in the manner I prefer.

Enough, Marcus, enough, don’t you dare talk back when I am talking to you. You must respect me, as long as you live in this house.

Heck Mom, if my living here is a problem lets’ make a deal. I’ll pay you any amount you ask to live here until Linda graduate from Jackson State University.

Marcus, I don’t want your dirty illegal money and you know darn well I will worry about you more if you’re not in his house.

"Okay, okay, accept me as I am, Momma. I want to live rich, and if possible, pay someone to die for me. I am sure you do not believe this, but people should live fast, love often, and shouldn’t look back at yesterday.

I am 18 years old, a voter and I can enlist in the military service to die for my country. Shucks Momma, you and Dad did an excellent job raising Linda and me. We know right from wrong and sometimes wrong is the right way. Marcus looks at his wristwatch and adds, Momma, it’s time for me to leave.

He stands unbutton his white shirt to the middle of his chest, and walks toward the front door. He doesn’t look back at Doris, as he gently close the door.

CHAPTER 2

SATURDAY MORNING… Linda sits on her bed with a book stuck between her thighs. She leans backward, occasionally, to rest her back on the bed’s headboard. William and Doris are in the kitchen discussing the grocery list before leaving to do the weekend shopping, when a decision of agreement is complete, Doris leaves the kitchen and pushes Linda’s bedroom door ajar enough for her to see what Linda is doing. Linda looks toward the door and acknowledges Doris with a smile.

Doris says, Honey, we’re leaving for the grocery store is there anything special you want?

No Momma, I’m fine, thanks.

Okay, Doris says and William follows her out of the house. Linda hasn’t experience sexual contact, nor has she exchanged a kiss with a boy. Her girlfriend, Amy James, has similar experiences with boys and sex. They are typical teenagers’ good students, physically developed beyond their age, and curious about boys; however, they are concentrating on becoming teachers, after they graduate from Jackson State University. Linda decides to call Amy after Doris and William leaves home for the grocery store. She looks at the page number in the book, bends the corner of the page, and places the book on the bed.

Amy knows Linda is on the phone, she says, Girl, I’m crazy for Clarence and that knucklehead ignores me as if I have a plague what should I do to get his attention?

"Are you kidding me? Listen, Amy, Clarence knows you like him, so he’s playing the role to keep you running after him. I think you should reverse the situation, let him know you don’t give a damn if he talks to you or not.

I bet you will have to beat him with a stick to get rid of him. Girl, there are many good-looking boys begging for our attention. Don’t waste your time with one boy, especially, Clarence. He’s not that great, when it comes to looks, he’s not smart, and he lives across the freight train tracks. You know what kind of people lives there."

"You’re right I hadn’t considered his living situation. Clarence must be punished like all little boy. He must sit in the corner until I excuse him. I’m the Queen."

Now you’re talking. That’s the spirit girl. These boys must learn one monkey do not stop the show. I have learned not to give in too soon, we have the power and we must control boys. Amy presses the phone harder against her ear, for no apparent reason. The advice Linda gives excites her emotion. She asks, Where are your parents?

Mom and Dad left for the grocery store, five minutes ago. Where are your folks?

Girl, they were gone before I awaken. The family businesses keep them on the move. They know I will call them, if there’s a problem. Linda, when your parents return from the grocery store, ask to go with me to see a movie.

What’s playing?

Girl, I don’t know. Let’s go and mess around with the boys. Call if you can’t go I don’t want to go alone.

Sure, I’ll call you, how do you know your parents will let you go to the movie?

Girl, I’m the one and only child my parents have and I take advantage of their kindness. I know they love me and there aren’t too many things I am denied. Going to a movie is not a dangerous place. Anyway, I wouldn’t tell my parents if a riot should start in the movie theater, don’t you wish you were an only child?

"Sometimes I think it would be nice. Marcus doesn’t consider himself a member of this family.

He has decided to live his life according to his wishes; therefore, I am my parents’ only child. Marcus isn’t going to stop doing his thing because of the money he’s able to put in his pocket. I am sure he has cash hidden in this house somewhere. Girl, he drives a new Cadillac, has clothes in two closets, and he changes outfits twice a day, sometimes. I’m sure you and the neighborhood folks wonder what in the hell is he doing. The young boys living across the street, and on the next block, think Marcus is the king of all kings, because of his fancy car and designer clothes."

Linda! Come-on, now, you know your brother is good looking many girls are waiting for Marcus’s love and attention.

Yeah, he’s good looking and he knows it; a woman would be foolish to believe anything Marcus says. Hold on a minute, Amy, I’ve got to use the bathroom.

Okay.

Linda returns and says, Girl, I had a full bladder. What was I talking about before this emergency?

You agreed with my remark regarding Marcus good-looks. You also said, ‘A woman would be foolish to believe anything Marcus says.’ well, add me to the list, I’m willing to be foolish at least for six months. Let’s not continue to talk about Marcus. Listen Linda; don’t forget to ask your parents if you can go to the movie later. I am sure your Mom will approve, so ask her first, if she says no ask your, Dad. He’s such a sweetheart and he’s all business, even in church; he’s the only man who doesn’t look at the women’s butt. I notice his behavior don’t ask me why, but I want to know what your mother is doing to maintain your father’s interest, so I can use her technique when I marry."

"Girl, you’re too much, in case you have forgotten… one must use different strokes for different folks. In regards to Mom and Dad, I don’t know what they are doing, when they’re not talking with me."

"I don’t believe you have never heard your parents make out in bed."

Its okay if you don’t’ believe me. We’re having too much talk about matters that do not concern us. Tell me what time do you want to leave for the movie?

Well, let’s go in the afternoon, after twelve o’clock.

Okay, I’ll pick you up before twelve thirty. I had a key made to Dad’s car, and I’ve been driving in the neighborhood in the evening when the traffic isn’t heavy. When Mom and Dad return, they’re going to watch TV and won’t leave the house. You didn’t know I have been driving in the neighborhood did you?

No, I didn’t. Are you serious? Why didn’t you tell me before now? We could’ve been cruising and going places. Now I’ve got to steal one of my parent’s cars and have a key made, which is better my Mom’s Cadillac or Dad’s Corvette?

Get the key to the car that’s not driven often. I’m a professional, I can park six inches from the curb, and drive with one hand. I think you should drive with me as a passenger. I’ll let you know what you’re doing wrong before you make a mistake.

Okay, that’s a deal, I’ll let you know when I have a key, and I’ll call you.

Okay, I’ll talk with you later, Linda says, she disconnects the call, returns to her bed, crosses her legs, picks up the book, and opens it to the page with the bent corner. Uncle Roger has been sitting in his car several hours parked one block from William and Doris’s home. The morning dew obstructs his view so he turns the knob for the wiper blades. Roger inhales a mouthful of smoke from his cigarette and blows it out of the car window.

The car radio volume is low, Frankie Beverly and Maze, male singers are singing one of their classic hits Can’t Get Over You.

Roger looks at his face in the rear view mirror, and rubs his cheek with his hand. He’ll return home and shave after he finishes with Linda. When he sees Doris drive the family Buick Sedan from the carport with William sitting in the passenger seat, Roger takes the cigarette out of his mouth and drops it near the driver’s door instead of using the ashtray. He slouches further in the driver’s seat, as Doris looks right and left before driving in the opposite direction. He grins and turns the key starting the engine of his Oldsmobile. He parks under the carport, gets out, grins again, before pressing the doorbell. Linda can see anyone from inside the house through the small pane in the middle of the door. She quickly wraps, and ties her pink robe as she walks to the door. She looks through the small pane, and sees Roger. Linda allows him to enter and the moment Roger closes, and locks the door; she knows his visit isn’t to see her father or her mother. Roger grin reveals the nicotine stains on his teeth. Linda aware of his intention, steps backward. She wants to run, but she knows Roger will catch her before she’s able to open the back door. Beads of sweat form on her face and under her arms. She’s afraid of the sexual attack. She walks backward maintaining eye contact with Roger and says with a quiver in her voice, Uncle Roger, Momma, and Daddy are coming back in a few minutes. Why are you here? Is there something you forgot to take with you last night?

No, Linda. I didn’t leave anything last night. I am here to see you. I know William and Doris aren’t returning in a few minutes. They shop for hours, when they’re in the grocery store. I want you to stop acting as if you’re afraid I’m your uncle and I will never hurt you.

Roger’s heartbeat increase as he admires Linda’s flawless face and legs as she walks backward and the robe opens.

Uncle Roger, please don’t touch me! Please don’t touch me. What have I done to cause you to act this way? Please Uncle Roger you don’t want to do this to me, you will regret… this… the rest of your life. Please. Please. Linda is terrified and hopes someone will come and rescue her before its too late. She runs to the dining room, gets a knife from the drawer where Doris’ best silverware is stored. She extends her hand with the knife toward Roger.

He grins and says, Now Linda, what are you going to do with that knife? You put the knife back in the drawer and come with me.

Linda continues to walk backward holding the knife. She stumbles when her foot jams under a chair leg. She attempts to push the chair toward Roger, he grabs her arm, and Linda pulls opposite of his grip. The knife cuts the palm of Roger’s hand. She raises the knife to stab Roger; he pushes the chair onto Linda’s stomach, she drops the knife, and struggles to stand. Roger picks up the knife and throws it in the direction of the kitchen. He looks at his hand sees his blood flowing from the open wound, and he wraps it with handkerchief from his pants rear pocket.

Roger says, Come-on Linda, you’re a big girl. Stop trying to avoid me.

Linda screams, Help! Help! Somebody please help me! She looks out of the windows and listens for the door to open. She runs to the opposite side of the dining table as tears drop from her cheeks onto her robe. Roger pushes the dining table forcing Linda to move backward to the wall. She climbs on the table to avoid being crush. Roger grabs Linda’s cotton pink robe and it opens. He sees her budding breast and panty. She lifts the glass bowl from the dining table and breaks it on Roger’s head. He feels his blood flow onto his face.

Roger puts his hand on the wound, looks at his blood, and yells, Why you crazy little bitch! He grabs her leg and pulls her from the table. Linda scratches his face, and hits him with her fist; however, Roger’s strength is too great for Linda to resist. She screams, Help! Help! Help me somebody, please.

Roger carries Linda into her bedroom and pulls her panty from one leg. She continues to kick and bite any part of Roger’s flesh that’s within reach of her mouth. Finally, she realizes no one can hear her call for help and no one is coming to save her from this horrific attack. She surrenders and waits. Linda closes her eyes as pain follows Roger’s penetration. Anger enters her mind and tears flows and drops onto the bed pillow.

CHAPTER 3

MARCUS PARKS HIS CADILLAC near the carport looks inside Roger’s Oldsmobile before he unlocks the door of the house. He opens the door and stops when he sees the dining room chairs on the floor, the table near the wall. He looks on the floor and sees broken glass. He takes several steps and sees Linda’s bedroom door open. Marcus walks toward the bedroom and sees Roger’s bare ass moving and forcing himself with Linda’s lifeless body. He rushes into the bedroom, puts his arm around Roger’s neck, and pulls him onto the floor. He tightens his grip and Roger’s mouth opens and salvia flows over his lip as he struggles to take in air. Roger kicks and uses his fingernails to scratch Marcus’s arm. Marcus tightens his grip until Roger is motionless. He pushes Roger onto the floor and says to Linda, Go in the kitchen, look in the cabinet drawer, and bring me the duct tape. I should kill this lousy shit ball but Mom and Dad will really freak-out. I’ve got to do something to him that no one will ever find him.

Linda secures her robe and goes to the kitchen to get the duct tape. She returns and gives it to Marcus. She trembles when she sees Roger on the floor motionless with saliva flowing from his mouth. She doesn’t want to see him again alive or dead. She goes to her closet and takes a pair of blue jeans and a T-shirt into the bathroom. She looks at her reflection in the mirror, before washing, and the rage and revenge grows within her mind. She will not and cannot forgive Uncle Roger. When she returns to the bedroom, Marcus says, Go into the dining room, sweep the glass from the floor, and arrange the furniture back the way Mom had it. I don’t want Mom and Dad asking questions. You must promise not to ever tell anyone what I’m going to do to this lousy piece of shit, your Uncle Roger.

Marcus stands and kicks Roger in the stomach; he grunts and pulls his legs up to stop direct contact with Marcus’ shoe. Marcus forces Roger to turnover and he duct tape Roger’s hands, his mouth, and his legs. He pulls Roger from Linda’s bedroom and his head collide with the doorframe, the kitchen chair leg, the concrete steps before Marcus lifts and forces him onto the back seat of his Oldsmobile. Linda cleans and replaces the table and chairs. She didn’t leave any of Roger’s items in the house. She locks the door, goes to Marcus, and asks, Where are you going, and what are you going to do with Roger?

I haven’t decided yet, Marcus replies and he wonders if Linda knows how to drive a car are you feeling well enough to drive my car?

Yes Marcus, Linda says, now, you answer my question, where are you going and what are you going to do to Roger?

Without responding to Linda’s question, he says, Take my car key, and follow me are you sure you know how to drive? I’ve never seen you driving a car.

This isn’t the time to ask stupid questions, Marcus, if I couldn’t drive, I wouldn’t accept your car keys.

Yeah, follow me, two car lengths, so I can see how well you drive.

I repeat, where are you going, Marcus?

I said follow me that’s all you need to know.

Okay Marcus, but please don’t make this situation worse.

Worse! Are you kidding? Roger deserve the worse and that’s what I intend to do give him a final good-bye.

Linda drives Marcus’s Cadillac and he drives Roger’s Oldsmobile North on I-55 until he sees a dirt road that’s difficult to see from the main road, because of trees, large and small and bush. Marcus drives on the dirt road until he sees a river.

He parks near the bank of the river, partly lowers the windows of the car, and gets out. He looks for an object to press and hold the accelerator. The river water splashes against the muddy riverbank, where weeds have start new growth. No persons are in the area and the only noise comes from Roger’s feet as he kicks against the car’s front seat and mumbles. Marcus uses a broken tree branch to press and hold the car accelerator down. The engine roars, Marcus reaches inside the car, and pulls the gearshift into drive position. The Oldsmobile tires spin forcing dirt and weed to the rear of the car before it lunges forward into the river water. A splash, waves, and bubbles come from the location after the car sinks, with Roger inside. Marcus places his arm around Linda’s shoulders as they look intently at the ripples in the river. She says, Take me home, Marcus. I’ll never forget this moment or understand why Uncle Roger raped me.

Don’t try and understand the reason why or worry about Roger. I’m sorry I didn’t arrive in time to rescue you from that lousy piece of shit.

Linda frowns and reflects. I can smell the odor of cigarette nicotine from his breath and his body odor. I feel so dirty water and soap can’t properly clean me. I don’t know if you’ve done the right thing; however, I do not regret he’s dead. I had plans to have a pleasant afternoon with Amy. Now, I am not in the mood to go and see a movie. Please call Amy. Tell her anything but don’t mention this rape incident. I must have time, alone, to think and pray.

Marcus kisses Linda on her head and says, Calm down Sis. You didn’t do anything wrong. Roger is gone. Forget him. The sonofabitch will not rape anyone again.

Marcus, he’s our father’s brother.

I don’t give a shit. You’re my sister.

Marcus, why didn’t you call the police?

Well, I don’t trust cops. The damn police in this state are worst than criminals, when money and drugs are the subject of their arrest. I know what I am talking about, because, I’ve seen cops take cash and leave the criminal on the street. Is that a good reason for me not to call the police?

No, Marcus, I agree criminals shouldn’t go unpunished and I’m sure your reason goes beyond distrust for cops. What you’ve done to Roger is wrong. Now, regarding the cops, I am sure there are police officers doing an admirable job; however, I am not sure how they would’ve handled Uncle Roger’s arrest. Do you think Mom and Dad would’ve called the police?

"Linda! Linda! Stop playing the wonder game. Your Uncle Roger is floating somewhere under the river water and I hope his body will never be found. Come-on, let’s get the hell out of here and never mention Roger’s name again."

Okay Marcus, you’re right I don’t want to talk about Roger anymore. Please take me home I am not feeling well, and please don’t forget to call Amy.

Okay. Okay I’ll drop you at the house and I’ll call Amy. I am going to leave before Mom and Dad return. Listen Linda, and remember, what I’ve done is our forever… secret. Okay Sis.

Okay Marcus. There’s no need for you to remind me again. I have one final favor to ask

What?

Please. Please stop selling drugs. It’s not right and someone may kill you.

Marcus hesitates with his response, How long have you known, I’m selling drugs?

Too long Marcus.

Listen Sis I… I promise to be careful, now, give me my car keys, and get in the car.

CHAPTER 4

TWO WEEKS LATER… William and Doris haven’t mention Roger’s whereabouts. They believe he’s doing whatever pleases him. Monday morning, when William and Doris sign the attendance sheet, the clerk says, Good morning professors. President Anderson requests your presence in his office.

Doris looks at William and whispers, Do you know why Anderson wants to talk with us?

The clerk replies before William, President Anderson didn’t tell me why he wants you Roberts’ in his office. Have you done anything evil, recently?

Doris replies, I’ll not admit anything evil.

The personnel, who heard the comment, giggle.

Doris knocks on Anderson’s office door, he says, Come in.

Doris and William stands in front of Anderson’s desk and he asks, Have you or William seen or talk with Roger?

No we haven’t. Doris replies as William turns and looks for a chair. He sits and wonders what has happened to his brother. Doris sits in a chair and says, We’re surprise he hasn’t report for work or visit our home. He and William have their daily talks. I didn’t question Roger’s whereabouts, since William didn’t say anything to me.

William finally responds when he hears his name, I wasn’t concerned about Roger because he’s a responsible man. When I didn’t see him in his classroom I was sure he talked with you, Mr. Anderson. I didn’t have a reason to call his apartment; in fact, he calls me most of the time or just visit. I’ll definitely search for answers and let you know why he hasn’t report to the university.

Well, I am not going to wait for Roger to report to the university. I’ll notify the police and I’ll give the police officer your name. Do either of you object?

No, definitely not we’re family, Doris says and looks at William. President Anderson, immediately, calls the police emergency number, after Doris and William leaves his office. When the police officer arrive, President Anderson, leans back in his high back chair and waits for the officer to introduce himself. The officer completes his inspection of the office and says, Excuse me I didn’t tell you my name I am officer Green my daughter, Felicia, is a student at this university. She graduates in May.

Wonderful, wonderful I am sure she will continue to do well. May I tell you the reason for the call, officer Green? President Anderson isn’t interested in unrelated conversation.

Sure. Sure, Officer Green says and refocuses his attention to the investigation.

Well, a member of the university staff Professor Roger Robert hasn’t called or been in his classroom. He’s been absence two weeks. I had a brief conversation with his brother, Professor William, and his wife, Doris, they are also employed at this university. They said, Roger hasn’t call or visit their home. Perhaps, they can tell you more. I’ll escort you to a private room, where you can talk with them.

Great idea, Officer Green says and he follows Anderson. When Doris and William enters the room, officer Green takes a swallow from his bottle water, turns the page on his note pad, and looks at Doris. He makes several marks with his pen on the note pad, and black ink appears. Okay, my pen is ready. How are you, Mr. and Mrs. Robert?

We’re fine, officer Green, Doris says not allowing William to speak… before her.

Great, Officer Green replies, you may not know this, but my daughter, Felicia, goes to this university. Great school, great school; however, as you know, I am here to document the whereabouts of Professor Roger Robert. I was told he’s a member of your family, please tell me what you know, the date, and the last time Roger was in your home.

Again, Doris speaks, Well, Roger is my husband’s brother. He’s older than William is. He was in our home… let me think… maybe two or three weeks ago. I don’t recall the exact time he left. He comes and goes without an invitation William and I do not have any information as to where he may be, in fact, we haven’t seen him since that evening he left our home.

William clears his throat, I do remember Roger said, ‘I am going to stop at the grocery store to buy milk and bread.’ whether he stopped, I don’t know."

Officer Green has a frown on his face and wonders if Roger has a good family relationship. He says, Well, I am sure if you had more information regarding your brother you wouldn’t withhold telling me of his whereabouts. Families of educators… such as you folks… receive respect from their neighbors and students and wouldn’t lie regarding a missing family member.

Officer Green lies. He looks for a change in Doris or William’s behavior but they remain calm concern and willing to cooperate. He continues, Please let me know if Roger calls or visit your home. He gives Doris his I.D. card and adds, I am sure someone will see Roger or receive a call from him soon. Mr. and Mrs. Robert, thanks for your cooperation. By the way, the Police Department will notify your family when and if Roger returns from wherever he is.

Thanks Officer Green. We’ll also notify your Department whenever Roger calls or visit, Doris says and walks from the room in front of William. In the hallway out of hearing distance of anyone, Doris whispers, William, do you know where Roger is or what has happened?

No, Honey, he hasn’t called and I haven’t been to his apartment. I’ll go by today, and talk with several people. Somebody should know something.

Only God knows, William. Only God knows. I’ve never said this to you, but Roger is a strange man. In my opinion, there’s something loose in his head that should be tighten. She holds William’s hand as they walk in the hallway from the interview room. Doris adds, "William, I’ll wait for you to talk with the folks in Roger’s apartment complex. Tell me what happened, when you come home. I have a gut feeling Roger is in serious trouble. You be careful."

Okay, I’ll tell you if I am able to talk with Roger or anyone who may know of his whereabouts. William says, and he agrees with Doris’ gut feeling Roger has encountered a problem and he can’t imagine what type of problem because Roger doesn’t have many friends.

CHAPTER 5

ROGER’S APARTMENT… When William arrives in the apartment complex where Roger lives; he attempts to open the apartment front and back door,