Trail of the Century - 4th part

Author’s Foreword:
Even thought the following short story does contain elements of reality, it is still a product of imagination therefore, it does not reflects actual events. The situations and dialogues described in this story might cause some stress or unpleasant moments for some readers, therefore discretion is recommended.
If you would like to leave a comment please contact: gitana82@gmail.com

*Author’s comment:
„Kids, please stop, go and ask Daddy before reading any further. Thanks”*

First part

Night

1.
The man couldn’t help reliving the whole day in his sleep. The moment when the phone rang with the news that it was time. Hugging his children, first all three at once, then one by one. Looking at the nanny:
- Will you…?
- Yes.
Getting in the SUV. He couldn’t recall the last time he felt so relieved for having obscured windows. The convoy started off very slow. The row of his employees holding hands in silence front of the gate. Phone buzzing endlessly with calls from his lawyers, as soon as they left the ranch:
- Trust me. It is all going to be fine.
Trust in me/ Trust in me/ Put all your trust in me I think I need Morphine!
The chauffeur continously signalling their progress on the road.
- We are on the m’way.
- Escort is front of us.
Getting hold of his PR manager. Praying. The tune came out of air. An old song, he hasn’t listened to for a long time. Hold me/ Like the River Jordan/ Carry me/ Like you are my brother/ (...) Love me/ Like a mother

The lawyer tried to not let him loose faith:
- Keep the faith, Michael!
But they told me/ A man should be faithful/ And walk when not able /And fight till the end/ But I’m only human.
Crinched when he caught sight of the court building. Felt he was going to be sick, even thought he hadn’t had anything to eat for days now.
Will you show to me/ You'll be there for me/ And care enough to bear me?
Felt his legs shaking, but he could still get out on his own. He was solid on ground. The show must go on They raised the umbrella to protect him from the killing sunrays, but he didn’t really care. Turning around he waved to his fans. For the last time, maybe. Mother walked in front, seemed like she was carrying a ton on her shoulders. The look in his brother’s eyes was strong. Father stood next to him. They recently started to respect each other more. Now, when it might already be too late. Didn’t even notice how did the lawyers suddenly appeared standing right next to him. Lost memory on how he reached the entrance. Security gate, metal screening. Silently whispering his prayers. In our darkest hour/ In my deepest despair/ Will you still care/ Will you be there?/ In my trials/ And my tripulations/ Through our doubts and frustrations/ In my violence/ In my turbulence/ Through my fear/ And my confessions/ In my anguish and my pain/ Through my joy and my sorrow/ In the promise of another tomorrow/ I’ll never let you part There will be some fans in the courtroom. What a shame would it be to be found guilty in front of them.. And his family! At least he wouldn’t have to see the prosecutor again. Just bear it somehow. The tune has grown in his soul into a Crescendo. He walks into the room. Lay you head lowly, Softly then boldly Jury walks in. Save me,/ Heal me and bathe me All Stand up. Kiss me and free me/ I will feel blessed The lawyer reaches for his arm.
- We, the jury found the defendant in the above entiteld case NOT guilty.

Someone is screaming! The man sits up. His black hair is on his face, covered in a sea of tears. He was the one screaming. Looks at the clock: 02:21. A figure in the dark rushes through the door.
- Are you OK, boss?
- Yes. No. OK..now. It is all OK.
- A bad dream?
- Like a never ending nightmare. Will you get me a tape recorder?
- You sure?
- Yes, get it. Please.
The bodyguard was still standing still…Hesitating...
- Don’t worry I won’t do anything stupid. I am not strong enough.
- Will you have a glass of water whilst I am getting your stuff.

They took him off from the dropper for the night, to make sleeping more comfortable. Weird. He can't recall how he got out of the court. Doesn’t remember any of the press. He shrugged his shoulders. Half of the world – at least. He has to remind himself to ask someone if he had waved to the fans upon leaving..He can’t remember, but it is important. He wants to thank them for going through this with him. What a strenght they gave. Without them he would have felt like a broken footboard floating in the middle of an ocean. How long will it take to recover? Oh, God, it cuts like a knife

To be continued

5th part